Dairy sheep are specialized breeds selected for high milk production, often used to produce premium cheeses like Roquefort, Pecorino, Manchego, and Feta. While most sheep produce some milk for their lambs, dairy breeds yield significantly more and over a longer lactation period.
🔹 Why Raise Dairy Sheep?
- Rich milk: Sheep milk has more fat and protein than cow or goat milk — perfect for cheese.
- Profitable niche: Ideal for artisanal dairies and farmstead cheese operations
- Hardy animals: Most dairy sheep are also adaptable and manageable
🐑 Top Dairy Sheep Breeds
1. East Friesian (Germany)
- The Holstein of sheep – highest milk-producing breed
- Milk yield: 1,000+ lbs per lactation in good conditions
- Traits: Docile, high fertility, large udders
- Appearance: White with a clean face and tail, sometimes pink-skinned
- Downside: Needs good management; not as hardy in poor conditions
2. Lacaune (France)
- Main breed used in making Roquefort cheese
- Milk yield: Slightly less than East Friesian, but higher solids (fat/protein)
- Traits: More adaptable and hardy than East Friesian
- Appearance: Clean white coat, sleek body, alert expression
- Downside: Less docile, more energetic temperament
3. Awassi (Middle East)
- Fat-tailed, dual-purpose (milk and meat)
- Milk yield: Lower than Lacaune but good in hot climates
- Traits: Very heat-tolerant, excellent for arid regions
- Appearance: Brown face, long ears, fat tail
- Strength: Can thrive in poor forage conditions
4. Assaf (Israel)
- Cross of Awassi × East Friesian
- Milk yield: High (similar to Lacaune), good solids
- Traits: Prolific, hardy, productive
- Best for: Dairy operations in hot climates with intensive systems
5. British Milk Sheep (UK)
- Developed for balanced milk, meat, and lambing traits
- Milk yield: Moderate to high
- Traits: Hardy, fertile, versatile
- Best for: Mixed dairy and meat systems
🧀 Sheep Milk Facts
- Higher solids than cow or goat milk:
- ~6–7% fat
- ~5–6% protein
- Ideal for cheese making: yields more cheese per gallon
- Easier to digest for people with cow milk intolerance
- Naturally homogenized (smaller fat globules)
🌍 Dairy Sheep Regions
- Europe: France, Spain, Greece, Germany (Lacaune, East Friesian)
- Middle East: Israel, Syria, Iraq (Awassi, Assaf)
- North America: Small but growing market (East Friesian, Lacaune crosses)
- New Zealand: Expanding sheep milk industry using East Friesian crosses
🐏 Comparison: Dairy Sheep Breeds
| Breed | Milk Yield | Milk Fat/Protein | Climate Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Friesian | Very High | Moderate | Cool, temperate | Best yield; needs good care |
| Lacaune | High | High | Varied | Balanced milk quality & hardiness |
| Awassi | Moderate | High | Hot, arid | Great for harsh climates |
| Assaf | High | High | Hot, semi-intensive | Productive hybrid breed |
| British Milk | Moderate | Moderate | Cool, wet | Dual-purpose, easy to manage |
Would you like a breakdown of which dairy sheep are best for a small farm, or how to start a sheep dairy business?