Dairy Sheep

 

There is very little specific data available on the exact number of sheep dairies operating in Canada. While there are approximately 1 million sheep on about 11,000 farms across the country, not all sheep farms focus solely on dairy production.

 

A more general overview of the Canadian dairy industry indicates 11,683 dairy farms, encompassing all types of dairy, including those that may or may not specialize in ovine dairy. 

 

In the Canadian dairy sheep industry, the East Friesian, British Milk Sheep, and Lacaune are the most prevalent breeds. These are known for their high milk production capabilities and are widely used for the production of sheep milk, cheese, and artisanal dairy products. 

 

The production of ewe milk for cheese manufacturing is blooming, particularly in Québec and Ontario. Ewe milk is about twice as fatty and has 40% more proteins than cow or goat milk, which makes it particularly suitable for cheese production.

 

While the exact number of sheep dairies operating in BC is difficult to identify, there were about 470 dairy farms in total in 2020, and it is estimated that approximately 54,600 sheep were in British Columbia as of 2021. These numbers suggest that some sheep dairies exist or are being established within the broader dairy farming sector, according to information from the BC Government’s agricultural websites. 

 

In BC’s dairy sheep industry, East Friesian are the most productive milkers and are also favoured by breeders for crossing to improve lambing percentage and milk production in other breeds. The BC Purebred Sheep Breeders Association lists East Friesian Dairy Sheep as a significant breed, particularly for their valued traits in milk production and improving lambing rates in other breeds. 

 

While the BC SPCA notes that Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta raise the majority of Canada’s sheep, they also mention that the most popular breeds in Canada are the Suffolk, Dorset, and Rideau Arcott. These breeds, while not exclusively dairy, are often crossed with dairy breeds like East Friesians to improve milk production for healthy and growthy lambs.