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CHRISTMAS HILL FARM
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Portland sheep are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s list as ‘At Risk’ as their numbers have fallen to fewer than 1500 breeding ewes. They almost became extinct in the early 1900s and, in 1974, the RBST did a survey that discovered only 86 breeding ewes of three major bloodlines.
This is a small sheep of about 40kg (about 88lbs) and is interesting to keep as the breed has retained a lot of the instincts and independence of a primitive sheep e.g. like a deer, the ewes often hide their new-born lambs in the grass when they go off to feed and you can come across a lamb that you may think is abandoned….however, mum will be watching you closely, if from a distance!
The Portland is unusual in that it can lamb at any time of year, but usually produces a single lamb, unlike other breeds where triplets and twins are the norm. The Portland was used with the Merino to create the popular Dorset Horn breed.
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Carcase quality has always been the most important characteristic of the breed and, in the 18th century, Portland Mutton was regarded as an expensive luxury. Though meat from the Portland is in relatively small joints, the flavour is renowned for its lean sweetness and some customers ask only for Portland meat.
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The Christmas Hill flock is currently maintained at about 30-40 pedigree registered ewes. Our Portland Lamb and Mutton is much sought after and is a seasonal addition to our meat supply due to the slow maturing nature of the breed. A small number of pedigree breeding stock is usually available, annually. There is a Portland Sheep Breeders’ Group which can be found at www.portlandsheep.org.uk
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The
lambs are born a foxy red, but gradually pale as they grow to produce the
very fine, creamy white wool that is much in demand from Hand Spinners.
Both
sexes are horned and the ram can carry an impressive, spiral display.
