Sheep management

Sheep management Sheep farming or sheep husbandry is the raising and breeding of domestic sheep. It is a branch of an They include tactics for different seasons.

Sheep management and reproduction
Page last updated: Monday, 20 July 2020 - 10:39am
Wool and sheepmeat production systems rely on the breeding ewe — how she is managed sets up the efficiency and profitability of both the ewe and weaner flock. Getting stocking rate right, weaner management, having the right infrastructure and an efficient use of labour are also big contributors to running an effici

ent and profitable sheep enterprise. hoggets.JPG
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Stocking rate is the primary driver of profit from sheep flocks. However, the nutritional management of breeding ewes and the selection of replacement ewes are also key drivers of profit. The ewe is the ‘engine room’ for production of both wool and meat from sheep — how she is managed sets up the efficiency and profitability of both the ewe and weaner flock. Decisions on the time of lambing, ewe management, weaner management and preparation for joining must all be optimised if profit is to be maximised. Cost of production and labour efficiency convert those gains into profit per hectare. The following pages provide information and advice on how to best manage your sheep enterprise during different times of the year. Setting up your enterprise
Time of lambing
Key monitoring times for the ewe flock
Condition scoring sheep
Joining information
Managing pregnancy
Lambing and lactation
Growing weaners

09/08/2022

Many families enjoy the rural lifestyle and wish to expose their children to plant cultivation, animal husbandry, and other aspects of agricultural production. Sheep are an ideal small farm (or ranch) enterprise. Because of their small size and gentle nature, sheep are especially suitable for women, children, and people with some disabilities.
Showing (or exhibiting) sheep can be an enjoyable activity for people of all ages, but especially youth. Sheep and lambs make excellent 4-H and FFA projects. In fact, 4-H and FFA is the reason many people get started in the sheep business. Sheep are suitable projects for home schoolers. Many of life's lessons can be taught on the farm. There are many science fair projects that can be done with sheep and wool.
There is a certain satisfaction to growing your own food and fiber. Some people keep a few sheep to provide meat, dairy products, and/or fiber for their family. Small flock owners contribute to the supply of local food and fiber. They support local businesses. Some people wish to support livestock conservation efforts by raising and helping to preserve a rare or heritage breed of sheep.
Many people raise sheep because of their desire to train and trial herding dogs, usually Border Collies. It is hard to train and work a herding dog without having access to a flock of sheep. Hair sheep are usually kept for this task, as they are more tolerant of the heat and rigorous workouts. Wethers are often preferred because they can be worked on a year-round basis.
Sheep-raising can be an enjoyable activity for retired or disabled persons. Sheep are easier to handle than larger livestock and the investment in breeding stock, equipment, and facilities is usually much less than for other enterprises. In some situations, the sheep enterprise can supplement the retirement income. Empty-nesters and single people may keep sheep, so they have something to care for.
Increasingly, people are keeping sheep (and other farm animals) as pets or companions. Wethers and ewes should be chosen for this purpose. Intact males and horned animals should not be kept as pets. Hair sheep are a good choice because they do not require shearing. They are also more resistant to internal parasites (worms). Bum lambs (bottle babies) make the best pets because they will naturally bond to whoever feeds them. Sheep are social animals. Pet sheep should be kept in pairs or small flocks (ideally).
The love of sheep and animal husbandry is the motivation for many shepherds, both commercial producers and lifestyle farmers. In fact, if you don't genuinely like sheep, there are easier ways to make money or spend your leisure time.

