Qualities
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* PROLIFIC     *DOCILE

* LOW DEPRECIATION * HIGH OUTPUT

* RARE BREED

Prolificacy                                                           A succession of wins in national lambing competitions in the 1960s followed by MLC flock recording in the 1970s showed that the Llanwenog was then our most prolific native pure breed, and the only British native breed to top 200%. Under commercial conditions, an average of 180% lambs reared to ewes tupped can be expected. The occurrence of some highly prolific female lines lead to their successful involvement in the creation of the Cambridge breed.

Ewe with twins

 Pantstreimon

Docility                                                                  The Llanwenog is also renowned for its placid temperament, it has lost its wanderlust, is easily handled and readily contained - In the winter the housed ewe does not become a highly strung bundle of nerves. 

Rare Breed                                                                Interest in the breed has increased dramatically since it was listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1994 and the number of registered flocks now approaches the all time high of the 1960s. RBST assistance for a range of breed improvement projects and the creation of the English Support Group has been followed by the establishment of many new Llanwenog flocks across England and Wales. There is now a second sale of stock at Melton Mowbray and new marketing initiatives in rare breed meat and wool offer further opportunities for the breed. Anyone considering the organic recommendation of the Soil Association "to maintain traditional, local or rare breeds of livestock to retain genetic diversity" would be wise to look at the strong commercial merits of the Llanwenog.

Low Depreciation                                                         Llanwenog sheep compare most favourably with more fashionable modern cross breds in this respect. Nor are productive lives cut short by early tooth loss—their teeth tend to wear out rather than drop out.            

Productivity                                    High levels of production and profit can be achieved through the combination of the ewe's high prolifacy and medium mature size (55kg). Carcass weights from pure breeding flocks average 17kg with careful management but higher weights are attained when using a larger terminal sire breed. A consistent demand for pure bred ewe lambs for breeding assures their premium in the sales. Well grown ewe lambs will readily take the ram in their first autumn.

Hallsford Farm

Wool                                                                  The wool is rated as one of the finest in the UK and the rare breed status entitles owners to sell their wool on the open market. Fleeces average 2.5kg and are especially sought after by hand-spinners.

Hallsford Farm