OUR RARE BREEDS

At Roundoak Farm and Kings Oak, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting rare and heritage cattle and sheep breeds. Our breeding program focuses on three critically important and endangered cattle breeds: Vaynol, White Park, and Irish Moiled cattle. These breeds are not only vital to agricultural history but also play a crucial role in biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. Through our breeding efforts, we aim to safeguard their unique genetics for future generations.

Vaynol Cattle

Conservation Status:
The Vaynol is one of the rarest cattle breeds in the world, listed as critical by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). Known for their distinctive white coats with dark markings on the ears, nose, and around the eyes, these hardy cattle have a long history in Britain but face the challenge of a severely limited gene pool.
Breeding Goals:
Our program focuses on increasing genetic diversity and population growth within the Vaynol breed. We carefully select breeding pairs to ensure healthy calves that preserve the traditional traits of the Vaynol, including their robust nature and resilience in outdoor environment

White Park Cattle

Conservation Status:
The White Park is a striking and ancient breed, recognisable by their white coats with black (or occasionally red) points on their ears, nose, and eyes. Although their numbers have increased, they are still classified as at risk by the RBST due to their relatively small global population.
Breeding Goals:
Our White Park cattle breeding program aims to maintain and enhance the distinctive features of the breed while ensuring they continue to thrive in varied climates and landscapes. We work to uphold the breed’s historical characteristics, including their calm temperament, durability, and adaptability to pasture-based farming systems.

Irish Moiled Cattle

Conservation Status:
The Irish Moiled is one of the oldest and rarest native breeds of cattle in Ireland, classified as vulnerable by the RBST. Known for their unique red and white coats, with a mix of solid colors and speckled markings, these cattle were traditionally valued for their dual-purpose abilities, producing both milk and meat.
Breeding Goals:
Our Irish Moiled cattle program focuses on preserving their genetic diversity and traditional characteristics, particularly their hardy nature and suitability for low-input farming systems. We aim to support the growth of this breed by ensuring healthy breeding lines that maintain the breed’s legacy and contribute to its revival.

Key Elements of Our Breeding Program

Genetic Diversity and Population Growth
- For all three breeds—Vaynol, White Park, and Irish Moiled—genetic diversity is key to preventing inbreeding and maintaining long-term health. We work closely with breed conservation bodies to select pairings that maximize genetic variety and ensure the sustainability of each breed’s population.
Animal Welfare
- We believe that happy, healthy animals produce the best outcomes for conservation. All our cattle are cared for in natural, spacious pastures, where they can graze freely and exhibit natural behaviours. Their health and well-being are closely monitored to ensure they remain stress-free and thrive in their environment.
Collaboration with Conservation Bodies
- We collaborate with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), breed societies, and other conservation organisations to share data, collaborate on breeding strategies, and ensure that our efforts contribute to the broader conservation of these endangered cattle breeds
Educational Outreach
- Our breeding program serves as an educational platform for visitors to learn about the importance of rare breeds, sustainable farming, and the role of heritage cattle in biodiversity. We host farm tours, workshops, and offer sponsorship opportunities for individuals to support our conservation efforts.
Long-Term Sustainability
- The focus of our breeding program is on the long-term sustainability of these breeds. We prioritize breeding for health, longevity, and resilience, ensuring that each new generation contributes positively to the future of Vaynol, White Park, and Irish Moiled cattle.

Breeding Program for Rare Breed Sheep at Roundoak Farm: North Ronaldsay, Boreray, and Manx Loaghtan

At Roundoak Farm, we are deeply committed to the conservation and breeding of some of the UK’s most endangered and historically significant sheep breeds. Our breeding program focuses on three rare breeds: North Ronaldsay, Boreray, and Manx Loaghtan. These sheep are not only vital to the preservation of biodiversity but also represent an important part of British agricultural heritage. By safeguarding their future, we contribute to maintaining genetic diversity and promoting sustainable, low-input farming systems.

North Ronaldsay

At Roundoak Farm, we are proud to include North Ronaldsay sheep in our rare breed conservation efforts. These remarkable sheep, native to the island of North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, are among the most unique and endangered sheep breeds in the world. Known for their seaweed-based diet and distinctive genetic makeup, they are a crucial part of Britain’s agricultural heritage and a key focus of our breeding program.
Conservation Status:
The North Ronaldsay sheep is classified as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), with limited numbers both on their native island and in mainland breeding programs. These sheep are famous for their ability to survive on a diet primarily consisting of seaweed, a unique adaptation developed over centuries due to the island's lack of grazing land.

Borays

Conservation Status:
The Boreray sheep is classified as critically endangered by the RBST, with only a small number of breeding populations worldwide. These hardy sheep, native to the remote St. Kilda archipelago in Scotland, are the rarest breed of sheep in the UK and were once near extinction.
Key Traits:
Boreray sheep are renowned for their wild, rugged nature and their ability to thrive in harsh, barren landscapes. They have naturally shedding fleeces, which require no shearing, and their meat is prized for its flavor and quality, due to their ability to forage on natural vegetation.
Breeding Goals:
The focus of our Boreray breeding program is on conservation and increasing population numbers while maintaining their traditional traits, such as their resilience to harsh conditions and low-maintenance wool. By selecting breeding pairs with the best genetic diversity, we aim to strengthen the health of this critically endangered breed.

Manx Loaghtan

Conservation Status:
The Manx Loaghtan is listed as vulnerable by the RBST, with declining numbers across the UK. Native to the Isle of Man, this ancient breed is distinguished by its multi-horned appearance (typically four or more horns) and rich brown fleece.
Key Traits:
Manx Loaghtan sheep are well-suited to rough pasture and low-input farming systems. They produce fine, soft wool that is highly sought after by spinners and weavers, and their meat is known for its exceptional quality and flavor.
Breeding Goals:
Our program focuses on preserving the distinctive characteristics of the Manx Loaghtan, including their multi-horned genetics and adaptability to various environments. We work to maintain genetic diversity within the breed while promoting its long-term sustainability through careful selection of breeding pairs.

Sponsor our breeding program

At Roundoak Farm, our rare breed breeding program is dedicated to protecting and conserving some of Britain’s most endangered and historically significant livestock. By sponsoring or donating to our program, you are playing a vital role in preserving these unique breeds, including North Ronaldsay, Boreray, Manx Loaghtan, and others that are at risk of extinction.