Introduction

Introduction to uses & advantages of using a Border Leicester.
 
The supreme value of the Border Leicester lies in its wonderful capacity for profitable alliance with other breeds. Amongst sheep, the Border Leicester is the breed whose value has been pre-eminently that of an improver of others, hence it’s title



 
Today the Border Leicester takes on a more versatile role. It’s traditional use as a sire on the smaller hill ewe is matched, largely because of it’s hybrid vigour & carcase quality, by it’s use in closed flock systems (often in conjunction with the Suffolk & Texel breeds) producing high performance ewes and quality butcher lambs in equal numbers. The Border Leicester is now widely used on many different breeds of ewes the length and breadth of the country. From the small Shetland ewe to North Country Cheviot & Scottish Blackface ewes. From the Welsh mountain and Lleyn ewes to Clun forest & Welsh speckled Faces. The south west of England and Ireland are equally important areas for the border Leicester with the rams being used on the many breeds found in these regions.
 

 
Main Advantages of using a Border Leicester Ram
 
i) He imparts high levels of Hybrid Vigour to offspring from all types of dam leading to rapid growth, good carcase conformation, milkiness & hardiness.
 
ii) Uniformity. The Cross bred progeny show strong uniformity – an important fact when selling both butchers lambs & breeding stock.
 
iii) Easy lambing. The clean aqualine head and streamlined shoulders means that the Border Leicester can safely be used on the smallest of ewes eg the Border Leicester has been safely used on the tiny Shetland ewes for decades.
 
iv) High survival rate of new born crossbred lambs in harsh climatic conditions is legendary through their thick covering of wool inherited from the Border Leicester. The crossbred females, when used for prime lamb production, have this inherent hardiness which extends their productive life.
 
v) Quality fleece. Strong and white with bulk and value preferred by the quality carpet manufacturers. At least if you have to clip your ewes you may as well have a fleece that more than pays for the clipping!!
 
vi) Border Leicesters are renowned for their ability to produce Quality, early maturing prime lambs at a variety of carcase weights.
 
A Truly Versatile & Quality Dual Purpose Breed
 
Border Leicester crosses have won numerous live and carcase championships including repeated Breed Carcase championships at the Royal Welsh Winter fair, live Breed Championships at the Birmingham Winter fatstock and most recently at the Aberdeen Spring fair.