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2008 Watchlist; Category 4, At Risk.
The Norfolk Horn belongs to a group of British
black-faced hill or heathland breeds. It evolved on the
sandy heaths of the Beck land of Norfolk and is well
adapted to surviving on poor quality grazing in a cold,
dry environment.
Popular in its native county until the middle of the
19th century it was preceded with the "improved" breeds
such as the Leicester Longwool and Southdown. By 1919
only one flock remained and in 1950 there were only 10
registered ewes and two rams.
Both sexes are horned and long legged with black face
and legs. The fleece is closer than other hill breeds.
Mature ewes weigh about 70kg. It is a hardy, thrifty
breed with good maternal instincts and is an excellent
forager
This
breed is one of the successes of Norfolk Horn Sheep
Breeders group and of the Rare Breed Survival Trust.
While the numbers are still low, they have improved and
the breed is now in the Vulnerable category meaning that
there are less than 900 breeding ewes.
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