Latxa facts for kids
The Latxa is a special type of domestic sheep that comes from the Basque Country in Spain. These sheep are mostly found in areas like Biscay, Gipuzkoa, and Navarre. Latxa sheep are known as "dairy sheep" because their milk is used to make famous cheeses like Idiazábal and Roncal. There are two main kinds of Latxa sheep: one with a dark face and one with a blonde face.
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What are Latxa Sheep?
Latxa sheep are usually medium or small in size. They have long, rough wool. Female Latxa sheep, called ewes, might not have horns, or they might have short ones. Male Latxa sheep, called rams, always have long, spiral horns. The name Latxa actually means "rough," which describes their wool. Today, their wool is mostly a leftover product from farming.
Where do Latxa Sheep Live?
Latxa sheep live in the Basque Country, a region in northern Spain. This area has mountains and green pastures. The sheep are well-suited to this environment. They are an important part of the local culture and farming traditions.
What are Latxa Sheep Used For?
Latxa sheep are mainly raised for their milk. This milk is used to make two very famous cheeses:
- Idiazábal cheese: This cheese is made from the unpasteurized milk of Latxa or Carranzana sheep. It has a smoky flavor.
- Roncal cheese: This cheese is also made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It is one of Spain's oldest protected cheeses.
The milk is not heated to kill germs, which helps give the cheese its special taste.
How are Latxa Sheep Raised?
For a long time, Latxa sheep were raised in a traditional way. Farmers would move their sheep to mountain pastures in the summer. This happened after the ewes stopped giving milk. Cheese was then made back at the farm. Some farmers even milked their sheep by hand in the high pastures.
Modern Farming Methods
Since 1982, new ways of raising Latxa sheep have been tried.
- Farmers now use artificial insemination. This helps lambs be born earlier. It also makes the breeding season longer.
- Machines are starting to replace hand milking.
- Mountain pastures are still used. Sheep eat plants on the steeper slopes. This means they don't compete for food with cows or horses. Cows and horses prefer flatter areas.
Why are Latxa Sheep Special?
Latxa sheep do not produce as much milk as some other dairy sheep breeds. Their milk production happens only during certain seasons. Recently, some farmers in the Basque Country have started using a different type of sheep called the Assaf. However, some people believe that using Assaf sheep might change the special quality of the cheese. This could affect the "Denomination of Origin." This is a special label that protects the unique quality and origin of foods like Idiazábal cheese.
See also
In Spanish: Lacha para niños
