The Breeding Aim for Nolana Hill-Sheep
The Nolana-landrace is a medium sized polled hairsheep. The true standard type varies from a unicoloured reddish-brown to ginger. Dark-brown types, black, white and piebald sheep occur but do not comply with the breeding aim. However, in the coming years, all these colours and patterns will be carried along until the society decides that enough reddish-brown to ginger coloured sheep are available.
Because of the good pigmentation of the skin and coat, the Nolana hill-sheep is not susceptible against UV-rays from the sun.
The head has an even profile and medium sized, laterally set agile ears. The aim is to have polled animals. Rams have a throat ruff.
The Nolana hill-sheep has strong legs and hard hooves which enables the sheep to march for long distances.
The tail is short to medium in length and reaches maximally to the ankle joint.
The lambs grow fast and reach their slaughter weight of 40-45 kg at the age of 5-7 months.
The lean carcass has a high dressing percentage and a good shape of high priced meat cuts.
The Nolana hill-sheep is hardy and suitable for any production system. A prolific lambing with three lambings in two years is expected. It has easy lambings and good mothering abilities. The fertility varies from 130-180%. The first mating can take place by the end of the first year.
Body Weights of Nolana Hill-Sheep
Adult rams: 75 – 100 kg
Yearling rams: 50 – 70 kg
Adult ewes: 55 – 75 kg
Birth weights: 3,5 – 4,5 kg
Yearling ewes: 45 – 55 kg