Many may not know that the Romanov sheep has different varieties (lines) within the breed. The original Romanov sheep originates from Russia, but in recent decades more and more attention has been attracted to the Czech line of Romanov sheep, which has gained a reputation as the most productive. What makes this Czech genetics so special and why even breeders in Russia – the birthplace of the breed – today source sheep from the Czech Republic? Let’s clarify.
Selective breeding in the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, for decades, breeders have carried out a careful selection of Romanov sheep with the aim of improving fattening characteristics, while preserving the exceptional fertility for which the breed is known. The result of that work is the Romanov sheep, which are noticeably larger and heavier than the original Russian line. It has been recorded that an adult sheep of the Czech line can weigh 80–90 kg (compared to 50–60 kg for the traditional Russian), while rams reach over 100 kg in weight. A larger body size directly affects lambs being heavier at birth and growing faster – often with adequate nutrition the lambs reach 30+ kg in ~3 months.
The retained virtues of the race. What is most impressive about the Czech line is that the increase in mass and fatness did not impair reproductive abilities. Czech Romanov sheep still carry a genetic predisposition for multiple fertility. Triplets and quadruplets at lambing are still common, and there remains the possibility of ewes mating and lambing year-round (unlike many breeds that are seasonal). This practically means that the Czech Romanov sheep provides a double benefit: the farmer gets both a higher number of lambs per ewe and larger, meatier lambs that reach market weight faster.
Top productivity in the voice. Thanks to these characteristics, the Czech Romanov sheep line is today considered one of the most productive in the world of sheep breeding. In terms of meat yield, many put it at the very top among sheep breeds. It’s no wonder breeders in Russia have started importing Czech cattle to boost their own farms – the original Russian genetics, although extremely fertile, can’t match the Czech breed when it comes to fattening properties. There is similar interest in other countries: farms all over Europe and the world purchase Romanov sheep of the Czech line because of the proven results in practice. Bigger lambs and equal fertility = higher productivity and profitability, by simple calculation.
On our farm, we opted for the Czech line of Romanov sheep because of all the above-mentioned advantages. Importing elite breeding stock from the Czech Republic has allowed us to offer the best of genetics to our customers. We believe that a combination of superior genetics and adequate care can achieve exceptional results in animal husbandry. The Czech line of Romanov sheep has become synonymous with success – and we are proud to share that success with you through our quality and proven productive animals. If you are looking for a breed of sheep that pushes the boundaries of productivity, look no further than the Romanov sheep of Czech genetics.