Breeder Listings
Ads
Forms
News and Newsletters
Officers
Member Pictures

American Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Association
P.O. Box 534
Paonia, CO 81428
Email: info@blackwelsh.org

American Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Association

The purpose of the American Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Association is to advance the public's knowledge and use of the purebred Black Welsh Mountain sheep by promoting the identity and versatility of these animals, conserving and protecting this rare breed.

Dues Change

Costs are rising for everyone and we have had to increase our dues for the first time ever. I will be sending dues bills out before the end of this year but if you are senidng in your stuff early, the new 2007 dues are $20.00. Junior members are still free with one voting membership. Associate dues are also $20.00.

Oogie, Secretary/Treasurer

Breed Description

Black Welsh Mountain Sheep are a small dual purpose breed that provides excellent mild mutton and a completely black, dense, durable fleece. Mature ewes average 100 lbs while mature rams can range from 132-143 pounds. There is no restriction on breed height but most purebred animals are relatively short, typically measuring between 20-30 inches at the shoulders. The ewes are polled and the rams have an impressive set of horns. The tails must be kept long and undocked in purebred animals.

Wool

The fleece is a dark black or reddish black called cuchddu. The wool is black, short, dense and firm to handle and ranges in Bradford count from 48s to 56s or micron ranges from 26.4 to 32.69. Fleece weights in the UK range from 2.2-5.5 pounds. There is a good market for high quality spinning fleeces and wool products.

Lambing

Black Welsh are hardy and the lambs are quick to their feet and vigorous. In the UK the purebred flocks average 175% per ewe with some flocks lambing well over 200%. The breed is also noted for it's resistance to fly-strike and foot infections. They are ideally suited for the small holding or cottage farm where their hardiness, good mothering and feed efficiency are significant assets.

Black Welsh lambs

Mutton and Lamb

Black Welsh produces a superior meat rataining a mild flavor even in the older mutton. The yields are good with a favorable retail cuts to live weight ratio. They are particularly noted for their ability to produce high quality wool and meat on a forage based system with little or no grain inputs.

Population

The worldwide population of Black Welsh Mountain sheep is approximately 10000. They are found in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland as well as the smaller North American population. A single importation in 1973 of 3 rams and 13 ewes by Mr. Tom Wyman forms the genetic basis of the North American flocks. One ram died in quarantine so we only have 2 main US sire lines. In the late 1990's frozen semen from the UK was also imported adding needed genetic diversity to the breed in North America. Currently there are three rams from the UK whose semen has been imported. The current North American population numbers approximately 800 animals in over 50 flocks in the U.S. and Canada.

Association and Registry

The American Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Association operates a registry for purebred Black Welsh Mountain Sheep. As of December 2006 we have registered over 5800 purebred sheep born in the US since the original importation. For details on registration requirements and a sheep registration application go to forms.

Member Services

Registration and Transfer of Purebred Sheep
Newsletter
Fair or Show Support with Banner
Listing on Web Site and Literature

We would encourage you to join the club as a regular voting or associate member. Your $20.00 dues will entitle you to a copy of the newsletter, a link off the club internet web page and if you own registered sheep, a place on the breeders listing sent to all people who inquire about these sheep. The membership application is available at forms.