Calico sheep explained

Calico sheep is a type of sheep that has more than one colour within its coat.^[1] The colouring is due to a piebald mutation, but the calico sheep is not a recognized breed.

These sheep tend to be very small due to intensive inbreeding and are often mislabeled as a true breed. Rather, they are mere crossbred sheep that have interesting colour patterns.

Genetics

The calico mutation is due to an autosomal recessive gene, first reported by Roberts.

History

Calico sheep are not related to the black and white sheep that are native to ancient Sudan^[2] and to South Africa.^[3]

The modern mutation was developed by breeding Shetland sheep with Barbados Blackbelly Sheep.

See also

• Calico cat

Further reading

• Richardson, Tracey. "Sheep earn their keep at winery," Owen Sound Sun Times (Canada). July 17, 2012; retrieved 2012-8-19.

Notes and References

1. https://archive.today/20130415145028/http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/content/41/2/39.extract "A Piebald Mutation in Sheep: And a Suggested Interpretation"
2. Shaw, Thustan. (1995). The Archaeology of Africa: Food, Metals and Towns, p. 69.
3. British Museum. (1908). A guide to the domesticated animals (other than horses) exhibited in the central and north halls of the British Museum (Natural History), p. 21.