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Oxford Down Sheep Breeders' Association
Welcome
to the official website of the Oxford Down Sheep Breeders' Association, which
is recognised by the European Union as being the parent body for this famous British
sheep breed.
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS ON BLUE TONGUE VIRUS **
NSA
6August 08 update on BTV - click here: NSA
update BTV 6August 08
NSA 25 July 08 update on BTV - click here: NSA
update BTV 25July 08
The
Association's April 2008 newsletter contains information on BTV. Click
here: April
08 Newsletter
Further
information can also be obtained from the Q & A sheet available here: BTV
Q & A Sheet
OXFORDS TO 565GNS AT WORCESTER SHOW & SALE
 | An
Oxford Down shearling ram from J W Hook, Barley Park Farm, Ducklington, Oxon sold
to 565gns at the Association's recent Show & Sale at Worcester market. This
is a centre record for the breed and the highest price paid for an Oxford in 20
years. The photo shows shepherd Rex Vincent holding the ram while judge and Association
president Philip Quick looks on. (Photo courtesy of J S Brigg) |
The
Oxford Down is the largest and heaviest of the famous British Down breeds and
was developed during the 1800s mainly in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.
Today it is a specialist terminal sire breed used in the UK to produce lambs for
meat production when crossed with commercial crossbred ewes.
The Association
was established in 1889 and its primary objectives are:
· To encourage
the breeding of Oxford Down sheep in the UK and abroad
· To maintain
the purity of the Oxford Down breed
· To publish a Flock Book containing
the pedigrees of registered Oxford Down sheep
Members of the Association
maintain flocks of registered pedigree Oxford Down sheep. These can be found throughout
the British Isles from Cornwall to Orkney and from Norfolk to Co Down. The breed
has classes at a number of agricultural shows and there are several annual auction
sales where Oxford Down rams and ewes can be purchased.
The Association hopes you enjoy the website and find the information and photos presented of interest.