Cambridge (sheep)
The Cambridge is a modern British breed of domestic sheep.[3]: 774 It was bred at the University of Cambridge by John Owen and Alun Davies between about 1964 and 1979, with the aim of increasing prolificacy.[2][3]: 774 [4]: 638 It is among the most prolific of all sheep breeds, but is critically endangered.[2][4]: 638 HistoryThe Cambridge was bred at the University of Cambridge by John Owen and Alun Davies between about 1964 and 1979, with the specific aim of increasing prolificacy. Ewes of a variety of British breeds were put to Finnsheep rams. These ewes were mostly of the Clun Forest breed, but Border Leicester, Hill Radnor, Kerry Hill, Llanwenog, Lleyn and Ryeland stock was also used.[3]: 774 A flock-book was started in 1969, and by 1979 the breed was established.[2] CharacteristicsThe Cambridge is a polled sheep of medium to large size.[3]: 774 It is uniformly brown, with a brown face.[2] It is a short-wool breed; fleeces weigh some 2.5 kg, with a staple length of about 100 mm.[3]: 774 Ewes of the breed are among the most prolific of any breed of sheep, with average litter sizes for one-, two- and three-year-old ewes of 1.7, 2.5 and 2.9 respectively.[4]: 638 References
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