03/08/2022

Grass or pasture is the primary source of food and nutrients for ruminant mammals like sheep. Because of sheep’s unique digestive system, farmers need to ensure that their stock can safely graze while minimizing feed costs and damage to the pasture. This article covers the basics of pasture management for sheep farming. I’ll introduce you to the basic concepts of pasture management, explain what it is, why it’s important, and provide some essential tips to help you improve the grasslands on your sheep farm.
Let’s get started.
What is Pasture Management?
Pasture management for sheep involves several strategies and practices to ensure that natural and suitable forage is available for sheep to graze on. Good pasture management practices affect the health and sustainability of farm operations and the surrounding ecosystem. When a pasture is well-managed, it can produce high-quality feeds, improve forage growth and yield, decrease w**d and pest infestation, and enhance the health and productivity of sheep.
What Factors Affect Pasture Management?
There are several significant factors to consider so you can grow and manage pastures successfully. These include:
Soil quality,
Climate,
Terrain, and
Water Supply
Let’s take a closer look at each of these environmental factors and the roll it plays in managing your sheep pasture.
Soil Quality
Soil provides the groundwork for pasture management. Fertile soil allows grass to grow in adequate quantities, hence sustaining the feeding requirements of a flock. Good quality soil will not erode easily and will also ward off the growth of undesirable w**ds and poisonous plants.
To determine if the soil is conducive for pasture growth, soil testing is typically done. Soil samples are taken from several areas of interest to get a representative sample. Once the samples are collected, they undergo testing in a lab where factors such as the Ph level, available phosphorous and potassium, and presence of salt and cations such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium are analyzed.
Soil testing and analysis will help reveal what nutrients are available in the soil and what types of plants can thrive in your pasture. The results of soil testing also provide recommendations on which fertilizers can improve soil fertility, though on most sheep farms the sheep do most of the fertilizing.
I have used and recommend this online soil test kit from Amazon. You dig up a few samples and ship it to a lab in the provided box. When results are ready you can access an online dashboard where your soil is fully analyzed and the information will remain available to you any time you need to reference it.
Climate
Weather can affect pasture growth and development. Grass can grow more quickly during the warmer months, as long as there is ample moisture. However, during periods of extreme drought, forage yield is typically low because there is a shortage in the water supply that can help the grass survive.
Grass production may also be lower during the early stages of the rainy season, where the volume of precipitation is high. During intense rainfall periods, water runs off the soil rather than being absorbed, making the soil less conducive to grass growth.
Terrain
The location of the pasture, the level of terrain, and the steepness of its slope can affect livestock grazing behavior and pasture development.
For example, sloping terrains that face south receive more sunlight than north-facing slopes, enabling them to produce better grass. Steep, sloping terrains are less favorable to forage growth because they are shallow and prone to erosion compared to the terrain at hillsides.
Livestock may also prefer grazing on flat or mild sloping terrains than steep ones.
Other land conditions such as deep ravines and uneven or unstable terrain may be dangerous to livestock. It’s important to have an understanding of the terrain and grazing conditions you’re offering your sheep. On a hilly property your flock may need more paddock space than a similar sized flock on level grassland.
Water Supply
Water quality and availability are vital in any livestock or farming operations. Without an ample supply of water, the land will not receive the moisture it needs to nurture crop growth. Likewise, a low water supply can also affect the health of the flock. Ideally, two to three gallons of water must be allocated per sheep.
If the pasture is located near urban or suburban areas, the existing drainage systems and water runoff patterns can also affect the water supply in pastures.
If you’re dividing your pasture up into paddocks for rotational grazing, locating your water tank in the center of the pasture is a good way to cut down on labor … you can rotate them in a pinwheel around the field, retaining access to the water tank from each paddock set up with electric sheep netting.
What Types of Forage are Suitable for Sheep?
As a herbivore and ruminant, a sheep’s diet is mainly composed of plants, hay, and grains.
Sheep can graze for up to seven hours a day, especially on abundant pasture.
Forage selection depends on the climate and land conditions where the pasture is located. To ensure that sheep can feed year-round, forages should ideally be a mix of different crops. Sheep often prefer grazing on the following:
Legumes,
Grass, and
Forbs
Let’s start with a few examples of the best types of forage in each of these categories.

What are Legumes?
Legumes can convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, then add it to the soil for its development. They also have a high protein content.
Alfalfa – Alfalfa is one of the most common types of legumes found in dairy regions. It has a high crop yield and can survive for about six years. It is good for grazing because it grows tall and straight. However, it may be too rich for sheep to feed, so mixing it with 50% grass can be more effective.
White clover – White clover is easy to grow and drought tolerant. However, the common types of white clover typically grow about two to three inches tall only, which are not suitable for grazing. Medium or Dutch types of white clover are ideal for sheep because they can grow up to eight inches tall.
Red clover – Red clover grows faster and produces a high yield. It is also high in nutritional value, but it must be consumed with other crops or grasses because it may cause bloating.
Other legume options are Lespedeza and bird’s foot trefoil, which are legumes that bloom during the middle of the summer and early fall seasons. Vetch, lucerne, and alsike clover are other kinds of legumes that sheep can eat.

Grasses in Sheep Pasture
While sheep consume a higher volume of legumes, they also like eating grass. Ideally, pastures should be a mix of 70% legumes and 30% grass, but in most farm pasture you’ll find the inverse to be true.
Kentucky bluegrass – Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most commonly used types of grass in sheep pastures because it has a high tolerance for traffic, drought, floods, and overgrazing. This type of grass also grows up to 24 inches high and produces high-quality forage.
Timothy – Sheep like eating timothy grass, however, it is a low-yielding crop and survives for about three to five years. It also needs cool, wet soil to grow.
Perennial Ryegrass – Perennial ryegrass is easy to grow and produces high-quality grass. However, it only grows in early spring or late fall, and then dies out when winter comes.

