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Castlemilk Moorit sheep are a rare breed of domesticated sheep originating from Scotland. They are named after the Castlemilk estate near Dumfries, where they were first bred in the early 20th century. Castlemilk Moorit sheep are known for their attractive appearance, versatile wool, and conservation significance.
Castlemilk Moorits are medium-sized sheep with a distinctive light brown to dark reddish-brown fleece. Their wool is short, soft, and dense, often with a natural luster. They have a characteristic dark brown face with a dark brown or black nose and legs. Rams (males) weigh around 55 kilograms (121 pounds), while ewes (females) weigh about 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
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They are known to be docile and friendly in nature, making them suitable for hobby farming and small-scale agriculture. They are generally easy to handle and can be relatively calm and manageable. The wool of Castlemilk Moorit sheep is highly prized for its quality. It is considered a dual-purpose wool, suitable for both spinning and felting. The fibers are fine, averaging around 28-33 microns, and have good elasticity. The wool color can vary within the breed, ranging from light fawn to dark chocolate brown.
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Castlemilk Moorit sheep are listed as a rare breed by various rare breed societies due to their small population size. The breed faced near extinction in the mid-20th century but has since been revived through dedicated breeding efforts. These sheep are primarily kept for their wool, although they can also be used for meat production. Their small size makes them suitable for grazing on rough terrain and they are known to be good foragers.