Sumavska

Also Known By: Sumava

Sumavska sheep (pronounced "Shoemuffska")

A native rustic breed, the Sumavska has been systematically bred and improved since 1951. Recognized in 1986, in 1987 included into the World genetic resources pool. The breed is dispersed mainly in the southern and western mountain regions, named Sumava. It participated in formation of the Bavarian forest sheep (Bayerische Waldschaf)

A medium to large size sheep, with semicoarse to coarse white wool. Average female weight 100-120 pounds, height in withers 62-68 cm, heart girth 90-95 cm, (male 140-160 pounds, 65-70 cm, 95-100 cm). The Sumavska is a tough breed, well adapted to wet mountain conditions and march steady.

The population is numbering some 2500 head. About 1800 ewes are included in performance testing with a lambing rate of 125-155%, lamb weight gain 200-220 d/day (7-7.7 oz) according to farming conditions. Wool production 7- 11 pounds a year.

 

Reference:

Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.

Antonin Vejcík, JCU - University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, 370 05 Ceské Budejovice, email: vejcik@zf.jcu.cz

Photographs:

Vera Mátlová, Research Institute of Animal Production, 104 00 Praha 10, Uhrineves, Czech Republic e-mail: matlova@vuzv.cz

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Added Monday, January 3, 2000