BreedsTheoretically, any breed of sheep can be milked, but it is unlikely that it would be profitable to milk traditiona...
22/09/2021

Breeds
Theoretically, any breed of sheep can be milked, but it is unlikely that it would be profitable to milk traditional meat (wooled or hair) or wool breeds. In the United States, there are three dairy sheep breeds: East Friesian, Lacaune, and Awassi. It is most common to cross the Lacaune with the East Friesian.

The East Friesian is the most numerous dairy sheep breed in the US. Lacaune sheep are available in lesser numbers and have a limited gene pool, though the industry was been importing semen (from France) to freshen the genetics. In 2013, the Awassi was introduced to the US via embryos and semen. Crossing the Awassi with the East Friesian yields another (recognized) breed of dairy sheep called the Assaf. The British Milk sheep, currently raised in Canada, may eventually make its way into the US.

East Friesian
The East Friesian is considered to be the heaviest milking breed of sheep in the world. It is analogous to the Holstein cow. In fact, the East Friesian was developed in the same region as the Holstein, the Friesland area of Germany and Holland. The average milk production of the East Friesian can exceed 1,000 lbs. of milk during a 220 to 240-day lactation.

East Friesians are also efficient lamb producers. Mature ewes average more than two lambs per lambing. Even yearling ewes are capable of producing 200 percent lamb crops. East Friesians are docile and adapt well to intensive parlor milking systems. They do not fare well in hot climates and are not suitable for extensive management systems. Lambs are prone to pneumonia.

Lacaune
The Lacaune is a French breed of dairy sheep. In France, the Lacaune breed has been rigorously selected for improved milk production. At one time, annual genetic improvement for milk yield was estimated to be 2.4 percent. The Lacaune is the breed used to produce France's famous Roquefort cheese. In fact, it is the only breed whose milk can be used to make Roquefort cheese.

As compared to the East Friesian, the Lacaune is a hardier breed of dairy sheep. They give birth to fewer lambs and produce less milk, but their milk is higher in fat and protein, giving better cheese yields. The Lacaune has very little wool, on its head, legs, and a good portion of its belly is bare.

Awassi
The Awassi is a fat-tailed sheep that originated in the Middle East. The improved Awassi is one of the heaviest milk producing breeds in the world, second only to the East Friesian. Awassis are a hardy breed, having evolved under arid, nomadic conditions. They have brown faces and legs and produce carpet wool. Males are horned whereas ewes are usually polled.

Icelandic
The Icelandic breed is sometimes raised for dairy purposes. In Iceland, it was historically used for milking. While Icelandics will produce less milk than the specialized dairy breeds, they are hardier and known for having good udder conformation. For the small farm cheese processor, Icelandics may be a good choice. They may also be better-suited to grass-based production systems than the specialized dairy breeds which would have much higher nutritional requirements.

British Milk Sheep
The British Milk Sheep is a cross between many breeds (especially East Friesian), with heavy selection for milk production. They are considered to be a dual-purpose breed (meat + dairy) and are the most prolific breed in Great Britain.
Upgrading
With only a few breeds to choose from and a small industry, the acquisition of good quality breeding stock can be challenging. Both cost and availability can be limiting factors to developing a profitable sheep dairy. A meat breed flock can be graded up to a dairy flock.

Dorsets and Polypays have usually been the meat breeds of choice for grading up to dairy sheep. The F1's (first crosses) can be milked, but ewes with a higher percentage of dairy breeding will substantially increase milk yield. Some meat sheep producers have infused dairy genetics into their flocks to increase milk production.

Breed type
Milk production
Conventional breeds
100 to 200 lbs.
Conventional x dairy
300 to 650 lbs.
Dairy breeds
400 to 1100 lbs.
Source: Wisconsin Dairy Cooperative (2008)
At one point, there was some interest in creating a dairy hair sheep. The Spooner Ag Research Station in Wisconsin (now closed) evaluated Katahdin x Lacaune crosses for sheep dairying. Their conclusion was that Lacaune x Katahdin crossbred ewes would be acceptable for low-input, easy-care systems where maximum milk production is not the goal. The cross may also be suitable for producers in the South and Southeast, where heat tolerance and parasite resistance are of greater importance and where more extensive production systes may be employed.

