A Complete Guide to Caring for Texel Sheep

Texel sheep are a highly popular breed in the UK, known for their excellent meat quality, muscular build, and strong adaptability. Originally from the Netherlands, Texel sheep are now widely used across the UK for commercial meat production and as terminal sires to improve carcass quality in crossbreeding programs.

If you're considering keeping Texel sheep, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including housing, feeding, breeding, and health care.

A Brief History of Texel Sheep

Texel sheep originated from the island of Texel in the Netherlands and were introduced to the UK in the early 20th century. The breed quickly gained popularity due to its superior meat production, lean carcass, and high muscle yield.

Today, Texel sheep are widely used in commercial farming to produce prime lambs with excellent meat conformation and a high lean-to-fat ratio, making them a valuable choice for both smallholders and commercial farmers.

Key Characteristics of Texel Sheep

Texel sheep have several traits that make them stand out as a preferred meat breed:

• Size: Medium to large-sized breed. Mature ewes weigh between 70-90kg, while rams can weigh up to 120kg.
• Appearance: Texels have a distinctive broad face, short ears, and a heavily muscled, well-rounded body covered in dense, white wool.
• Temperament: Texel sheep are generally docile but can be strong-willed and require firm handling.
• Meat Quality: Texel lambs are renowned for their high-quality meat, with excellent muscle conformation and minimal fat.
• Hardiness: They are a hardy breed that can adapt to different farming conditions but perform best with good pasture management.

Housing for Texel Sheep

Texel sheep are hardy animals and can be kept outdoors year-round, but providing appropriate shelter and secure fencing is essential for their comfort and safety.

Shelter Requirements

• Natural Shelter: In mild climates, trees, hedgerows, and natural windbreaks may provide sufficient protection.
• Man-Made Shelter: In harsher climates or during lambing season, provide a field shelter or barn. The shelter should be dry, well-ventilated, and spacious enough to accommodate the flock comfortably.
• Lambing Pens: Texel ewes require secure lambing areas with ample space, dry bedding, and easy access for monitoring and assistance.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Texels are strong and determined, so secure, sturdy fencing is essential. Electric fencing or high-quality stock fencing is recommended to prevent escapes.
• Gate Safety: Ensure gates are secure and wide enough to accommodate their muscular build.

Feeding Texel Sheep

Texel sheep have high nutritional demands, particularly during breeding and lambing seasons. Providing a well-balanced diet is key to maintaining health and productivity.

Diet

• Pasture: The majority of a Texel sheep's diet should come from high-quality pasture. They are efficient grazers and thrive on lush grasslands.
• Hay or Silage: Provide good-quality hay or silage during winter months or when pasture is limited.
• Concentrates: Supplement their diet with concentrates, especially during late pregnancy and lactation, to ensure they receive enough protein and energy.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Provide a mineral block or loose minerals formulated for sheep to ensure they receive essential nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Water

• Texel sheep require constant access to fresh, clean water. Each sheep can drink between 4-6 litres per day, with increased consumption during hot weather and lactation.

Breeding Texel Sheep

Texel sheep are commonly used as terminal sires in crossbreeding programs due to their ability to produce fast-growing, well-muscled lambs.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Ewes can be bred from 18 months of age, although some farmers breed them at 12 months if they have reached the appropriate weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for sheep is approximately 147 days (around 5 months).
• Lambing: Texels are known for producing strong lambs with high survival rates, but assistance may be needed due to their larger birth weights.

Care of Lambs

• Ensure lambs receive colostrum within the first few hours after birth to boost immunity.
• Monitor lambs closely for signs of illness or weakness and provide warmth in colder weather.

Health Care for Texel Sheep

Maintaining good health care practices is essential to keep your Texel sheep healthy and productive. Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control should be part of your routine management.

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule. Core vaccinations typically include protection against:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., pulpy kidney, tetanus, blackleg)
• Pasteurellosis (a common bacterial infection that causes pneumonia)

Deworming

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites such as roundworms and liver fluke. Use faecal egg counts to monitor parasite levels and avoid overusing dewormers.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Regularly check and trim your sheep’s hooves to prevent overgrowth and lameness.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep housing and grazing areas dry and free of excessive mud to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues

• Flystrike: Texel sheep are prone to flystrike during warm weather. Regularly inspect and treat for flystrike using preventative measures.
• Lameness: Due to their heavier build, Texel sheep can be prone to lameness, so regular foot care and monitoring are essential.
• Twin Lamb Disease: Ensure pregnant ewes receive adequate nutrition to prevent twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia).

Behaviour and Handling

Texel sheep are known for their calm and docile nature, but their strength and size mean they require careful handling.

• Calm Handling: Approach them gently to avoid stress, as they can become stubborn if mishandled.
• Positive Reinforcement: Using treats or feed can encourage cooperation during handling.
• Training: Sheep can be trained to follow feeding routines and handling procedures, making them easier to manage.

Why Choose Texel Sheep?

Texel sheep offer several advantages, making them an excellent choice for both smallholders and commercial farmers:

• Exceptional Meat Quality: Texel lambs produce lean, well-muscled meat with a high dressing-out percentage.
• Efficient Feed Conversion: They have an excellent ability to convert feed into muscle efficiently.
• Hardiness: Texels are well-suited to a variety of farming conditions and can thrive in both lowland and upland environments.
• Crossbreeding Potential: They are commonly used to improve carcass quality when crossbred with other breeds.

Final Thoughts

Texel sheep are an excellent choice for new owners looking to raise a productive and hardy meat breed. Their ability to produce high-quality lambs with minimal fat, combined with their calm temperament and adaptability, makes them a rewarding breed to keep.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and good breeding management, you can ensure your Texel sheep thrive and remain healthy. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan, and enjoy the experience of raising this iconic and valuable breed.