Scotch Mules

There are two associations for Mule Sheep:

North American Mule Sheep Society  (US - potentially not maintained)

North of England Mule Sheep Association (UK)

Mules are typically the cross between different breeds of the same species for the purpose of retaining the best qualities of both the sire and the dam. Much like the donkey and horse cross to make the commonly known mule which is highly prized for its intelligence, strength, hardiness and steady foot on rough terrain.

In sheep farming Scotch Mules are a cross between a Bluefaced Leicester ram and a purebred hill sheep ewe. Scottish Blackface are a hill sheep we have on this farm. The purpose of a mule is to obtain a viable ewe for market lambs. Mules retain the mothering instincts, hardiness and survivability of the purebred ewe and retain the mass, growth rate, milkiness, prolificacy and lean carcass of the sire.

The goal for market lambs is to obtain marketable lean lambs of a targeted carcass weight with the least amount of input costs (feed) at the right time for the best market demands. To help this process along, Scotch Mules are bred with the terminal sire of a heavy meat breed such as the Texel, Suffolk or Hampshire Down.

Some Scotch Mules are registered and sold for market production operations.

Scotch Mules are also known to have superior fiber qualities from the Blueface Leicester sire with longer staple lengths of the Scottish Blackface dam. There are spinners and crafters that desire fiber from this type of wool.

Scotch Mules are also known to be more docile and less skittish and make great pets or farm additions.