Heatwave kills UK's costliest sheep

Published on Saturday 8 August 2009 19:53

ONE of the owners of Britain's most expensive sheep has paid tribute to the animal after it died at a farm in Scotland.

Tophill Joe, who broke all previous records when he was sold for 128,000 six years ago, is thought to have been badly affected by the heatwave that hit Britain earlier in the summer.

He was snapped up by a consortium of five Scottish farmers in 2003, who were impressed by his perfectly shaped head and legs, tight skin and top-quality fleece.

And the record-breaking ram went on to prove his worth during his time at Mid Haddo Farm in Fyvie, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, siring generations of Textel lambs worth more than 1 million in his lifetime.

Tophill Joe produced more than 1,000 offspring, including a ram that was sold for 327,000.

Many of his progeny also picked up prizes at the prestigious Royal Highland Show.

One of his owners, Bruce Mair, of Turriff, 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. 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."