Guide to Sheep Breeds
(Page 10 of 11)
September/October 2008
Janet Wallace
Shetlands are a primitive breed of sheep, at least a thousand years old. The sheep are hardy and lambing is usually easy. The lambs are slow to mature and are often kept over the winter before being marketed. The meat is known for its distinctive flavor. Shetland fleece is prized by handspinners and sometimes used to make ”ring shawls” – shawls so fine that they can be pulled through a wedding ring. The fleece comes in an incredible range of colors and patterns.
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North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Association
15603 173rd Ave.
Milo, IA 50166
Shropshire
Size: medium
Appearance: dark brown face and legs; white wool
Fleece: heavy fleece of medium-grade wool
Breeding: seasonal
Lambing rate: 175-200 percent under good conditions
Behavior: gentle, good maternal instinct
Use: meat, wool
Origin: England
Environment: adapted to a range of pasture conditions, especially cold wet weather
ALBC rating: recovering
“Wool from the tip of the nose to the tip of the toes” was used to describe Shropshires in their heyday. In the early 1900s, the Shropshire was the most common breed in the United States. However, breeders selected for small size and greater wool, resulting in a small sheep prone to wool blindness (heavy wool growth on the face covers eyes; requires regular face shearing). Since the 1950s, breeders have worked to ensure the breed has the original characteristics that made it so popular. Shropshire lambs are vigorous, grow quickly and have a superior carcass quality. The gentle disposition makes them suitable for a family flock. The ewes are prolific, give good yields of milk and are long-lived.
American Shropshire Registry Association
41 Bell Road
Leyden, MA 01337
413-624-9652
Size: small to medium
Appearance: light brown face and legs; white wool; heavyset body
Fleece: low yield of moderately fine, short-stapled fleece
Breeding: seasonal
Lambing rate: single or twins
Behavior: docile
Use: meat
Origin: England
Environment: poor heat tolerance but otherwise adaptable
ALBC rating: recovering
Southdowns are noted for the excellent feed conversion. They are ideal for intensive management, including producing lambs for the Easter market. The lambs mature quickly and have good survival rates. The meat is noted for its flavor and tenderness.
The Babydoll Southdown is a miniature breed, less than two-feet high at the shoulder, recently developed from the Southdown.
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