The Romney sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from United Kingdom. It is also called as Romney Marsh previously, and local farmers call the breed as Kent.
It is actually a ‘long-wool’ breed originating in England. The breed was recognized in it’s native area by the 1800s. And it was exported to some other countries.
The Romney sheep is an economically-important breed of domestic sheep. It is very important especially to the sheep-meat and wool export trades of New Zealand.
The breed was actually developed from medieval longwool types of which this breed and Leicester breeds are early examples.
The breed was improved in body type and fleece quality through crossing with Bakewell’s English Leicester.
Currently the Romney sheep is also available in some other countries outside it’s native area and New Zealand. However, read some more information about this sheep breed below.
Romney Sheep Characteristics
Romney sheep is a large sized breed. It can be either white or colored. It is generally an open-faced breed with long wool that grows over the legs in full.
Standards for the breed are not identical across all countries, but have much in common. These animals have a wide head with large, bright and prominent eyes.
Their face is masculine in appearance, and is full in ewes. Their nose and hooves are black in color. The neck is not too long, but strong and well set at the shoulders.
Their chest is wide and deep, and the back is straight and long with a wide and deep loin. Their rump is wide, long and well-turned.
The thighs of the Romney sheep are well developed, and the tail is set almost even with the chine. Average live body weight of the mature Romney rams is about 110 kg. And the mature ewes on average weight around 85 kg.[1]
Temperament
Romney sheep are known for their docile and calm temperament. They are easy to handle and are often used in educational programs because of their gentle nature. They are also good mothers and are known for their excellent maternal instincts.
Although, sometimes they can still exhibit some independent behavior. They are curious animals and enjoy exploring their surroundings. They are also intelligent and can quickly learn how to navigate through obstacles or solve problems.
Wool Quality
Romney sheep produce a dense, heavy fleece that is highly prized by spinners and weavers. The wool is soft and lustrous, with a long staple length ranging from 6 to 8 inches. It is ideal for making a variety of products, including sweaters, blankets, and rugs.
The wool is also known for its excellent dyeing properties. It readily absorbs dyes, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors. This makes it a popular choice for hand-dyeing projects.
Romney wool is also resistant to felting, which means that it can be used for projects that require frequent washing, such as baby blankets or clothing. The wool is also naturally flame-retardant, making it a safe choice for home furnishings and garments.
Breeding
Breeding Romney sheep is relatively easy and simple. Rams become sexually mature at around six months of age, while ewes reach maturity at around eight months. The gestation period for Romney sheep is around 147 days, and most ewes give birth to twins.
Uses
Romney sheep is a dual-purpose animal. It is raised and good for both meat and wool production.
Special Notes
The Romney sheep are strong and hardy animals. They have good resistance to foot rot disease. And it is also said that, liver fluke seldom affect these animals.
As a dual-purpose animal, the Romney sheep are good for both meat and wool production. Their wool is heavy, and a healthy mature ram can produce up to 10 kg per year.
Today, it is a popular dual-purpose purpose animal in many countries. However, review full breed profile of the Romney sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Romney |
| Other Name | Also called as Romney Marsh previously, and local farmers call the breed as Kent |
| Breed Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, good for both meat and wool production, wool is heavy and is of good quality, resistance to foot rot disease, liver fluke seldom affect these animals, a healthy mature ram can produce up to 10 kg fleece per year |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Weight | 85 to 110 kg |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | White or colored |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |
