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Kempen Heath
EFABIS Data
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International Name |
Kempen
Heath |
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Local Name |
Kempisch Heideschaap |
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Location |
Southern
Netherlands |
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Breeding females
(year) |
2,000 |
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Trend of population size |
Stable |
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Flock book established |
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Origin – history
The Kempen Heath
is a native heath breed, and is already known from old paintings in
the 19th century. On the initiative of Lodewijk Napoleon and King
Willem 1st, Spanish Merino sheep were imported in the early 1800’s
and crossed with the Kempen Heath to improve the quality of the
wool. Up to now the quality of the wool of the Kempen Heath is still
better than the wool of other Heath sheep. The presence of sheep led
to the development of a flourishing wool and textile industry, in
some cities even up to the 20th century.
Breed description
The Kempen Heath
is black, brown and white, with long legs. The heads are free from
fleece and both head and legs have black or brown spots. The Kempen
Heath breed is polled. The sheep are calm and adapted to extensive
rearing conditions. Flocks may be managed by transhumance or
stationary practice with mixed feeding, with or without housing for
up to 2 months. The Kempen Heath is particularly adapted to grazing
on natural areas during the suckling period, with hay and
concentrates added, and are useful for heath management. The Kempen
Heath is used for conservation grazing, wool and meat, which is of
excellent quality.
Conservation activities
Cryopreservation
of semen: 2,344 doses (of 16 rams).
Contact:
Name:
Vereniging Stamboek Het Kempische Heideschaap
Contact person: Wies de Haan,
Address: Vlaamseweg 20,
Postal code and city: 6029 PL Sterksel.
Country: The Netherlands
Email:
kempisch-heideschaap@planet.nl
Website:
http://www.kempischheideschaap.nl
(in Dutch only)
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