Calico sheep is a type of sheep that has more than one colour within its coat.[1] The colouring is due to a piebald mutation, but the calico sheep is not a recognized breed.

These sheep tend to be very small due to intensive inbreeding and are often mislabeled as a true breed. Rather, they are mere crossbred sheep that have interesting colour patterns.

Calico Sheep

Genetics

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The calico mutation is due to an autosomal recessive gene, first reported by Roberts.[1]

History

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Calico sheep are not related to the black and white sheep that are native to ancient Sudan[2] and to South Africa.[3]

The modern mutation was developed by breeding Shetland sheep with Barbados Blackbelly Sheep.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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