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Milking Sheep
 Generally when it comes to dairy animals sheep are not the first that spring to mind, however sheep milk is rich, sweet and very nutritious. When compared to cows and goats milk, sheep milk is higher in total solids and in some minerals, such as calcium zinc and B group vitamins by up to twice as much.
As well as being something a little different sheep milk is useful to those who are allergic to cows or goats milk, unless you are lactose intolerant.
What makes a dairy ewe?
There are around 26 different types of milking sheep mainly originating from the Mediterranean area. The four most common breeds of dairy sheep to be found in the UK are British Milksheep, Friesland, Dorset Horn and the Lacaune. The British Milksheep and the Friesland are larger sheep that have a very high milk yield.
The Dorset Horn is a useful breed for out of season milk, it is a cross breed that is thought to originate from the Merino. It was brought over by the Spanish when they tried to conquer the UK centuries ago, this then bred with the Welsh Horned sheep and as they were situated in the south west they became known as the Dorset Horn. Their milk has a high fat content and is ideal for making ice cream.
The French Lacaune is a dual purpose breed that is famous as the sheep that produces milk for Roquefort Cheese.
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