Guide to Sheep Breeds
(Page 6 of 11)
September/October 2008
Janet Wallace
Jacob Sheep Conservancy
25780 S. Jewell Road
Beavercreek, OR 97004
snielsen@orednet.org
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Jacob Sheep Breeders Association
83136 Rattlesnake Road
Dexter, OR 97431
541-747-6149
Size: medium.
Appearance: most lambs are born black and fade to silver, also red, tan, brown and gold; pendulous ears and thick fat tails
Horns: Rams
Fleece: double-coated heavy fleece; outer fleece is coarse and long (6-12 inches), inner coat is soft
Breeding: a long season, can breed three times in two years
Lambing rate: usually singles
Behavior: strong maternal instinct; aggressive foragers; strong flocking instinct
Use: lean meat; pelts for lambskins (traditionally)
Origin: deserts in Central Asia
Environment: hardy and adaptable
ALBC rating: threatened
Karakuls are one of the world's oldest breeds. This long-lived breed can thrive under rugged conditions; the fat in their broad tails is used as an energy reserve in times of poor feeding conditions. They also show resistance to internal parasites and footrot. Lambing is easy due to the narrow heads and shoulders of the lambs. The pelts are used for “Persian lamb” coats, and, traditionally, the undercoat was felted and used in yurts and clothing.
American Karakul Sheep Registry
11500 Highway 5
Boonville, MO 65233
660-838-6340
Size: medium (but largest of the hair breeds)
Appearance: various colors and patterns; short tail
Fleece: hair in a range of textures, length and color; often coarse outer hairs and fine, woolly undercoat (which sheds in the summer)
Breeding: long season
Lambing rate: 200 percent, usually twins, sometimes triplets or quads
Behavior: strong mothering instinct; docile; moderate flocking instinct; lambs are born vigorous and alert
Use: meat
Origin: United States
Environment: adaptable by growing thick undercoat in cold winters and shedding coat in hot summers
ALBC rating: recovering
St. Croix, Suffolk and Wiltshire Horn were crossed to produce the breed, which was named after Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine (where the breed was developed). Katahdins are productive sheep that are easy to care for. They need neither shearing nor docking, and are resistant to internal and external parasites. Ewes often lamb easily, have good mothering instincts and produce ample milk. The meat is lean and mild-flavored.
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