Lincoln sheep facts for kids
The Lincoln, also known as the Lincoln Longwool, is a special type of sheep that comes from England. It's the biggest British sheep breed! These sheep were bred to grow the heaviest, longest, and shiniest wool of any sheep in the world. Their amazing wool was so good that many Lincolns were sent to other countries to help improve the size and wool quality of local sheep breeds there. This versatile wool is still very popular for making yarn, weaving fabrics, and many other crafts.
Today, the Lincoln sheep is one of Britain's rarer breeds. It is considered "at risk" by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. This means there are fewer than 1,500 registered female sheep of this breed in the United Kingdom.
What Makes Lincoln Sheep Special?
Lincoln sheep are known for their impressive size and their unique wool.
Size of Lincoln Sheep
Adult male Lincoln sheep, called rams, usually weigh between 113 to 159 kilograms (250 to 350 pounds). Adult female sheep, called ewes, weigh from 91 to 113 kilograms (200 to 250 pounds). This makes them the largest sheep breed in Britain!
Their Amazing Wool
The wool of the Lincoln sheep grows in heavy, long strands. These strands often twist into a spiral shape near the ends. The length of a single strand of Lincoln wool is one of the longest among all sheep breeds, ranging from 20 to 46 centimeters (8 to 18 inches). About 65% to 80% of their fleece can be used after it's shorn.
Lincoln sheep produce the heaviest and thickest wool among the long-wooled sheep. A single ewe's fleece can weigh from 5.4 to 9.1 kilograms (12 to 20 pounds). The wool fibers are quite thick, measuring between 33.5 to 41.0 microns in diameter. (A micron is a tiny unit of measurement, much smaller than a millimeter!) Even though the wool is thick and can feel a bit like hair, it has a beautiful, shiny look.
See also
In Spanish: Lincoln (oveja) para niños
