Heidschnucke
Encyclopedia
The Heidschnucke is a group of three types of moorland sheep from northern Germany. Like a number of other types from Scandinavia
and Great Britain
, they are Northern European short-tailed sheep
. The three breeds of Heidschnucke (in order of population size) are:
The main breeding areas are the north German heathland and moors of the Lüneburg Heath
. That said, this sheep, which is easy to look after, may nowadays be found in all parts of Europe, mainly because of its meat which has a gamey flavour. Some breeds are classed as domestic species threatened with extinction so their preservation is subsidised within the European Union
.
The hair of the German Grey Heath is greyish and very long. Its legs, tail and head are black, the lambs are born black and take on adult markings in their second year. There are also white variants. Both sexes have horns.
The meat of the (a German Grey Heath) is protected within Europe under this name and may carry the seal to show that it is a Protected Designation of Origin
. On the other hand its long, straggly wool is only suitable for coarsely woven fabrics such as carpets. The (a white polled moorland sheep) is also a protected local breed.
In former times there were north German flocks of moorland sheep that were both grey and white, horned and polled. By selective breeding during the 20th century the breeds seen today were created and their weight virtually doubled.
"Moorland Sheep Day" takes place every year on the second Thursday in July at Müden
. Here the young rams that have proved themselves are presented to breeders and onlookers. The best animals are awarded prizes. Heidschnucke rams can be bought at the closing auction.
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
and Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, they are Northern European short-tailed sheep
Northern European short-tailed sheep
Northern European short-tailed sheep are a group of sheep breeds and landraces from the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the area around the Baltic. They are thought to be derived from the first sheep brought to Europe by early farmers...
. The three breeds of Heidschnucke (in order of population size) are:
- German Grey Heath
- White Polled HeathWhite Polled HeathThe White Polled Heath is a small breed and landrace of North German sheep and belongs to the Heidschnucke family, part of the Northern European short-tailed sheep group. However, unlike the other Heidschnucke types, it is entirely white and polled .- Origin :The White Polled Heath originated from...
( or ) - White Horned Heath
The main breeding areas are the north German heathland and moors of the Lüneburg Heath
Lüneburg Heath
The Lüneburg Heath is a large area of heath, geest and woodland in northeastern part of the state of Lower Saxony in northern Germany. It forms part of the hinterland for the cities of Hamburg, Hanover, and Bremen and is named after the town of Lüneburg. Most of the area is a nature reserve...
. That said, this sheep, which is easy to look after, may nowadays be found in all parts of Europe, mainly because of its meat which has a gamey flavour. Some breeds are classed as domestic species threatened with extinction so their preservation is subsidised within the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
.
The hair of the German Grey Heath is greyish and very long. Its legs, tail and head are black, the lambs are born black and take on adult markings in their second year. There are also white variants. Both sexes have horns.
The meat of the (a German Grey Heath) is protected within Europe under this name and may carry the seal to show that it is a Protected Designation of Origin
Protected designation of origin
Protected Geographical Status is a legal framework defined in European Union law to protect the names of regional foods. Protected Designation of Origin , Protected Geographical Indication and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed are distinct regimes of geographical indications within the framework...
. On the other hand its long, straggly wool is only suitable for coarsely woven fabrics such as carpets. The (a white polled moorland sheep) is also a protected local breed.
In former times there were north German flocks of moorland sheep that were both grey and white, horned and polled. By selective breeding during the 20th century the breeds seen today were created and their weight virtually doubled.
"Moorland Sheep Day" takes place every year on the second Thursday in July at Müden
Müden (Örtze)
Müden is a village in the municipality of Faßberg in the southern part of the Lüneburg Heath in the German state of Lower Saxony.The village, which is situated in the county of Celle has around 2220 inhabitants and is a very popular tourist centre, whose catchment area includes Hamburg, Bremen and...
. Here the young rams that have proved themselves are presented to breeders and onlookers. The best animals are awarded prizes. Heidschnucke rams can be bought at the closing auction.