Barbados Blackbelly

Barbados Blackbelly

Barbados Blackbelly is a sheep (Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758) of African origin even if it evolved on the Caribbean island of the same name, with a main aptitude for meat production.

Systematics –
From a systematic point of view it belongs to:
Eukaryota Domain,
Kingdom Animalia,
Phylum Chordata,
Mammalia class,
Order Artiodactyla,
Suborder Ruminantia,
Bovidae family,
Caprinae subfamily,
Genus Ovis,
Species O. aries,
Breed Barbados Blackbelly.

Geographic and Area Distribution –
The Barbados Blackbelly is a sheep of African origin and is one of the few breeds of sheep (such as the Blackhead Persian and Pelibuey) without fleece.
This breed is widely distributed, with its breeding, in twenty-five countries in the Americas, Asia and Europe. However, its presence is more abundant in the Caribbean region, Mexico and Peru.
It was also introduced in the United States in the early 20th century.

Origins and History –
The Barbados Black Belly is a sheep from the Caribbean island of Barbados. While this breed is likely to have African origins, there seems to be clear evidence that it was selected and raised on the island from ship-brought sheep soon after the Europeans arrived.
The breed was then imported to various countries including the United States where a small flock was imported in 1904 and transported to Bethesda, Maryland. From that original flock it was seen that at least two distinct races were present.
In the 20th century, many Barbados sheep were exported from Barbados to the UK and mainland Europe, where they gained popularity. Unfortunately, due to the lack of knowledge of this breed, Barbados sheep are sometimes confused with Djallonké (Cameroon sheep). As a result, there are many crosses of these two breeds in Europe.
In other countries, such as Asia, some crossings with local sheep have been made, some with promising results.
In 2015, the total world population was estimated at around 158,000 head.

Morphology –
The Barbados Black Belly is a medium-sized sheep with both sexes generally hornless.
This breed is practically fleeced (although bred in cooler climates, it often develops a woolly undercoat that sheds in spring) and with a coat that can come in various shades ranging from brown, beige or yellow, with characteristic streaks. black.
This breed, despite having the appearance of goats, is in all respects belonging to the Ovis aries.
Despite the outward appearance, it has good musculature.

Productive attitude –
The Barbados Black Belly is a breed bred primarily for meat.
It is a breed that manages to combine an adaptation to different types of environments with a high production efficiency.
They are sheep that tolerate warm climates well and show more endurance than most sheep breeds. They are fast and in many ways resemble goats or deer.
In addition, Barbados Blackbelly sheep, unlike most domestic sheep, breed year-round.
However, as they are smaller and grow slower than most sheep they are not a good choice for commercial production. However, there is a strong market for their lean, mild-flavored meat.
They also have a high resistance to disease and are tolerant to parasites and these genetic traits, a factor that has created a certain demand for Blackbelly sheep for crossbreeding with other breeds.
Finally, it is emphasized how this breed grows well with even a poor diet and requires little attention in breeding.

Guido Bissanti

Sources-
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– Daniele Bigi, Alessio Zanon, 2010. Atlas of native breeds. Cattle, horses, sheep and goats, pigs reared in Italy, Edagricole-New Business Media, Bologna.