Texel

Texel is a Dutch meat sheep from the island of Texel, later developed in several national types including British, French, and other performance-selected lines. It is famous in commercial systems for heavy muscling, a broad loin, and lean lamb carcasses, though the original island sheep came from a marsh and polder setting before British longwool and meat-breed influence changed the type. Modern Texels are usually white-faced, polled, and strongly built.

Texel rams are often used as terminal sires, so flock management focuses on growth, lambing ease, structural soundness, and matching ram type to ewe size. Purebred breeders track muscle, feet, mouths, and breed standard details, while commercial producers watch whether lambs finish efficiently without excessive birth-weight problems. Texel sheep reward good nutrition and handling, but overdone muscling or poor mobility can quickly undermine their practical value.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Brown, Gray, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Silver, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points