Minor Breeds: Blueface Leicester

MATURE BODY WEIGHT

Ram 230-270 lb.
Ewe 160-220 lb.

AVERAGE fiber DIAMETER

Micron 31-29
Spinning Count 54-48

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT

Ewe 6-8 lb.

YIELD

60-70%

STAPLE LENGTH

5-6"

Blueface Leicesters, or Hexham Leicesters as they were originally known, were developed in Northern England at the beginning of the century from crossing white-faced Leicesters with Border Cheviots. They were bred for the primary purpose of producing highly productive crossbred ewes and quality slaughter lambs. They are hardy, early maturing, long lived, prolific and possess good mothering and milking abilities. Blueface Leicesters are medium to large-sized with dark blue skin in their heads which shows through their white hair. They produce a dense, coarse-fiber fleece.

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