Barbados Blackbelly sheep combine the rare attributes of adaptation to widespread environments and high reproductive efficiency, which account for their average of two lambs per litter and an average interval of eight to nine months.
HistorySeveral studies have been made as to the origin of the breed, which has been widely accepted as African. Although there can be little doubt that the Blackbelly has African ancestry, there is compelling historical evidence that the Barbados Blackbelly, as a breed, originated and evolved on the island of Barbados. Following the colonization of Barbados by the English in 1627, several fortuitous factors existed in combinations that may not have occurred in other European colonies in the Americas.
HistorySeveral studies have been made as to the origin of the breed, which has been widely accepted as African. Although there can be little doubt that the Blackbelly has African ancestry, there is compelling historical evidence that the Barbados Blackbelly, as a breed, originated and evolved on the island of Barbados. Following the colonization of Barbados by the English in 1627, several fortuitous factors existed in combinations that may not have occurred in other European colonies in the Americas.
- Coat: Complete covering of medium to thick-hair (no wool) that sheds in the spring. Barbados Blackbellys in the colder U.S. climates often developed protective wool undercoats during the fall and winter that also sheds in the spring.
- Color: All shades of brown, tan or yellow, all are highlighted with contrasting black underparts extending down the inside of the legs. Black points on the nose, forehead, and inside of the ears are black. Rams have a neckpiece of thick hair which extends down the neck to the brisket, some may cover to the shoulder.
- Head: Medium in size and well in conformation to the neck and body. There is a slight tendency to a roman nose, especially in the ram. Ears point forward from the side, they should not droop.
- Horns: Both sexes of the Barbados Blackbelly are polled.
- Neck: Medium in length, slender in conformation to body size. Rams are heavier and well set to the shoulder.
- Body: Fairly deep with well-sprung ribs. There is a fair width of back and loin, but a very deficient hindquarter (similar to a goat's). The rump is quite steep from the hips to the pin bones and the tail is set very low.
- Legs: "Leggy", and generally are quite wells set.
- In general appearance (at a distance) these sheep resemble small deer or antelope. There are very active and lively. They are alert at all times. Compared to the more recognized "mutton type", Barbados Blackbelly sheep are less "squatty" and are slower