cupressina

Cupressina refers to a genetic trait found in certain breeds of sheep, most notably the Suffolk breed. This trait is characterized by a specific type of fleece that is short, dense, and somewhat coarse, often described as having a "woolly" or "creepy" appearance. The term "cupressina" itself is thought to be derived from the resemblance of the wool fibers to the needles of a cypress tree.

Sheep exhibiting the cupressina trait typically have a more uniform fiber diameter throughout their fleece, which can contribute to its dense structure. While not a desirable trait for fine wool production, it is not considered detrimental to the overall health or productivity of the sheep. In some cases, the cupressina fleece may be used for specific textile applications where its unique texture is advantageous, such as in stuffing or certain types of felt.

The inheritance of the cupressina trait is generally understood to be a recessive genetic characteristic. This means that a sheep must inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent, to display the cupressina phenotype. Sheep with one copy of the gene are typically carriers and may not exhibit the trait themselves but can pass it on to their offspring. Due to its recessive nature, it can appear in progeny even if neither parent visibly displays the characteristic. Breeders may select against this trait if they are aiming for fleece types suitable for fine wool markets.