Barbados Sheep

Ovis aries

Barbados sheep is a breed of domesticated sheep, that have a range spanning across twenty-five countries on three continents. They can be found in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. It’s most abundant in the Caribbean region, in Mexico and in Peru. This breed is raised primarily for meat, but can be found as pets in some countries. Their origins are likely tied to African ancestry, with strong evidence that the breed as seen today, was developed by the people of the Caribbean island of Barbados. They were first developed by the people on the island from sheep brought by early European settlers. As of 2015 the total world population was estimated at about 158,000, with the U.S. having 1,971 registered sheep in 2014.

In 1904, the USDA imported a small flock for study. From the original flock, two distinct breeds have emerged in the U.S. Purebred Barbados Blackbelly sheep are polled (hornless). The horns were gained by crossbreeding the Barbados Blackbelly with Mouflon and Rambouillet sheep.

Barbados sheep have a goat like appearance, but are a known true sheep. They are able to tolerate heat and exhibit more stamina than most breeds of sheep. They are light on their feet and in some ways resemble deer, when roaming around. They are known as “hair sheep”, meaning they don’t grow wool, but rather have coarse hair. They can sometimes develop a wool undercoat, that is shed in the springtime. Barbados sheep breed all year round. They are very disease resistant and parasite tolerant, these genetic traits have created a demand for Barbados sheep.