Sheep breed profile
East Friesian
- Dairy
- Germany / Netherlands
- large
- Temperament: calm
East Friesian is the highest-producing dairy sheep breed worldwide. The U.S. seedstock pool is small and most operations use East Friesian × meat-breed crosses for hybrid vigor and improved hardiness.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
165–200 lbs
Male weight
220–280 lbs
Daily gain
0.5 lbs/day
Milk/year
1,100 lbs
Butterfat
6%
Fleece
9 lbs
Micron
35μ
Reproductive traits
Gestation
148 days
Lambs/ewe
2
Seasonality
seasonal
Maternal
good
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
fair
Heat tolerance
fair
Cold hardiness
good
Humidity tolerance
fair
Common health concerns
- High milk production puts mastitis pressure on udder health
- Less hardy than U.S. range breeds
Management requirements
Experience
experienced
Housing
moderate
Fencing
woven wire
Feed system
pasture, hay, grain supplement
Shearing
Required
Market access
Commercial market
limited
Direct-market appeal
excellent
Premium potential
Yes
Backbone of U.S. artisan sheep cheese production. Strong fit for direct-to-creamery operations.
Primary purposes