Manx Loaghtan (previously Loghtan)

Fowlescombe is now one of the largest breeders of these rare breed sheep. We started off with just a few animals bought from a lovely lady called Brenda at the Devon show. She was prepared to sell us a mixed age group of Manx to get us started. She insisted we ate Sunday lunch first - rare breed leg of lamb. Very tasty!!

We selected the sheep and late in the year bought a ram (and a young ram lamb to keep Tony happy when he was not in with the ewes). Tony was very efficient and threw very nice lambs. Since then we bought two more lots of Manx from Brenda, who has now moved to France

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About the breed

The Loaghtan sheep is a native breed from the Island of Man.

It almost died out in the 1950's, but now there are many thriving flocks across the British Isles. Loaghtan is an unusual breed given that both sexes have the tendency to produce two, four or even six horns. The ewe horns are small, but the ram horns are strong and long, or occasionally curled. A sturdy and rugged breed, which has a long ancestry on the Island of Man. The name "Loaghtan" is believed to come from the Manx words lugh (meaning mouse) and dhoan (meaning brown). This name could be referring to the light brown fleece, which most of the sheep grow. Once the sheep would have been seen along the mountains and hills in white, grey and black, but now only the brown ones remain. Lambs are born black but change from 2 weeks old to brown. Loaghtans have no wool on their legs or face and are similar to the northern short tail breeds.

Loaghtan wool is normally left undyed and used to weave lightweight garments. Manx tartans are also made from this wool.

The meat from these animals is prized as a gourmet meat. You would normally eat it as you would a prime cut of top quality beef – eg rare or medium rare. If you do want to enhance the flavour then we would recommend a hint of red currant jelly.
If using a leg of lamb or rolled shoulder, a thin cover of mustard while in the oven can also add value
Fowlescombe in South Devon is a large breeder of these sheep, having around 200. This organic farm sells breeding animals and meat direct and through selected butchers
Richard Barker is a Trustee of the Rare Breed Survival Trust

From our small beginnings we have now over 200 Manx head of sheep - not all of breeding age. We do sell some for ongoing breeding and most of the 'boys' for meat - so please help us, and other breeders, by buying this gourmet meat, as it helps us all justify the time and expense in keeping these animals - they also taste great!!