Breeding
The attrition rate of dairy ewes is usually much higher than it is for ewes that are raised for meat and/or fiber production. Dairy ewes are usually intensively managed for high milk production. They “work” harder than conventional sheep. Spoiled udders are a common cause of culling. It is best to select replacement stock from the younger ewes in the flock, as they should have the best genetics.

About 30 percent of the flock should be bred to produce replacement stock. These should be the best ewes in the flock. The remainder of the flock can be bred to a terminal sire breed, such as Suffolk, Hampshire, or Texel, to produce crossbred market lambs. Not only will the crossbred lambs grow faster and produce superior carcasses, but their vigor will likely be superior to the pure dairy lambs.

Dairy sheep, especially East Friesians, are not known for their hardiness. Their lambs are prone to pneumonia. All other things being equal, hybrid vigor (crossbreeding) is the best way to improve lamb vigor and survivability. According to various studies, Texel-sired lambs have higher survival rates than Suffolk-sired lambs. They may also be more resistant to internal parasites; an important factor if the crossbred lambs will be grazed. There is emerging evidence that lambs that are more resistant to worms (have lower f***l egg counts) have higher surivability.
Management
Winter lambing is usually most common in commercial sheep dairies. While there are some disadvantages to winter lambing, it will result in the longest lactation period, thus the most milk being produced.

Lower costs are usually associated with spring lambing, but the lactation period will be shorter, as milk production decreases rapidly as fall approaches and day length begins to decrease. Year-round milking would require two groups of ewes, and spring breeding may require hormone or light manipulation of the ewe's reproductive cycle. Freezing milk might be a better way to get around the seasonality of sheep breeding, though frozen milk is less desirable than fresh milk.

Dairy ewes should be sheared prior to lambing. East Friesian ewes seem to have particularly thick fleeces. A short fleece is more desirable, contributing to a more sanitary milking environment. It is also advisable to dock dairy ewes, as a long tail (even the East Friesian's rat-tail) does not make for hygienic milking conditions.

The health management of dairy ewes is similar to other types of sheep. Ewes should be vaccinated for clostridial diseases approximately four to six weeks prior to lambing. Lambs should receive two vaccinations for clostridial diseases. The need for additional vaccinations will depend upon the flock's disease history and risk.

Deworming should be done on an as-need basis only, based on the observation of clinical signs such as anemia, bottle jaw, poor body condition, and dagginess. Particular attention must be paid to the milk withdrawal periods for the various anthelmintics. Morantel tartrate (Rumatel) is the only dewormer with no withdrawal period for dairy animals (cows and goats). However, it is not labeled for sheep. A veterinary prescription and valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is required to use drugs extra label.

If ewes are well-nourished, the need for deworming should be minimal. If lambs are pastured, they will need to be closely monitored for signs of internal parasitism and treated accordingly with effective drugs. The current recommendation is to use combination treatments (more than one dewormer at a time) to treat clinically-parasitized animals. Numerous management practices can lessen the need for deworming.

Lamb management
As with cow and goat dairies, lambs are usually separated from their dams soon after birth, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Lambs may be allowed to consume colostrum from their dam before being separated for artificial rearing or they can be tube-fed colostrum. Since the ewe’s milk production peaks 3 to 5 weeks after parturition, early separation will result in significantly more milk being produced than if lambs are left with the ewes for any significant amount of time.

An alternative to early separation is to leave the lambs on the ewes for the first 30 (sometimes 60) days, before initiating milking. This management scheme will reduce the labor associated with lamb rearing and will get the lambs off to a better start. At the same time, it will substantially decrease the amount of milk that can be marketed or used for cheese making. It is estimated that the lambs will consume nearly 25 percent of the ewe's total milk production. The risk of mastitis will also be greater if the lambs are allowed to nurse.

Another option is to let the ewes nurse their lambs for 30 days, but one week after lambing, begin separating the lambs from the ewes (at night) so that the ewes can be milked once per day (in the morning), after which time the ewes are returned to their lambs for the day. This "mixed" system improves lamb growth, but has been shown to lower the fat content of the milk collected during this period.

Rearing the lambs
In most sheep dairies, an automatic milk feeder is used to mix milk and dispense milk replacer to lambs. Lambs learn very quickly to nurse from an automatic feeder. Lambs should be fed a milk replacer that has been formulated for specifically for lambs, as ewe milk contains more fat and less lactose than cow and goat milk. Cow's milk may be a viable alternative for feeding lambs, if fat is added. In fact, the use of cow "waste" milk could significantly reduce the cost of rearing lambs artificially. Store bought cow's milk (with added fat) may be another low cost alternative, as it may have a lower cost than milk replacer.

