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Two rare Oxford sheep now call the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage
Village home after being donated to the Alberta historic site in
mid-January. The livestock are the only registered sheep of this
breed in western Canada.
Photograph reprinted with the permission of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
The sheep were donated by Mr. Russ Dow of Bowmanville, Ontario, a
well-known sheep breeder and judge, and the chairman of Rare Breeds
Canada. Mr.Dow facilitated the donation because he recognizes the
important role of preserving heritage breed animals and wants to
ensure that this breed of sheep is not lost. The village was chosen
as a host site because of its commitment to authenticity in its
"living history" approach to interpretation as it portrays
a Ukrainian settlement at the beginning of the 20th century.
"This breed was once the third most commonly registered
sheep in all of Canada," says Anne-Marie Koeppen, head of the
farm program. "We're delighted with this generous offer and
are pleased that these animals will help round out the historic
livestock program at the village."
The Oxford sheep was primarily a breed that was used for meat
purposes, yet had an improved quality of fleece, which the
traditional Down Breeds such Hampshires and Suffolks lacked.
The donated sheep, both bred ewes, will lamb in early April just
in time for the height of the school program season. Student
visitors will be encouraged to enter a "Name That Ewe"
contest.
For more information,
Arnold Grandt 780-662-3640,
780-662-3855 ext. 109 [direct]
or Anne-Marie Koeppen 780-662-3640;
or 780-662-3855 ext. 157
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