History Scottish Blackface

a scottish blackface ram, circa 1890

several types of scottish blackface have developed on years, common perth variety, large framed, longer coat, , found in north-east scotland, devon, cornwall , northern ireland, , medium-framed lanark type, shorter wool, commonly found in scotland , ireland.

the introduction of black faced highland sheep america first occurred in june, 1861, hugh brodie imported 1 ram , 2 ewes brodie & campbell, new york mills, new york. in 1867 flock , increase purchased t. l. harison of morley, st. lawrence county, new york. isaac stickney of new york imported small flock 1867 farm in illinois.

blackface ewes excellent mothers , attempt defend lambs against predators. milkers , able yield lamb crop , wool clip when on marginal pastures. breed spread border areas during 19th century highlands , scottish islands. crossed northern ireland , us. there flocks scattered across usa robust little breed has remained minor breed in north america. blackface lambs yield carcass ideal modern consumer. meat free of superfluous fat , waste , known world on distinct flavour. although not large sheep have enormous potential production of high quality lean lamb today s health conscious consumer. there has never been case of natural occurring scrapie in scottish blackface sheep. in controlled study in uk goats , blackface infected researchers there not 1 documented case of naturally spread scrapie in blackface raised in usa or uk. scrapie, invariably fatal disease of sheep , goats, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (tse). putative infectious agent host-encoded prion protein, prp.

scottish blackface wool scottish blackface wool speciality wool in class of own. there variations in type of fleece according way sheep bred. in general, there southwest type (short wool) , central scotland type (long wool). southwest type finer, bradford count of forty or so, classed short or medium: ewe s fleece of 3 4½ lb, greasy. central type stronger wool classed long or deep strong; type gives ewe fleece of 5 6½ lb, greasy. main markets mattress , upholstery trade, carpet , heavy cloth trade. strong blackface wool undoubtedly makes best mattress filling there is: demand good. carpet trade on world (even new zealand , australia) uses large quantities of medium class of scottish blackface wool. finer wools used blending many of strong wearing clothes, over-coating, working tweeds , heavy blankets, finest scottish blackface wool goes famous harris tweed trade.

the american sheep industry association reports average fibre diameter of 38 28 micrometres (or microns), , staple length of 10 14 inches (250 360 mm).

artisans have long treasured horns of blackface carving of shepherd s crooks , walking sticks. in fleeces becoming of interest fibre artists , hand spinners use in tapestry , making of rugs , saddle blankets.