Lexi Webster
Border Leicester is a British breed of sheep that was developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England. They were imported to Australia in 1871, and today, they have a large number of stud flocks in the country. The Border Leicester x Merino cross ewe has played a crucial role in the success of Australia's prime lamb industry, known for producing large numbers of quality lambs across a wide range of climatic conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northumberland, England |
| Year of Origin | 1767 |
| Founders | George and Mathew Culley |
| Imported to Australia | 1871 |
| Current Number of Registered Studs in Australia | 300 |
| Role in Australian Sheep Industry | Used for mating with Merino ewes to produce first-cross mothers for the production of prime lambs |
| Distinct Characteristics | Alert, upright, large ears; black nose; dark feet; white body; long wool |
| Average Weight (ram) | 140-175 kg |
| Average Weight (mature ewe) | 90-120 kg |
| Average Weight (yearling ewe) | 64 kg |
| Average Wool Yield (lambs) | 1.8 kg |
| Average Wool Yield (yearlings) | 3.2 kg |
| Lambing Percentage | 150% |
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What You'll Learn
Border Leicester's origins and history in Australia
Border Leicester sheep were first imported to Australia in 1871. The breed was founded in 1767 in Northumberland, England, by George and Matthew Culley of Fenton, Northumberland. The name derives from the fact that their birthplace is near the border of Scotland, with their foundation stock being Dishley Leicester rams. The Dishley Leicester was created and bred by Robert Bakewell in 1767 by crossing the old Lincolnshire breed with the Leicestershire type sheep. The breed was firmly established in England by 1850 and has surpassed the old English Leicester in popularity in the British Isles and in other countries.
In Australia, Border Leicesters have a large number of stud flocks. They are used for mating with Merino ewes to breed the first-cross mothers that are valuable for the production of prime lambs. The Border Leicester Merino cross ewes produced in this way offer the greatest overall performance when breeding meat-type sheep, with a well-proportioned carcass, high fertility, good foraging ability, and good milk production. The majority of Australian lambs produced for meat are bred in this manner.
The popularity of the Border Leicester continued to grow in Australia as breeders adapted them to fit their new environment. In the early to mid-1900s, the breed began to develop its reputation as the ideal sire for the production of first-cross ewes. These ewes had the advantages of high fertility and good mothering ability, so by 1960 there were over 1100 stud flocks comprising more than 500,000 Border Leicester sheep and lambs in Australia.
Border Leicester sheep also contribute about 50% of the genetics used in the Gromark breed of sheep that were developed in Australia. The breed has proven itself to be the number one maternal breed in Australia, with first cross Border Merino ewes sought after by leading lamb producers across the country due to their ability to produce large numbers of quality lambs over a wide range of climatic conditions.
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The breed's impact on the Australian sheep industry
The Border Leicester is a British breed of sheep, first developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England, by George and Matthew Culley. The breed was imported to Australia in 1871, and its impact on the Australian sheep industry has been significant.
Border Leicesters are considered a dual-purpose breed, reared for both meat and wool. They are known for their distinctive upright ears, docility, and white wool, which is prized for its crimp and lustre. The breed is well-suited to the Australian environment and has become an essential part of the country's lamb industry.
One of the most important contributions of the Border Leicester to the Australian sheep industry is its role in producing first-cross ewes. When a Border Leicester ram is mated with a Merino ewe, the resulting crossbreed ewe exhibits superior traits for meat production and mothering ability. This crossbreed has played a crucial role in the success of Australia's prime lamb industry, with the ability to produce high-quality, grass-fed lambs that grow rapidly to heavy weights. The first-cross ewes also have superior skin to purebred Merinos, which is an important economic factor in the skin trade.
The Border Leicester has also contributed significantly to the genetics of other Australian sheep breeds. They contribute about 50% of the genetics used in the Gromark breed, developed in Australia. Additionally, the Border Leicester was used in New Zealand to produce heavyweight lambs and in the development of the Border-Romney cross (Coopworth) and the Border-Corriedale (Borderdale) breeds.
The adaptability and desirable traits of the Border Leicester have ensured its enduring popularity in Australia. Through a combination of modern performance recording and traditional methods, breeders are committed to maintaining the relevance and importance of this breed in the country's lamb industry.
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Border Leicester's physical characteristics
The Border Leicester is a British breed of sheep, developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England. They are considered a dual-purpose breed, reared for both meat and wool. They are known for their distinctive upright, erect, tall, and long ears, and their regal, alert appearance. Their head and legs are free of wool, and their nose is arched and Roman. Their wool is long, lustrous, curly, and white, with a spinning count from 40s to 50s (32-38 microns). The ideal fleece falls in well-defined "pencil" locks with purled tips ending in a small curl, usually measuring 6-10 inches after a year's growth. They are typically shorn twice a year when the wool reaches a length of around 100 mm.
