Oxford Down facts for kids
The Oxford Down is a type of sheep that comes from England. It was first created in the 1830s. Farmers made this breed by mixing three other sheep types: the Cotswold, Hampshire, and South Down. The main reason people raise Oxford Down sheep is for their meat.
These sheep are quite large. They do not have horns. Their faces and legs are usually brown or black. White wool covers their bodies, and they have a short, thick fleece. The Oxford Down sheep produces more wool than any other "Down" breed. Because they grow into big, meaty animals, they are very popular in the meat industry. They also produce a lot of wool, which is useful for many products.
What Makes Oxford Down Sheep Special?
Oxford Down sheep have several unique features. They are known for their size and the quality of their wool.
Size and Weight of Oxford Down Sheep
Adult male Oxford Down sheep, called rams, usually weigh between 250 and 300 pounds (about 113 to 136 kilograms). Female sheep, called ewes, are a bit smaller. They typically weigh from 200 to 250 pounds (about 90 to 113 kilograms).
Wool Characteristics
The wool from adult ewes is quite heavy. Each fleece can weigh from 8 to 12 pounds (about 3.6 to 5.4 kilograms). The individual wool fibers are thick, measuring about 30.0 to 34.5 micrometres across. The length of the wool strands, called staple length, is usually between 3 and 5 inches (about 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters). This wool is also known for its good yield, meaning a high percentage of the raw wool can be used after cleaning.
