When we decided we wanted to get into running sheep along with our cattle I was thinking I would have maybe 5 different types of sheep to choose from (Yes, I knew that little about the cute little wooly things.) now I have come to the startling realization that there are more breeds of sheep than breeds of any other livestock species, did you know that there are more than 1,000 distinct different sheep breeds worldwide!
Not only do I have to make myself familiar with the different available breeds that would be suited to grass-finishing on our native prairie with extreme heat in the summer and extreme cold in the winter, but I also have to figure out what one is a true duel purpose animal that will fatten on the grass and still produce a good fur in the spring.
Wool that has been sheered but not processed in any way is called Grease Wool (just learned that yesterday) the breed, color, hair density, hair shape, and oil content all affect the value of the wool, so it’s not as easy as simply saying…I’ll take that meaty little fur-ball!
Here are the breeds I am TRYING to decide between, feel free to comment and give pointers- even if you don’t know anything about sheep…cause in all honesty…neither do we!
North Country Cheviot’s:
This is hardy sheep that is said to thrive whether the conditions are adverse or ideal, and are a "hill breed”. Of necessity, hill sheep thrive untended by man, searching for browse on wild unimproved herbage. They usually lamb alone and the newborn lambs are able to survive by their near miraculous ability to get up, nurse and run just minutes after birth. They are intelligent, self-reliant, and resourceful and among the healthiest and most long lived breeds. Truly, they are the product of two hundred years of selection by survival of the fittest!
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These sheep are a hardy and have really old origins, showing up in Monastery records in the Twelfth Century being utilized for both food and clothing matterial for the monks.
Lamb grows rapidly and attains a high weaning this is associated with the inherent growth potential of the Dorper lamb and its ability to graze at an early age.Being of African decent the Dorper is hardy and can thrive under range conditions where other breeds can barely exist both hot and cold and the ewe can raise a lamb of reasonable quality under fairly severe conditions. As a strong and non-selective grazer the Dorper can advantageously be incorporated into a well planned range management system.
The Dorper is an easy care breed which requires a minimum of labor. Its skin covering which is a mixture of hair and wool, will drop off if not shorn to keep it tidy. The Dorper has a thick skin which is highly prized and protects the sheep under harsh climatic conditions. The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of
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Ewes are heavy milkers—heavy enough that some are used in sheep dairies. Twins are more common than not. Tunis also are known for disease resistance and the ability to tolerate both warm and cold climates. The meat from the Tunis sheep is tender and flavorful without having a strong mutton taste. These sheep are a lovley red-brown color and are highly prized by their handlers.
So now you have it.... how do I decide?
After reading this, and the knowledge that I have of sheep and the weather in your area lol. I would say pick between the Tunis and the Scottish blackface. The Tunis would be a good pick cause of their disease resistance (which is a high thing for sheep), and their able to carry and feed high amounts of twin births. Which would grow your herd faster.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm pro for the Tunis!