PARAMETERS FOR EVALUATION OF GOTLAND SHEEP @110 DAYS 

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Selection of Gotlands for breeding is based on phenotypic evaluation of lambs ~ 110 days of age. All lambs in a registered flock (Sweden) are evaluated on farm. Phenotypic raw data (scoring value of each parameter) is entered into the registry software for recording, but also for calculation of breed specific EBV´s (estimated breeding values) of the most important traits.  

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WOOL PARAMETERS

1. Colour

Preferred: A clear and even GREY – light grey to dark grey (includes medium grey)

 

a) Quantitative Colour i.e the (mainly) visible colour.

White (V)

White-Grey (VG)

Extra Light Grey (XLG)

Light Grey (LG)

Medium Grey (G)
Dark-Grey (MG (dark= mörk = M in Swedish)

Black (S) (Black = Svart = S in Swedish)

 

The preferred colour and the most common is G (medium-grey). The outlayers, black (< 2% of the population) and white (<<0.5% of the population)  are rare and selection is made to preserve the even grey colour.

 

b) Qualitative Colour: Uniformity of the colour over whole body and full wool length

Full body: Colour variations on different parts of the body are not preferred, special attention is paid to avoid dark shoulders and neck, light hindlimbs.

Full wool length: Colour distribution should be uniform from skin to the end of the curls.

White, significantly lighter, brown or red-brown ends of the grey curls are not preferred and should not appear in the base of the curls either.

Pepper & Salt – i.e a prominent mix of black / white fibers in the same curl are not preferred.

 

2. Curl

Preferred: A well defined, thight and rounded, 3D-dimensional curl. 10-15 millimeter in diameter. The curls are elastic/flexible and shows an even distribution in shape and size over the full body.

 

a) Size - Quantitative

    UL (no lock),

     LL (small (=liten) curl, not preferable),

     ML (Medium curl)

     SL (large (=stor) curl)

 

b) Shape - Qualitative

 Even distribution of curls over body as well as the uniformity of these curls in size and shape over body.

 Presence of thight, rounded and well defined 3-D dimensional curls.

 

3. Wool Quality (qualitative)

    Preferred: Shiny wool with a natural silkiness, 35-45 my, can be significantly finer in lambs. Uniform and well aligned wool fibers.

 

Gotland wool has a natural silkiness and most animals show a natural shine.

The fiber micron is normally 35-45 my, but can be significantly finer in lambs.

The curls should consist of uniform fiber, attention should be paid to avoid mixed fiber types (short/long), excessive under coat in lambs and dead-hair forming cloud like background to the longer fibers.

 

4. Wool Distribution (quantitative)

    Preferred: An even thickness of the furskin compared to all areas of the body.

 

5. Overall / Total Score

    Overall summary of the wool & pelt quality

 

WEIGHT PARAMETERS

• Weight @110 days

 

BODY CONFORMATION PARAMETERS

Preferred:

• Body conformation 110 days according to the EUROP classification

• Fat content 110 days according to the EUROP classification

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