Icelandic sheep - colourful all-rounders

Viac o knihe

For over 1000 years, the Icelandic sheep has played a crucial role in the nation’s history and economy. Until around 1910, it was the primary milk producer, with wool used for clothing and sheep leather for shoes. The meat has always been a vital nutritional source, and all parts of the sheep, including innards, bones, and horns, are utilized. While white sheep are common, there is a rich variety of colors, including hornless and four-horned sheep, alongside exceptionally intelligent leadersheep. The sheep's economic importance remains significant today, with tourists frequently encountering them throughout the countryside. Despite attempts to introduce other breeds, all Icelandic sheep are descendants of those brought by the first settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. This concise book provides a well-researched overview of Icelandic sheep, featuring historic and contemporary photographs, maps, and diagrams, making it a valuable resource for both Iceland enthusiasts and sheep experts. Additionally, it includes a section on “Icelandic Sheep Overseas.” The author, Caroline Kerstin Mende (Karólina), resides in Skagafjörður, Northern Iceland, where she raises sheep and conducts workshops on Icelandic sheep at her Nes Farm.