Katahdin sheep was first bred in USA in the state of Maine. The breeding took place during the twentieth century specifically in the 2nd half. The breeding happened after the original breeder Michael Piel read an article in National Geographic in the year 1956. He crossed other breeds with St. Croix sheep which he imported. The crossing was done basing on animals with good flocking instinct, fertility, hair coat, and meat-type conformation.
Michael employed the best strains of animals in the breeding exercise to ensure that the resultant lambs possessed the best qualities he wanted. Low wool price and high shearing prices have caused the popularity of these animals in the US to rise a lot. The breed continues to spread from the native land and whenever in search of the best Katahdin sheep Kentucky is among the placed to visit.
Piel himself named the Katahdin species of sheep. The name was given after the mountain of Katahdin, which is located in Maine. The breed was taken through some changes after Michael passed away. Some breeding was done between it and horned breeds although those alterations were abandoned in preference of the hornless species. Kentucky like other states have bodies that manage the standards in these sheep.
The key characteristic in these animals is that unlike other breeds which have their bodies covered in wool, they have hair instead. Some wooly hair may however still be observed. They shed their hair every spring making it unnecessary to shear them. This is an important trait that most farmers look for in animals. Their tails do not need to be docked too.
Ewes have strong parental instincts and guard their lambs at all times. They lamb triplets at times and there is no need for assistance when lambing. For first time lambing, single or double lambs are the most suitable. This is according to research recorded by most organizations concerned with them. Milk produced is a lot and enough for the lambs. These breed flocks fairly well due to their gentle nature, though rams might be pushy at times.
Generally they are colored white although they have a brown patch along the upper surface of the neck. The animals have black or brown hair in some situations, and occasionally spots may appear. Hair offers good protection against parasite attack, rendering them very resistant to parasite-caused ailments. The weight of ewes ranges between 120 and 160 pounds whereas males weigh around 180-240 pounds. This mass places them under the medium size sheep category.
This breed is mainly raised because of their meat. The meat quality is good and lean with a mild flavor. Another purpose for which they are raised is grazing. They are good grazers hence are used in controlling weed and herb growth. They consume most plantations ignored by other breeds. The amount of maintenance they require is less compared to other strains.
These species attains its highest productivity between the age of 3 and 6 years and the productivity starts deteriorating beyond seven years. The life expectancy stands between 10 and 12 years. Best practices require that animals be grouped according to age set. Older ones should be separated from young ones to give them room.
Michael employed the best strains of animals in the breeding exercise to ensure that the resultant lambs possessed the best qualities he wanted. Low wool price and high shearing prices have caused the popularity of these animals in the US to rise a lot. The breed continues to spread from the native land and whenever in search of the best Katahdin sheep Kentucky is among the placed to visit.
Piel himself named the Katahdin species of sheep. The name was given after the mountain of Katahdin, which is located in Maine. The breed was taken through some changes after Michael passed away. Some breeding was done between it and horned breeds although those alterations were abandoned in preference of the hornless species. Kentucky like other states have bodies that manage the standards in these sheep.
The key characteristic in these animals is that unlike other breeds which have their bodies covered in wool, they have hair instead. Some wooly hair may however still be observed. They shed their hair every spring making it unnecessary to shear them. This is an important trait that most farmers look for in animals. Their tails do not need to be docked too.
Ewes have strong parental instincts and guard their lambs at all times. They lamb triplets at times and there is no need for assistance when lambing. For first time lambing, single or double lambs are the most suitable. This is according to research recorded by most organizations concerned with them. Milk produced is a lot and enough for the lambs. These breed flocks fairly well due to their gentle nature, though rams might be pushy at times.
Generally they are colored white although they have a brown patch along the upper surface of the neck. The animals have black or brown hair in some situations, and occasionally spots may appear. Hair offers good protection against parasite attack, rendering them very resistant to parasite-caused ailments. The weight of ewes ranges between 120 and 160 pounds whereas males weigh around 180-240 pounds. This mass places them under the medium size sheep category.
This breed is mainly raised because of their meat. The meat quality is good and lean with a mild flavor. Another purpose for which they are raised is grazing. They are good grazers hence are used in controlling weed and herb growth. They consume most plantations ignored by other breeds. The amount of maintenance they require is less compared to other strains.
These species attains its highest productivity between the age of 3 and 6 years and the productivity starts deteriorating beyond seven years. The life expectancy stands between 10 and 12 years. Best practices require that animals be grouped according to age set. Older ones should be separated from young ones to give them room.
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