Bluefaced Leicester affectionately known as BFL.
BFL is originally from Northumberland and was primarily
raised for meat. However, its fluffy wool is a hand-spinning favorite. Fleeces
average between 2.2 –and 6.6 pounds. Rams weight between 200 and 250 pounds
with Ewes weight between 150-175 pounds. BFL is often used to add hardiness to
other sheep breeds.
This is a long-wool breed with a staple length between 3-6
inches and a micron count of 24-28. It is semi-lustrous and quality fleece will
have no kemp or hair fibers.
The sheep is said to have deep blue skin with white wool. I
am unsure if this means blue in the same way a Russian Blue cat is actually a
grey cat, or if they are really blue, but I plan on checking at sheep and wool,
live and in person. I am hoping for blue, blue! The breed does carry a
recessive gene for dark wool and can present with soft spotted tones or fully
darker wool. It should not ever have clearly defined spots.
This breed has no wool on its head, belly, genitals, and
utters. It is considered to be an athletic breed with a bold carriage and Roman
nose.
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