Spælsau

The Spælsau gives rich milk, has a strong flock instinct, and manages well outdoors most of the year.

But it is vulnerable to eye disease caused by eating the plant Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum).

Wool colours include black and white but common among older types (Gamalnorsk and Villsau) are many variations and shades of grey (known as `blue`) and brown (known as `red`) Adult ewes reach a live weight of 60 kg (130 lb) to 70 kg (150 lb).

The long protective wool which is used for weaving is traditionally spun into two-strand tightly-spun yarn instead of the usual three-strand type, resulting in a beautiful lustre.

This spælsau yarn was used in the Norwegian old tapestries from the Renaissance and Baroque times.