Baa Baa Black Sheep


• White wool
  Most modern domesticated sheep grow white wool. This is because white wool is more desirable in the commercial market place because it can be dyed any color. However, sheep with white wool may have different color faces and legs.
  
  
  
• Natural-colored wool
  Handspinners, weavers, and other wool craftsmen often prefer "natural colored" wool. Wool is naturally produced in many beautiful colors: black, gray, silver, brown, red, and moorit. Some sheep have spotted fleeces..
  
  
  
• Fleece inheritance
  It's not uncommon for black or colored lambs to be born in a white flock to white parents. However, in order for this to happen, both of the lamb's parents must be carrying a gene for color.
  
  The inheritance of fleece or coat color can be quite complicated. Different genes control what color the fleece will be, what pattern it will be, and whether the fleece will be solid or spotted.
  
  
  
• Color change
  The lambs of some breeds are born black or red and their fleeces lighten as they get older.
  
  
  
• Spotted sheep
  One of the most uniquely-colored breeds is the Jacob. The Jacob's fleece is described as white with black spots. The white wool grows out of white skin. The black wool growns out of black skin. The Jacob's spotted fleece is mentioned in the Bible. Prior to the 20th century, Jacob sheep were referred to as "Piebald" sheep.
  
  
  
• Get your markers in
  In the Old West, a few black sheep wandered the range. These colored animals were used as markers, one for every hundred sheep. The old timers counted the sheep and said, "Once your markers are in, your flock is in."

Last updated 09-May-2009
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