Dairy lambs are usually weaned by the time they are 30 days of age. For early weaning to be successful, lambs need to be eating dry feed as soon as possible. Lambs will begin to nibble on hay and grain at very young ages, but won't consume significant amounts of feed until they are approximately three weeks of age. The small amounts that lambs consume at the beginning are important to rumen function and the habit of eating.

Dry feed should be available to lambs as soon as they are moved out of lambing jugs into mixing pens. Young lambs need feeds that are palatable and ferment rapidly. Creep rations are usually based on corn and soybean meal. Soybean meal is the most palatable feed for lambs, while corn ferments well. At a young age, lambs prefer ground rations or ones made of crumbles. Pellets, whole grains, and oats are not very desirable for young lambs. But once lambs get older and have a fully functioning rumen, they can be fed these feeds. In fact, whole grain diets are less likely to cause digestive upsets. Hay is often not fed to artificially-reared lambs until after weaning, as it can predispose them to bloat.

If the ewes will be allowed to nurse their lambs, a creep area will need to be set up. Obviously, the area needs to be accessible to the lambs and inaccessible to the ewes. There should be plenty of openings in creep panels and good visibility so that ewes and lambs can see each other. The pen should be located in a common traffic area. The pen should be clean, dry, well-bedded, and well-lit.

Early weaning requires a high degree of management. It may be advisable for new dairy sheep producers to start with a less intensive lamb management system, as ewe management also requires a high degree of management.

Milking
Ewes can be milked by hand or by machine. Hand milking is usually only practical for milking a small number of ewes, though it is common in countries where large flocks are managed under very extensive conditions. Regardless of the method use, hygiene is of primary importance.
Ewes are usually milked on an elevated platform from the rear. A bucket system is portable and suitable for smaller dairies. Larger dairies can usually justify the expense of a "pit" parlor milking system. There are several different designs for parlor milking systems. Parlors usually have a single row of stanchions, parallel stanchions, or are rotary-style.

A separate milk room is required. A bulk tank is needed to cool the milk and store it until it can be sold or frozen. Milk can be carried in buckets to the milk room or a pipeline can be installed to move milk from the sheep to the milk room. If the milk will be frozen, additional equipment will be needed, as well as a freezer to store the frozen milk. Home-type freezers will not work because they cannot freeze the milk fast enough.

Twice a day milking is most common in commercial sheep dairies, but less frequent milking, especially during mid and late-lactation may be more economical. Less milk will be obtained when ewes are milked less frequently, but labor savings may more than compensate for the lower yield. Research is underway in several countries comparing different milking frequencies.

Nutrition
During lactation, dairy ewes have higher nutritional requirements than ewes raised for meat and/or wool. Inadequate feeding may reduce both daily milk production and the length of the lactation period. Nutrient requirements for parlor-milked ewes were published by the National Research Council (NRC) in 2007.

The table below contrasts the daily nutrient requirements of a 176-lb. ewe nursing twin lambs with a dairy ewe being parlor milked. The milk yield (lbs. per day) and nutrient requirements of the parlor-milked ewe are significantly higher than for the same size non-dairy ewe nursing twin lambs.

Type
Stage
Milk yield, lbs.
DMI, lbs.
TDN, lbs.
CP, lbs.
Ca, g
P, g
Twins
Early
2.6-4.9
4.73
3.15
0.69
8.5
7.4
Parlor
Early
5.2-8.7
6.69
4.42
1.10
13.8
12.0
Twins
Mid
1.7-3.3
5.13
2.71
0.58
6.9
6.6
Parlor
Mid
3.5-5.9
6.91
3.67
0.88
10.8
10.0
Twins
Late
0.8-1.7
4.82
2.55
0.46
5.4
5.1
Parlor
Late
1.9-3.0
6.20
3.30
0.65
7.9
7.2
Source: Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants (2007)
As with all sheep, dairy ewes can be fed a variety of feedstuffs to meet their nutritional requirements. Good quality forage is essential to the dairy ewe, but forage alone will not meet the nutritional requirements of high-producing dairy ewes. Grain is usually fed when the ewes are in the milking parlor.

Some feeds (e.g. fish meal) can impart undesirable flavors to the milk and should not be fed in large quantities during lactation. An unlimited water supply is also important to the lactating ewe. It takes lots of water to make a lot of milk, as milk is 88 percent water! The water should be clean, fresh, never frozen, and always available.

