Bela Krajina sheep

Origin and Development of the Breed

The Bela Krajina Pramenka sheep developed along the Kolpa River, between Vinica, Adlešiči, and Črnomelj, deriving its name from the Bela Krajina region in southeastern Slovenia. Sheep farming in Bela Krajina flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly among the Uskoks—Serbs and Croats who fled from the Ottoman Turks. For the local inhabitants, the native sheep were invaluable, efficiently utilizing the sparse, rocky terrains covered with ferns and shrubs. The breed was influenced by Pramenka sheep from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Croatia.

Breed Characteristics

Predominantly white, these sheep feature distinctive black ears and black spots or patches around the eyes and on the legs. They possess long, coarse wool and a notably long tail that nearly reaches the ground. Ewes typically weigh up to 52 kg, while rams occasionally exceed 70 kg. The average withers height for ewes is 68 cm, displaying uniformity across individuals. Rams boast impressive, spiraled horns that, in older animals, curl multiple times. Some females also have short horns. The breed is recognized for its fine bone structure, favorable carcass quality, and excellent meat. The average litter size is 1.1 lambs.

Number of animals

Farm locations

Purpose and Products

The primary purpose of breeding the Bela Krajina Pramenka is for lamb meat production. Lambs are slaughtered relatively young, yielding tender, flavorful, and juicy meat, commonly prepared as spit-roasted lamb. Additionally, the breed is valued for its wool, used in various traditional woolen and felt products. Given their adaptability to rocky pastures, these sheep are excellent for preventing overgrowth, thereby reducing the risk of fires on arid karst terrains.