Border Leicesters are large but docile, and they are hardy and well-muscled. They have a live weight range of 140-175 kg for rams and 90-120 kg for mature ewes. A yearling ewe weighs around 64 kg. They are good mothers with a high lambing percentage of about 150%. They also produce good milk. Lambs yield an average of 1.8 kg of wool, while yearlings may yield 3.2 kg at each shearing.
The breed was founded by George and Matthew Culley of Fenton, Northumberland, England. They were friends with Robert Bakewell, who had improved the Dishley Leicester breed by crossing the old Lincolnshire breed with the Leicestershire type sheep. The Culley brothers bought some of these improved Leicesters and further developed the breed by crossing them with Teeswater sheep. The resulting variation was nicknamed "Redlegs" and became known as the Border Leicester around 1850.
Border Leicesters have been exported to various countries, including Australia, where they were imported in 1871 and now have a large number of stud flocks. They are used for crossing with Merino ewes to produce prime lambs and contribute about 50% of the genetics used in the Gromark breed of sheep developed in Australia.
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The breed's role in the Australian lamb industry
The Border Leicester breed of sheep was developed in 1767 in Northumberland, England, and was imported to Australia in 1871. Today, Border Leicesters can be found in almost all parts of Australia, except the northern tropical regions. The breed has played a significant role in the Australian lamb industry, particularly in the production of prime lambs.
Border Leicesters are known for their distinctive upright ears and large but docile nature. They are considered a dual-purpose breed, reared for both meat and wool. The wool of Border Leicesters is white, very long, and broad crimped, with a fineness of about 32 to 38 microns. It is prized by spinners due to its crimp and lustre. Lambs yield around 1.8 kg of wool, while yearlings can yield up to 3.2 kg at each shearing.
In the Australian lamb industry, the crossing of Border Leicester rams with Merino ewes has proven highly successful. This crossbreed is known for its superior maternal traits, high fertility, good milk production, and rapid growth to heavy weights. The resulting ewes are excellent prime lamb mothers, contributing significantly to the production of high-quality grass-fed lambs in Australia. The crossbreed also possesses superior skin, eliminating wrinkles and ribbing, which are devaluation factors in the skin trade.
Additionally, Border Leicesters contribute about 50% of the genetics used in the Gromark breed of sheep, which was developed in Australia. The breed has also been instrumental in the development of other sheep breeds in New Zealand, such as the Border-Romney cross (Coopworth) and the Border-Corriedale (Borderdale).
The Australian Border Leicester Association plays a crucial role in promoting the breeding, showing, and selling of the Border Leicester breed within Australia. Through a combination of modern performance recording and traditional methods, breeders aim to maintain the relevance and importance of Border Leicesters in the country's lamb industry.
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Border Leicester studs and associations in Australia
Border Leicester sheep were imported to Australia in 1871, and the breed now has a large number of stud flocks in the country. The Australian Border Leicester Association (ABLA) works with the states to promote all aspects of breeding, showing, and selling the Border Leicester breed. The Association also coordinates press advertising across the country and represents breeders in discussions with the government. The ABLA holds an annual ram show and sale in Horsham, and major multi-vendor sales at the Royal Adelaide Show, Perth Royal, Dubbo Show, and the Horsham Border Leicester Show and Sale.
Border Leicesters are considered a dual-purpose breed, reared for both meat and wool. They are known for their distinctive upright ears and docility. The breed is found in most parts of Australia, except the northern tropical regions. Border Leicester rams are used for mating with Merino ewes to produce first-cross mothers that are valuable for prime lamb production. The crossbreed ewes have a high fertility rate, good milk production, and are well-suited to a range of climatic conditions.
The Australian Border Leicester Association website provides resources for those interested in finding a breeder, with a directory of studs listed by state and stud prefix. The website also includes information on sheep shows, which are public forums for the display and comparison of individual animals from different studs. These shows provide an opportunity for interaction and education for studmasters, classers, enthusiasts, and breeders.
The impact of the Border Leicester breed on the Australian sheep industry has been significant, despite its British origins. The breed's contribution to the genetic makeup of Australian sheep is notable, with around 50% of the genetics used in the Gromark breed, developed in Australia, originating from Border Leicesters. Additionally, Border Leicesters played a key role in New Zealand's sheep industry, where they were imported in 1859 and used for crossbreeding to produce heavyweight lambs and improve meat quality.
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Frequently asked questions
The Border Leicester breed was founded in 1767 in Northumberland, England, by George and Matthew Culley.
Border Leicester sheep were imported to Australia in 1871.
The Australian Border Leicester Association is a group that helps breeders continue to keep the breed an important part of the lamb industry. They put on sheep shows and sales at the Royal Adelaide Show, Perth Royal, Dubbo Show, and Horsham Border Leicester Show and Sale.
