The Bluefaced Leicester, (BFL) sometimes known as the Hexam Leicester, evolved near Hexham in the county of Northumberland, England about the turn of the last century. They are descendants of Robert Bakewell’s improved Dishley Leicester.
The breed originated from Border Leicester individuals who were selected for the “blue” face and their finer fleeces. The BFL is polled, with a long Roman nose. They are free of wool on their heads and legs. The name comes from the dark blue skin that shows through the white hair on their head and face.
Bluefaced Leicesters were not imported until 1970’s. Frozen semen from the United Kingdom is currently being used to expand the genetic base of the breed in the North America, specifically in the US and Canada.
The crossbred progeny of the Bluefaced Leicester is known as the Mule. The ewe Mule is famous throughout the U.K. as the best commercial breeding ewe on the market. The Clun Forest sheep breed are widely used in the UK due to their hardiness and strong maternal traits. The product Mule ewes are then bred back to a heavier meat breed to produce both a lengthy and meaty market lamb.
For more information on the BFL, please visit the Blue Faced Leicester Sheep Breeder’s Association. http://www.blueleicester.co.uk/ |
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