Leicester

breed of sheep

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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Leicester ram The Leicester ram, among the typical livestock of Leicestershire, England.

The Leicester is a breed of sheep developed in England, known for its long wool and massive body. It is classified as a long-wool breed, meaning its wool has an unusually long fiber length suitable for rugs and coarse fabrics. The Leicester sheep produces a heavy fleece. A specific strain, the Border Leicester, is used in crossbreeding, particularly with the Cheviot, to produce superior mutton.12345

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Robert Bakewell
Bakewell also developed the Leicester sheep, a barrel-shaped animal that produced long coarse wool and also provided a good yield of high-quality fatty meat, though these sheep eventually lost their popularity because of changes in taste in meat.
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Bakewell also developed the Leicester sheep, a barrel-shaped animal that produced long coarse wool and also provided a good yield of high-quality fatty meat, though these sheep eventually lost their popularity because of changes in taste in meat.
Read More