The Manx Loaghtan is a breed of sheep (Ovis aries) native to the Isle of Man. It is sometimes spelled as Loaghtyn or Loghtan. It is characterized by a dark brown wool and usually having four or occasionally six horns.[1]
The Manx Loaghtan is descended from the primitive sheep once found throughout Scotland and the Hebrides and Shetland Islands, and is one of the Northern European short-tailed sheep breeds. The word Loaghtan comes from the Manx words lugh dhoan which means mouse-brown and describes the colour of the sheep.[1] This breed is primarily raised for meat which is considered a delicacy. It has recently received EU recognition and protection under the Protected Designation of Origin scheme which requires products to originate in a specific region such as Champagne.[2]
It is categorised as "at risk" by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, as there are fewer than 1,500 registered breeding females in the UK.[3]
Andrea, a customer, made this beautiful garment; http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fireside-sweater in Manx Aran;
Front view;
back view;
WOW! Hoe stunning is that! Well done Andrea..
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