Marketing
In order to sell milk or milk products (for human consumption), a farm must be licensed and meet various requirements pertaining to milk quality and safety. Facilities must pass local or state inspections. For the most part, the regulations are the same as for cow and goat dairies.

As far as regulations go, there may be differences between states (and countries). Raw milk and cheese sales are permissible in some states and under certain conditions. People interested in commercial sheep dairying need to contact their state milk inspector before they make any significant investment. For each producer, there will be a certain size enterprise (number of ewes) that justifies the expense necessary to meet inspection and licensing requirements.

Selling fluid milk to a commercial cheese-maker is the most straight forward way to market sheep milk, but this option may not be available to many producers. Freezing the milk may facilitate fluid milk sales. In many situations, the dairy sheep farmer must be producer, cheese-maker, and marketer.

On-farm cheese-making is becoming popular, especially in areas that lack commercial buyers for sheep milk or as a means of adding value to farm production. To make cheese, separate cheese-making facilities are required. Farmstead cheeses can be sold at various outlets, including farm stores, farmers markets, retail outlets, and internet sales.

Dairy Sheep Basics

US Sheep Breeds A-ZThe American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) recognizes over 60 sheep breeds. Some have been introdu...
22/09/2021

US Sheep Breeds A-Z
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) recognizes over 60 sheep breeds. Some have been introduced recently via semen and/or embryos. Others were brought with early explorers and help to establish commerce in the American colonies.

The six breeds with the most purebred registrations are Katahdin, Hampshire, Suffolk, Dorper, Dorset, and Southdown. Though not in the top six registered breeds, the Rambouillet is probably the most influencial breed in the US, as it forms the basis of most western range flocks. Less common breeds are categorized by the Livestock Conservancy, whose mission is "to protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction."

Status
US annual registrations
Global population
Critical
< 200
< 2,000
Threatened
< 1,000
< 5,000
Watch
< 2,500
< 10,000
Recovering
> 2,500
> 10,000
Study
Of genetic value, lack historical documentation

Source: Livestock Conservancy

Other countries have similar organizations to preserve rare and historically-significant breeds.
American Blackbelly
The American Blackbelly is the result of crossing the Barbados Blackbelly with the Mouflon and Rambouillet, primarily to produce rams for trophy hunting. Rams generally display spectacular horns, whereas ewes are usually polled. Otherwise, the American Blackbelly has similar characteristics as the Barbados Blackbelly.

[HAIR]
Awassi
The Awassi is a fat-tailed sheep that was originally raised by nomads in the desert. Today, it is the highest milk-producing breed in the Middle East. The Awassi is multi-colored, white with brown heads and legs. Its ears are long and drooping. Rams are horned, while ewes are usually polled. The breed is extremely hardy and well-adapted to poor feeding conditions. The Awassi crossed with the East Friesian is called an Assaf. The Awassi was introduced to the US in 2012 via embryos.

[CARPET WOOL, DAIRY]

Babydoll Southdown
The (Olde English) Babydoll Southdown is a smaller version of the Southdown breed, developed by breeders who wished to restore the Southdown to its origins before artificial selection was applied. To be eligible for registry, sheep must be smaller than 24 inches (at the time of shearing). Due to their small stature, Babydolls are often promoted for vineyard and orchard grazing. They are raised primarily as pets.

[MEDIUM]
Barbados Blackbelly
The Barbados Blackbelly originated on the Caribbean island of Barbados. It descends from sheep brought to the islands from West Africa during the slave era. Blackbellies are "antelope like" in appearance, brown tan or yellow in color, with black points and under-parts. Both ewes and rams are polled or have only small scurs or diminutive horns. Barbados Blackbellies are noted for their hardiness, including resistance to internal parasites, and reproductive efficiency. The first Blackbellies were introduced to the US in 1904. The Barbados Blackbelly is on the Livestock Conservancy's "watch" list.

[HAIR]

Black Welsh Mountain
The Black Welsh Mountain is a small sheep that produces a dense, completely black fleece. Ewes are polled, but rams have impressive horns. The breed was introduced to the US in 1973. Semen imports in the late 1990's added genetic diversity to US flocks. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Black Welsh Mountain as "threatened."

[COLORED]

blackwelsh.org
Bluefaced Leicester
The Bluefaced Leicester (BFL) is a dual-purpose, longwool breed of sheep developed by famed agriculturist Robert Bakewell. Of the three Leicester breeds, the BFL has the finest wool. The breed gets its name from its deep blue skin: white hairs on black skin. In England, the crossbred progeny of the Bluefaced Leicester are called Mules. Mule ewes make up more than half of England's crossbred ewe population. The first Bluefaced Leicesters were imported into the United States in the early 1980's. Semen from the UK is used to add genetic diversity to the US flock.

