Calico sheep is a type of sheep that has more than one colour within its coat.[1] The colouring is due to a piebald mutation, but the calico sheep is not a recognized breed.
These sheep tend to be very small due to intensive inbreeding and are often mislabeled as a true breed. Rather, they are mere crossbred sheep that have interesting colour patterns.
Genetics edit
The calico mutation is due to an autosomal recessive gene, first reported by Roberts.[1]
History edit
Calico sheep are not related to the black and white sheep that are native to ancient Sudan[2] and to South Africa.[3]
The modern mutation was developed by breeding Shetland sheep with Barbados Blackbelly Sheep.[citation needed]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "A Piebald Mutation in Sheep: And a Suggested Interpretation" Journal of Heredity (1950), Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 39-40; retrieved 2012-8-19.
- ^ Shaw, Thustan. (1995). The Archaeology of Africa: Food, Metals and Towns, p. 69.
- ^ British Museum. (1908). A guide to the domesticated animals (other than horses) exhibited in the central and north halls of the British Museum (Natural History), p. 21.
Further reading edit
- Richardson, Tracey. "Sheep earn their keep at winery," Owen Sound Sun Times (Canada). July 17, 2012; retrieved 2012-8-19.
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