Sheep Colour Markings

Shetland Sheep Society colours and markings. There are eleven main whole colours in Shetland sheep, with many shades and variants in between. One of the unusual aspects of Shetland Sheep is the broad variety of colors and markings found in the breed.

The names used to describe markings are the original ones used by the Shetland Islanders to describe their sheep. Bersugget - irregular patches of different colors; variegated. Bielset.

White Markings and Patterns in Shetland Sheep Bersugget - Having irregular patches of differing colours Bielset - Having a circular band of a different colour round the neck Bioget - With a white back and darker sides and belly, or vice-versa Blaeget - Having a lighter shade on the outer part of the wool fibre, especially in moorit and dark. This is the spray marker we use on our sheep, it works great and comes in multiple colors. We use it mainly on sheep, but have also used it on other animals, including geese.

What is used to paint the sheep? There are a few different ways to put colored marks on sheep, spray marking and ram harnesses are the most common in my area. COLORS AND MARKINGS OF NORTH AMERICAN FINNSHEEP In determining the color of a lamb it is important to examine pigmentation of the skin as well as wool color. This will tell whether the base color is black or brown.

If any light markings are from pink skin, spotting is responsible. If they originate from colored skin, pattern is responsible. Pay special attention to all symmetrical markings.

Shetland Sheep Colours, Patterns & Markings Colours Black Jet black to shades of warm or off black, tips may fade to dark brown Shaela Dark steely grey, like black frost Emsket Dusky bluish grey in all fibres, (not a blend of white and black) varies from a brownish charcoal grey to blue grey Grey. Colors & Markings One of the unusual aspects of Shetland Sheep is the broad variety of colors and markings found in the breed. The names used to describe markings are the original ones used by the Shetland Islanders to describe their sheep.

Shetland Sheep Colours, Patterns and Markings Determine closest colour match by parting fleece and looking at the fleece colour next to skin at approx 6 months of age. The appearance of your sheep is made up of options of color, pattern, and spotting. Note: The letters and numbers given below are the code "shorthand" used to indicate color/pattern/spotting of the sheep at registration.

They are derived from Adelsteinsson's pioneer work on the inheritance of color and pattern in Icelandic sheep. Markings There are shades between these main colors; for example, a very pale fawn or musket, etc. Select the closest color from the list.

If uncertain, use the more general "moorit" for varying shades of brown and "grey" for shades of grey.