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UK's most expensive sheep is dead | UK's most expensive sheep is dead |
(about 18 hours later) | |
Britain's most expensive sheep has died at a farm in north east Scotland after fathering lambs worth more than £1m. | |
Tophill Joe broke all records when he was bought by a consortium of farmers for £128,000 six years ago. | Tophill Joe broke all records when he was bought by a consortium of farmers for £128,000 six years ago. |
The Texel ram was valued for his perfectly-shaped head and legs, tight skin and top-quality fleece. | The Texel ram was valued for his perfectly-shaped head and legs, tight skin and top-quality fleece. |
His owners at Fyvie, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire, said recent hot weather in the area may have contributed to the sheep's demise. | His owners at Fyvie, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire, said recent hot weather in the area may have contributed to the sheep's demise. |
Many of Tophill Joe's offspring picked up prizes at the prestigious Royal Highland Show. | Many of Tophill Joe's offspring picked up prizes at the prestigious Royal Highland Show. |
Co-owner, Bruce Mair, said: "He had particularly good characteristics. He was active right up until the end. | Co-owner, Bruce Mair, said: "He had particularly good characteristics. He was active right up until the end. |
"He could be a bit of a pain sometimes - he had an aggressive streak, particularly during the mating season, but he will be missed. | "He could be a bit of a pain sometimes - he had an aggressive streak, particularly during the mating season, but he will be missed. |
"Sadly, he didn't survive the very hot weather. The hot weather is tough going for a ram and this summer had some very hot spells." | "Sadly, he didn't survive the very hot weather. The hot weather is tough going for a ram and this summer had some very hot spells." |
Tophill Joe is believed to have been six-years-old when he died. | Tophill Joe is believed to have been six-years-old when he died. |
Texel sheep originate from the island of Texel, off Holland, and have been known since Roman times. | Texel sheep originate from the island of Texel, off Holland, and have been known since Roman times. |
They were introduced to Britain in the 1970s, and are renowned for their lean meat. | They were introduced to Britain in the 1970s, and are renowned for their lean meat. |
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