[LONG WOOL]

bflsheep.com

Booroola Merino
The Booroola Merino is a strain of Merino that has a very high rate of multiple births. It was developed in Australia from a flock that was being selected for improved reproductive rate. A single gene was identified in the flock which was determined to have a major influence on prolificacy. The homozygous genotype results in ovulation rates of 5 or more while the heterozygous genotype produces ovulation rates of 3 or more. The Booroola gene can be transferred to other breeds.

[FINE WOOL, PROLIFIC]
Border Cheviot
The Border Cheviot originated in the Cheviot Hills, on the border between England and Scotland. They were imported into the United States in 1838. Cheviots are a small breed, with a white face and bare head and legs. They have erect ears, with a stylish and alert appearance. Cheviots are known for their hardiness and spirit. They produce medium wool and desirable carcasses at light weights.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Border Leicester
The Border Leicester is a dual-purpose, long wooled sheep that originated in England. Their name derives from the fact that their birthplace is near to the border of Scotland. It is not known when the Border Leicester was first imported into the US, but the 1920 census lists them. Their long, curly, lustrous wool is popular with hand spinners.

[LONG WOOL]
California Red
California Reds originated in California in the 1970's. They are a cross between the Tunis and Barbado. Lambs are born red. Their fleece color lightens as they get older. Fleeces of mature animals are beige or oatmeal colored, with dark hairs interspersed. Because of the hairs in the wool, the wool isn't viable commercially; however, it is popular with hand spinners. Rams are polled, but usually have manes. The breed has an extended breeding season.

[COLORED]

California Variegated Mutant
Developed in the early 1900's, the Romeldale is a cross between the Romney and Rambouillet. California Variegated Mutant (CVM) is a color pattern of Romeldale. It is the term used for a badger faced pattern. The soft wool and the unusual colors of the CVM are especially prized by hand spinners. Romeldales and CVMs are generally considered two types of the same breed. While Romeldales are mostly white, CVMs are naturally colored. The Romeldale/CVM is categorized as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy.

[COLORED]
Charollais
Charollais sheep originated in France in the same region as Charollais cattle. They are widely used as terminal sires in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. They add growth and carcass muscling to market lambs. A myostatin gene mutation responsible for increased muscularity is found at a high frequency in the breed. There may be a small number of Charollais sheep in the US. There are greater numbers in Canada.

[MEDIUM]

Clun Forest
At one time, the Clun Forest was the third most numerous purebreed in Britain. Its parent breeds are Hill Radnor, Shropshire, and Kerry Hill. Cluns are a dark-faced, dual purpose sheep that possess many desirable maternal characteristics. The breed was first imported into the US in 1970. The North American Clun Forest Association discourages showing, preferring to stress the performance aspects of the breed. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Clun Forest as "threatened."

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Columbia
Columbia sheep were developed in the early 1900's by the United States Department of Agriculture, with the intent of replacing crossbreeding on the range. Lincoln rams were crossed with Rambouillet ewes. While originally developed for range conditions, the Columbia has proved adaptable to conditions throughout the US. They are one of the largest sheep breeds in the US. Columbias are a dual-purpose breed that produce fast-growing lambs and heavy, medium wool fleeces with good staple length.

[MEDIUM WOOL]
Coopworth
The Coopworth was developed at Lincoln University in New Zealand to increase the lambing percentages of Romney ewes when mated to Border Leicester rams. Coopworths are a medium size, dual purpose, long wool sheep. The first Coopworths were imported into the US in the 1970's, and while they are the second most common breed in New Zealand, in the US they are raised mostly for their wool. Their wool is relatively coarse, with a long staple length. The American Coopworth Registry is the only registry that offers breeders a performance designation for their sheep.

[LONG WOOL]

Cormo
The Cormo breed takes its name from its two parent breeds: Corriedale and Merino. The breed was developed in the early 1960's in Australia. It was introduced to the US in 1976 where it is raised mostly for wool. It is a rare breed.

