Barbados Blackbelly sheep

Barbados Blackbelly rams

The Barbados Blackbelly sheep is a breed of domestic sheep that was developed in the Caribbean. Although it is likely the Barbados Blackbelly has African ancestry, there seems to be clear evidence that the breed, as seen today, was developed by the people on the island from sheep brought by ships fairly early in the period after Europeans first arrived. This breed is raised primarily for meat.

History in the U.S.

In 1904, the USDA imported a small flock and transported them for study to Bethesda, Maryland. From that original flock, at least two distinct breeds have emerged in the U.S., and there is a great deal of confusion in the breed names. There are fewer than 200 purebred Barbados Blackbelly sheep in the U.S., in contrast to a large and growing population of a popular crossbreed, commonly referred to as "Barbado." Whereas purebred Barbados Blackbelly rams and ewes are polled (hornless), the Barbado is most noted for the regal rack of horns on the rams, and some ewes may also have small horns. The horns were gained by crossbreeding Barbados Blackbelly with Mouflon and Rambouillet early after they were imported by the USDA. The rams with large horn curl are commercially bred for use on private hunting ranches where size of horn curl is prized by exotic game hunters.

Renaming

Recognizing that the term "Barbado" did not adequately define the characteristics that breeders sought, the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI) adopted a breed standard in 2004 and defined animals meeting this standard as "American Blackbelly." These striking, attractive sheep have become common in children's zoos and petting farms in the U.S. In addition to their exotic appearance, they are very easy to keep and breed.

Characteristics

Blackbelly ewes

Blackbelly sheep of both breeds are able to tolerate heat and exhibit more stamina than most breeds of sheep. They are fleet of foot and in many ways resemble deer. They are "hair sheep," which means they do not grow wool but have coarse hair instead. If raised in cooler climates, they often develop a wool undercoat that they shed in the spring.

Barbados Blackbelly sheep will breed all year round unlike most domestic sheep. Because they are smaller and slower growing than most wooled sheep, they are not a good choice for commercial production. However, there is a strong market for their lean and mild-flavored meat, and they are popular with herding dog trainers. They are very disease resistant and parasite tolerant, and these genetic traits have created a demand for Blackbelly sheep in crossbreeding operations. They are a perfect choice as a homesteader's sheep because they do relatively well on poorer forage, can be raised with very little grain, and do not require intensive management. Blackbelly sheep range in color from light tan to a dark mahogany red, with black stripes on the face and black legs, belly, inguinal region, chin, and chest, which gives this herbivore its name. Despite being goat-like in appearance, they are true sheep.

Registries

There are two breed registries in North America for Blackbelly sheep.

The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI) welcomes both Barbados Blackbelly and American Blackbelly and has registries for both. The registry for Barbados Blackbelly is a closed registry, meaning that only sheep whose parents are registered can be registered themselves. There are over 1,600 sheep registered with the BBSAI. The North American Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Registry registers the horned as well as polled Blackbelly sheep.

External links

• http://blackbellysheep.org The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI)
• http://barbados.sheepregistry.com The North American Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Registry
• http://www.blackbellysheep.info An email group for Barbados Blackbelly, American Blackbelly, and Barbado sheep breeders
• http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/004/X6517E/X6517E02.htm#ch2.1 Comprehensive FAO Book Chapter on Barbados Blackbelly Sheep
• http://www.barbadosblackbelly.com Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep - the most complete source of information about the breed available on the Internet
• http://sites.google.com/site/blackbellysheepbook/ The Blackbelly Sheep Book - A Wiki-based book for people who raise either Barbados Blackbelly or American Blackbelly sheep