Blackheaded Persian
The Blackheaded Persian is indigenous to South Africa. It is a fat-rumped, desert breed that is able to store energy in the form of fat in its tail. It is favored by farmers for its survivability and ability to produce under harsh conditions. The breed found its way to the Caribbean several years ago, where it adapted well to the humid, tropical climate of the islands. Blackheaded Persians have a white body and black head and neck with the two colors sharply distinguished. About fifty years ago, the South African Department of Agriculture and a group of progressive farmers decided to develop a new sheep breed able to produce a maximum number of lambs with good meat qualities, which could be marketed directly off arid and extensive grazing conditions. The best cross proved to be the Dorset Horn (ram) x Blackheaded Persian (ewe). The new breed was called the Dorper.
Image Gallery
Blackheaded Persian ewe and lamb - Trinidad and Tobago (34 K)
Blackheaded Persian ewe - Trinidad and Tobago (62 K)
Links
Oklahoma State University Breeds of Livestock
Blackhead Persian Sheep in South Africa
Hair Sheep Home