Latxa

Latxa is a breed of domestic sheep originating from the Basque Country of Spain. It is primarily raised for milk, which is used to produce a traditional Basque cheese known as Idiazabal.

History

The Latxa breed has a long history in the Basque Country, where it has been raised for centuries. The breed's name, "Latxa", is derived from the Basque word "latz", meaning "rough", a reference to the sheep's coarse wool.

Characteristics

Latxa sheep are small to medium-sized animals, with a distinctive black or brown face and legs. They are known for their long, coarse wool which is not typically used for textile production due to its rough texture. The breed is well-adapted to the hilly and mountainous terrain of the Basque Country, and is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive on poor quality pasture.

Milk Production

The primary economic importance of the Latxa breed is milk production. The sheep are milked twice a day, and the milk is used to produce Idiazabal cheese. This cheese is a significant part of Basque culinary tradition, and is protected by a Designation of Origin status.

Conservation Status

The Latxa breed is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many traditional livestock breeds, it faces challenges due to changes in farming practices and competition from more commercially popular breeds.

See Also

• List of sheep breeds
• Agriculture in Spain
• Basque cuisine