Swiss Black-Brown Mountain sheep

The Black-Brown Mountain sheep is a highly fertile breed (Rudolf Lehmann / Schweizerischer Schafzuchtverband)

Origin and development

An ancient breed deriving from a number of local types, the Swiss Black Brown Mountain sheep was first documented in the 14th century. Originally it was bred for its dark, fine, high-quality wool. Efforts to standardise the breed began in the early 20th century. Rigorous selection led to the development of a precocious and highly fertile breed. The breeding advances were obtained without cross-breeding. Since 2010, breeding values have been estimated annually for fertility and weight gain traits.

Description

A spirited, medium-sized, highly fertile mountain sheep, black or brown in colour. Robust constitution, hardy under harsh feeding and environmental conditions, adapted to mountainous terrain, sedentary. Good maternal traits, milk and meat performance. Face of medium length, with a broad mouth; a straight nose is preferred, particularly in ewes; ears of medium length, carried horizontally; hornless; head and legs wool-free; non-seasonal, it is Switzerland’s most fertile breed.

Flock of Black-Brown Mountain sheep grazing in an orchard (Esther Zimmermann / Schweizerischer Schafzuchtverband)

Breeding objectives

h Maintenance and improvement of hardiness and suitability for mountainous terrain h Longevity, with an average production period of 6 years h Good maternal traits, high milk yield, precocious, able to breed at 10 months h Fast-growing lambs with good fattening capacity/weight gain, quality lamb at maturity (with milk teeth), medium-fleshed h Flawless fleece, fineness 2–3, 3 cm in 180 days h Promotion of efficient resource use