Gulf Coast Sheep

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Gulf Coast sheep are descendents of Spanish flocks of sheep that were brought to the New World by explorers and settlers in the 1500’s. The Spanish sheep in the Southeast were shaped primarily by natural selection, gradually becoming adapted to the heat and humidity of the environment.  Spanish missionaries, Native Americans, and European settlers used Gulf Coast sheep across the Southeast and as far north as the Carolinas. These sheep fit their challenging environment so well that for centuries they were the only sheep to be found in the Deep South, where they were the main source of wool and sheep meat.  This breed produces low levels of lanolin in their wool creating a finer taste that is less gamey or mutton-like.

The Gulf Coast sheep are characterized by the lack of wool on their faces, necks, legs, and bellies, which is a direct trait of their adaptation to the heat and humidity of the South.  Unfortunately, with the introduction of other, more productive sheep breeds in the Southeast, the Gulf Coast sheep were discarded by most farmers. The breed is now alive due to the preservation efforts of a few southern families.

Meat of the Gulf Coast sheep is extremely tender, moist and balanced with a mild, �clean earth� flavor.

Sources

The Gulf Coast sheep are currently listed on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy�s Conservation priority list as Critical. This means there are fewer than 50 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 500.

Spruce Pine, AL
Gulf Coast Sheep Breeders Association
Brien A. Nicolau, Treasurer/Registrar
947 County Road 302
Sandia, TX 78383
361.774.1077
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
GCSBA: http://www.gulfcoastsheep.info

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