Barbados Blackbelly

The Barbados Blackbelly is the most popular hair sheep in the Caribbean. They originated on the Island of Barbados and are thought to have West African roots, brought to the Caribbean during the slave era. They were first imported into the U.S. in 1904; however, the breed was later crossed with wild sheep (the Mouflon) and fine-wool sheep (the Rambouillet), resulting in an animal with slightly different characteristics than those in the Caribbean. Barbados Blackbellies are badger-faced, brown tan or yellow in color, with black points and under-parts. They are as long as they are tall and resemble a deer or antelope in appearance. In the Caribbean, both sexes are polled. Barbados Blackbelly lambs typically grow slower than wooled lambs, but produce a carcass with a milder flavor and less body fat. The Barbados Blackbelly is one of the most prolific breeds of sheep in the world. They reach puberty early and have an extended breeding season. In the Caribbean, it is common for ewes to produce three lamb crops in two years. Various research projects have shown hair x wool cross ewes to be more productive than wooled ewes. In the U.S., Blackbellies are often used to train Border Collies and have been used as a game animal.

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Links

North American Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Registry
Blackbelly Barbados Sheep Association International
Oklahoma State University
Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Listserv
U.S. Directory of Sheep Breeds
The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Page (by Dr. John Duckhouse)
Barbados Blackbelly FAQ
Why Barbados Blackbelly Sheep?
Hair breed crosses make good commercial ewes
Barbados Sheep Farmers Inc.
Barking Rock Farm
Old Saddle Ranch
Critterhaven Estate

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