Katahdin is a slightly newer variety of sheep found in America. Its development occurred in 1950s by Piel Michael, an amateur geneticist and a farmer. The animal was named after Mt. Katahdin in the state of Maine where the farm was located. The breed was a result of a cross between haired sheep and British breeds. When in necessity for Katahdin sheep Kentucky is worth visiting before other places.
According to current registrations, transfer numbers, and research, this breed is the most popular breed of sheep consumed and reared on farms in the US. Irrespective of their tendency to look like goats, these animals are pure sheep having 54 chromosomes and not 60 as in goats. Infact, fertile pregnancies are not possible with goats. The goat-like appearance may be because of Mouflon, the ancestor of most modern sheep resembled goats.
This breed of animals can have any single color or a mixture of several colors forming different patterns. Major colors however are red, brown, white, and black. Of the four colors, white is the commonest and spots of different patterns may be observable in the white coat. The color does not imply any variations in production or any other traits. The breed association does not also discriminate basing on color.
Naturally, this breed does not have horns because it is generally polled. However, as a result of being developed from Wiltshire Horn breed, some develop scurs and horns due to residual influence. Polled animals are preferred more by the breed association and most breeders. Horning and scurring are allowed in the species standards. Milk goiter also develops in some lambs. This is a normal occurrence in perfectly performing lambs. The milk goiter must not be mistaken for bottle jaw, an abscess, or iodine goiter.
Development of these animals happened under cold mountain foot climates. This makes them very suitable for rearing in cold areas. They can also adapt very well under a wide range of climates. For instance, under very cold conditions, they develop a very thick coat to insulate against heat loss from the body. In warm regions, the coat developed is slightly thin. Nutrition plays a major role in maintenance of body temperature under suitable levels.
Katahdin has many attractive qualities that other breeds lack. For instance, crutching, tail docking, and shearing are not necessary. Gastro-intestinal parasites are also well resisted against by these animals. Reproduction traits and body fitness are also very good. Fertility, mothering capability, prolificacy, and milk production are all high. The meat has very good taste and quality.
Lambing ability is high, but also dependent on many factors. Age, season of breeding, and nutrition are the major factors that affect lambing. Each lambing results in at least more than two lambs on average. Number of lambs and capability to lamb depends significantly on the body condition. Ewes with more than one lamb should be fed plenty of feed with more nutrient content. This helps to meet milk requirements by the lambs.
Breeding starts at the age of 12 months. Decision to breed should however be based more on weight than age. Rams are normally ready for breeding at the age of 7 to 8 months.
According to current registrations, transfer numbers, and research, this breed is the most popular breed of sheep consumed and reared on farms in the US. Irrespective of their tendency to look like goats, these animals are pure sheep having 54 chromosomes and not 60 as in goats. Infact, fertile pregnancies are not possible with goats. The goat-like appearance may be because of Mouflon, the ancestor of most modern sheep resembled goats.
This breed of animals can have any single color or a mixture of several colors forming different patterns. Major colors however are red, brown, white, and black. Of the four colors, white is the commonest and spots of different patterns may be observable in the white coat. The color does not imply any variations in production or any other traits. The breed association does not also discriminate basing on color.
Naturally, this breed does not have horns because it is generally polled. However, as a result of being developed from Wiltshire Horn breed, some develop scurs and horns due to residual influence. Polled animals are preferred more by the breed association and most breeders. Horning and scurring are allowed in the species standards. Milk goiter also develops in some lambs. This is a normal occurrence in perfectly performing lambs. The milk goiter must not be mistaken for bottle jaw, an abscess, or iodine goiter.
Development of these animals happened under cold mountain foot climates. This makes them very suitable for rearing in cold areas. They can also adapt very well under a wide range of climates. For instance, under very cold conditions, they develop a very thick coat to insulate against heat loss from the body. In warm regions, the coat developed is slightly thin. Nutrition plays a major role in maintenance of body temperature under suitable levels.
Katahdin has many attractive qualities that other breeds lack. For instance, crutching, tail docking, and shearing are not necessary. Gastro-intestinal parasites are also well resisted against by these animals. Reproduction traits and body fitness are also very good. Fertility, mothering capability, prolificacy, and milk production are all high. The meat has very good taste and quality.
Lambing ability is high, but also dependent on many factors. Age, season of breeding, and nutrition are the major factors that affect lambing. Each lambing results in at least more than two lambs on average. Number of lambs and capability to lamb depends significantly on the body condition. Ewes with more than one lamb should be fed plenty of feed with more nutrient content. This helps to meet milk requirements by the lambs.
Breeding starts at the age of 12 months. Decision to breed should however be based more on weight than age. Rams are normally ready for breeding at the age of 7 to 8 months.
About the Author:
Read more about To Get Superior Breeds Of Katahdin Sheep Kentucky Deserves To Be Visited.
No comments:
Post a Comment