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Drenthe Heath
EFABIS Data
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International Name |
Drenthe
Heath |
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Local Name |
Drents Heideschaap |
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Location |
Northern and Southern
NL |
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Breeding females
(year) |
2,000 |
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Trend of population size |
Increase |
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Flock book established |
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Origin – history
The Drenthe Heath
is the oldest sheep breed of the Western Europe continent.
Approximately 4000 BC the first Drenthe Heath sheep came to Drenthe
(a province in the northeast Netherlands). They probably came with
emigrants from France.
Breed description
The Drenthe Heath
is multicoloured black, red, brown and white, with wool being mostly
white, while the head is reddish-brown and black. Animals may also
be spotted. Both sexes have horns, but there is a rare occurrence of
polled animals. The Drenthe Heath can easily live on poor heathland.
The Drenthe Heath is managed with transhumance with local grazing
throughout the year. Housing is provided for up to 2 months in the
year. Ewes typically produce one lamb at a time. The Drenthe Heath
is mainly used for conservation grazing and meat, although wool
products are also valuable.
Conservation activities
Conservation
measures currently involve 2 flocks with 8 reproducing males
providing semen for artificial insemination.
Cryopreservation of semen: 3,145 doses (of 42 rams)
Contact:
Name: Nederlandse Fokkersvereniging het Drentse Heideschaap
Contact Person: dhr. R.J. Brummel
Address: Westerkampen 30a
Postal code and city: 7722 TK, Dalfsen, the Netherlands
E-mail:
nfdh_secretaris@hetnet.nl
Website:
www.drentsheideschaap.nl (in
Dutch only)
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