Texel (sheep)
[edit] The Breed
The Texel sheep originates from the island of Texel, one of the north-western islands off Holland where the ancient native sheep was known as Pielsteert (Pin-tail, because of its thin short tail). In an attempt to improve prolificacy, growth rate and size several English breeds such as Lincoln, Leicester and Wensleydale were introduced at the end of the nineteenth century. Rigorous selection resulted in the development of a large, prolific and well muscled sheep. 1909 saw the formation of the first Texel breed society in North Holland which in 1911 issued the first description of type.
About 1933, the Texel was introduced to France and has since become established, particularly in the Northern provinces. In 1970, they were introduced to the United Kingdom with an importation organised by the Animal Breeding Research Organisation, who brought in four rams for experimental purposes. Another four followed in 1971 and ABRO initiated extensive trials to compare the Texel with other terminal sires. The verdict was that the Texel excelled in carcass quality and in particular, in lean meat yield.
In 1973, thirteen Lanarkshire sheep breeders joined forces with ABRO to import twenty-seven Texel females and thirteen rams from France. Further importations were made throughout the 1970s, with the first direct import from the Netherlands at the end of that decade.
In Great Britain, the Texels have shown that they are capable of withstanding the rigors of the Scottish winter without any hardship and their progeny have proved to be as adaptable in our climate and altitude as the Flocks in Holland and France.
The Breed is well known in Europe and in the continents of Australia, Africa and South America as a provider of a high quality carcass that has a high killing out percentage. It is also well known in many countries as a breed that transmits its qualities to its progeny when used for crossing purposes.
[edit] Highest Priced Sheep
Deveronvale Perfection MGV09436 smashed the breed record at 220,000gns (£231,000).
Graham Morrison, Deveronvale Flock owner stated that “Perfection” is the best lamb he has ever bred, with the price surpassing his wildest dreams”.
The proud purchaser, Jimmy Douglas, Cairness, described his purchase as the best lamb he had ever seen, with “a great body and strong loin”, Jimmy saw “Perfection” and was impressed by his incredibly chunky stature, great strength and tremendous gigot”.
British Texel Sheep Society Chief Executive, John Yates, commented that “Perfection” will be a long term investment, “It comes down to genetics,” he said, “Breeders are looking at the decades of sheep that this blood line can produce. “Perfection” went to a phenomenal price today, it surprised even us, but when breeders show the enthusiasm that they have for our breed, when they see the “Perfect” Ram, they will stop at nothing, confidence is extremely strong in our breed and the value it is adding to the entire Sheep Industry is extremely evident”
Breed Society Chairman, Tim Healy, commented that “Perfection” stood out in his class, and was a worthy Champion at the Show preceding the Sale, judged by Mr David Chave of the Peacehay flock, it was no surprise that he could top the sale, the Texel breed continues to add value to commercial producers, the breed really hits the target, “Perfection” is a great investment which given time should offer a good return for Mr Douglas”.
