One of most important events that ever happened in human history was domestication of animals. Although, sheep were not the first animals to be domesticated by human beings, they proved to be important and that is why they were brought into the fold. There are several different breeds of sheep spread across the world. Some are exotic while others are indigenous. For instance, katahdin sheep is indigenous in Maine, United States. This is worth knowing about katahdin hair sheep for sale.
History shows that this breed of domestic sheep derives its name from the highest peak of Mount Katahdin. Its emergence in the United States is placed in the 1950s. In order to achieve various desirable characteristics seen today various breeds of sheep were cross bred. Among the breeds used were Wiltshire Horn, Suffolk and St. Croix sheep. The animals used were selected basing on factors like flocking instinct, high fertility, meat-type conformation, and hair coat.
A number of factors contributed to the rise in popularity of this breed in America and other areas on the globe. For starters, this breed does not need shearing, an advantage especially to commercial shepherds. The activity is normally very pricey in addition to wool being very cheap. Katahdin ancestors the St. Croix sheep is believed to have contributed to the hair coat quality.
It is recorded that in order to improve the size and quality of katahdins, the first breeder introduced an Englinsh descent sheep, the Wiltshire Horn. Mature ewes weigh between 125 and 185 pounds and since rams are larger, they weigh about 180 to 250 pounds. At birth, a young one is usually about 8 pounds but can weigh more or less depending on a number of factors.
Another important trait inherited from their ancestors is resistance to parasites. As such, they have higher tolerance to both external and internal parasites compared to other breeds. This means that under proper management they will need minimal parasite treatment. As a result they are not only low-cost option but also highly productive.
Ewes show early puberty. This makes them rank top in productivity. They live long and are very productive. It is normal to some extent for mature ewes to give birth to twins and sometimes triplets and quadruplets. They have quite strong mothering instinct. Most do not need assistance to lamd.
Most ewes have ample milk for their lambs. Their mothering instinct is so strong that they rarely reject lambs. As for rams, they are among the most aggressive breeders. In general, they are fertile throughout the year. As such, they have the ability of settling huge numbers of ewes within the first cycle of exposure. Considering this, a flock should consistently lamb year round when the selection is done properly.
To finalize, this breed is hardy and therefore can adapt to a wide range of environments. In cold climates, they grow winter coats which provide protection against the cold. On the other hand, their hair coats enable them to tolerate and thrive in places with high temperatures. They can be raised under forage/grass management systems or pasture lambing.
History shows that this breed of domestic sheep derives its name from the highest peak of Mount Katahdin. Its emergence in the United States is placed in the 1950s. In order to achieve various desirable characteristics seen today various breeds of sheep were cross bred. Among the breeds used were Wiltshire Horn, Suffolk and St. Croix sheep. The animals used were selected basing on factors like flocking instinct, high fertility, meat-type conformation, and hair coat.
A number of factors contributed to the rise in popularity of this breed in America and other areas on the globe. For starters, this breed does not need shearing, an advantage especially to commercial shepherds. The activity is normally very pricey in addition to wool being very cheap. Katahdin ancestors the St. Croix sheep is believed to have contributed to the hair coat quality.
It is recorded that in order to improve the size and quality of katahdins, the first breeder introduced an Englinsh descent sheep, the Wiltshire Horn. Mature ewes weigh between 125 and 185 pounds and since rams are larger, they weigh about 180 to 250 pounds. At birth, a young one is usually about 8 pounds but can weigh more or less depending on a number of factors.
Another important trait inherited from their ancestors is resistance to parasites. As such, they have higher tolerance to both external and internal parasites compared to other breeds. This means that under proper management they will need minimal parasite treatment. As a result they are not only low-cost option but also highly productive.
Ewes show early puberty. This makes them rank top in productivity. They live long and are very productive. It is normal to some extent for mature ewes to give birth to twins and sometimes triplets and quadruplets. They have quite strong mothering instinct. Most do not need assistance to lamd.
Most ewes have ample milk for their lambs. Their mothering instinct is so strong that they rarely reject lambs. As for rams, they are among the most aggressive breeders. In general, they are fertile throughout the year. As such, they have the ability of settling huge numbers of ewes within the first cycle of exposure. Considering this, a flock should consistently lamb year round when the selection is done properly.
To finalize, this breed is hardy and therefore can adapt to a wide range of environments. In cold climates, they grow winter coats which provide protection against the cold. On the other hand, their hair coats enable them to tolerate and thrive in places with high temperatures. They can be raised under forage/grass management systems or pasture lambing.
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