Guide to Sheep Breeds

(Page 4 of 12)

Janet Wallace
September/October 2008
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS

Strong mothering instinct, vigorous lambs, narrow heads and wide pelvic structures all contribute to problem-free lambing. The ewes are known for being productive for more than a decade. They produce high-protein milk that leads to fast growth in the lambs.

RELATED CONTENT

North American Clun Forest Association21727 Randall Drive
Houston, MN 55943
507-864-7585

Corriedale 

Size: medium
Appearance: heavyset white sheep; woolly legs and topknots
Fleece: heavy coat of fine, moderately long fleece with high luster
Breeding: seasonal
Lambing rate: twinning
Behavior: good mothering and herding instinct
Use: meat, wool
Origin: New Zealand, Australia
Environment: better for farm than range
ALBC rating: not rated

The Corriedale is a great dual-purpose breed with good carcass quality and fine, lustrous fleece valued by handspinners.

American Corriedale Association Inc.P.O. Box 391Clay City, IL 62824
618-676-1046  

Cotswold 

Size: large
Appearance: white but sometimes spotted face and legs; forelock and woolly legs
Fleece: very long, coarse, lustrous wool that hangs in ringlets
Breeding: seasonal
Lambing rate: 150-175 percent
Behavior: docile, excellent maternal instincts
Use: meat, wool for handspinners
Origin: England
Environment: good on range; poor heat tolerance
ALBC rating: threatened

One of the oldest breeds known. A hardy sheep that has easy lambing (because of a wide pelvic structure), strong foraging and maternal instincts. Cotswolds are used to increase milk production, body size and staple length in crossbred young.

Cotswold Breeders Association
P.O. Box 441
Manchester, MD 21102
410-374-4383

Dorper 

Size: medium to large
Appearance: distinctive appearance with black head and neck, and white heavyset body
Fleece: mix of hair and wool, sheds in the spring
Breeding: long breeding season; can breed out of season up to every 8 months
Lambing rate: 150 percent can produce 2.25 lambs a year
Behavior: good mothering
Use: meat
Origin: South Africa
Environment: can thrive on poor pasture or in lush conditions
ALBC rating: not rated

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Next >>
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 50% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Live The Good Life with Grit!

For more than 125 years, Grit has helped its readers live more prosperously and happily while emphasizing the importance of community and a rural lifestyle tradition. In each bimonthly issue, Grit includes helpful articles, humorous and inspiring articles, captivating photos, gardening and cooking advice, do-it-yourself projects and the practical reader advice you would expect to find in America’s premier rural lifestyle magazine.

Get your guide to living outside the city limits delivered straight to your mailbox. Subscribe to Grit today!  Simply fill in your information below to receive 1 year (6 issues) of Grit for only $19.95!

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER!

At Grit, we have a tradition of respecting the land that sustains rural America. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing to Grit through our automatic renewal savings plan. By paying now with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of Grit for only $14.95 (USA only).

Or, Bill Me Later and send me one year of Grit for just $19.95!