[FINE WOOL]
Corriedale
The Corriedale is one of the most numerous breeds worldwide. It is a dual purpose sheep, suitable for both lamb and wool production. Corriedales were developed in the 1800's almost simultaneously in Australia and New Zealand. The parent breeds are Merino on the dam side and Lincoln Longwool on the sire side. Corriedales were first brought to the US in 1914.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Cotswold
The Cotswold is a dual-purpose, long wool breed that originated in the Cotswold Hills in England. The breed was introduced to the US in 1831. In the US, it is raised primarily for wool. Cotswold wool hangs in locks and fibers that have a lustrous, silky sheen. There is a separate breed registry for Black Cotswolds, as they are considered a distinct breed. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Cotswold as "threatened."

[LONG WOOL]
Debouillet
The Debouillet was developed in New Mexico in 1920 from Delaine Merino x Rambouillet crosses. The breed is well adapted to the range conditions of the southwestern United States. The Debouillet is raised primarily for its fine wool. It is still common to cross Merinos with Rambouillets.
[FINE WOOL]

Delaine Merino
Not only is the Merino one of the oldest breeds of sheep in the world, it is the most influential. Merinos were developed in Spain during the 12th century, but not introduced to the US until the early 1800's. The Delaine Merino is the type of Merino sheep found predominantly in the US. It is described as smooth bodied and free from wrinkles. Besides their wool -- the softest and finest of any breed -- Merinos possess many other desirable characteristics, including an extended breeding season. They are hardy, long-lived sheep, with a well-developed flocking instinct.

[FINE WOOL]
Dorper
The Dorper is a South African breed of hair sheep. They were developed in the 30's and 40's by crossing Horned Dorset rams with Persian Blackheaded ewes. There are two recognized Dorper varieties. A black head and white body are characteristic of the classic Dorper, while White Dorpers are completely white. Dorpers were imported into the US in the mid-1990's. Having originated from a different part of Africa, Dorpers lack the parasite resistance of other US hair breeds. They also do not shed as well, sometimes leaving clumps of wool or retaining wool on their back. However, they are the growthiest, heaviest muscled hair breed in the US. They are one of the most popular registered breeds in the US.

[HAIR]
dorpersheep.org
Dorset
The Horned Dorset originated in southern England, probably from the Merino, and was first imported into the US in 1885. The Polled Dorset is believed to be the result of a mutation in the Dorset flock at North Carolina State University in 1948. Dorsets are an all-white sheep, medium in size. They produce medium wool, free from dark fibers. Dorsets, especially the horned variety, are best known for their ability to breed out-of-season. The breed possesses characteristics which make them suitable as either a sire or dam breed. While the Polled Dorset is one of the most popular breeds in the US, the Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Horned Dorset as "threatened."

[MEDIUM WOOL]

dorsets.homestead.com
East Friesian
The East Friesian is considered to be the world's highest producing dairy sheep. It originated in the Friesian area of Germany and Holland, the same area as the Holstein, the world's highest producing dairy cow. Friesian sheep are of the Northern European short-tailed variety of sheep. They are prolific, averaging over two lambs per lambing. Crossbred Friesians were introduced to the US in 1993; the first purebreds arrived in 1994. Friesians are raised as either purebreds or crossbreds on US dairy sheep operations. Sometimes, they are introduced into a flock to improve milk production. The crossbreds are much hardier than the purebreds, whose lambs are prone to pneumonia.

[MEDIUM WOOL, DAIRY]
Finnsheep
Finnsheep or Finnish Landrace, as they are known in their native country of Finland, are one of the most prolific breeds of sheep in the world. Typical litter sizes are 3 to 4 lambs. Finns are related to other Scandinavian short-tailed breeds. They were first imported into the United States in 1968, where their primary use was to produce crossbred ewes for commercial lamb production. More research work and data has been compiled in the US involving Finnsheep and their crosses than any other breed of sheep. Besides being prolific, Finnsheep are hardy, have strong mothering instincts, and will lamb on an accelerated lambing schedule. Finn lambs are known for the outstanding vigor. In more recent years, Finnsheep have become valued for their soft fleeces of medium wool, which have a similar range of colors as Shetland and Icelandic.

[MEDIUM WOOL, PROLIFIC]
Florida Cracker
The Florida Cracker is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of sheep in the US, having descended from the sheep Spanish explorers brought to Florida in the 1500's. The breed evolved under natural conditions, roaming free until the end of WWII, when Florida's open range policy ended. Because Florida Crackers are a landrace (unimproved) breed, they vary in size and appearance. Many have red markings, similar to the Tunis. They produce a medium wool. They are categorized as a "critical" breed by the Livestock Conservancy.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

floridacrackersheep.com

Gotland
The Gotland takes its name from the Swedish Island of Gotland where it originated. They are a medium-sized, naturally polled breed of the Northern European short-tailed variety of sheep. They are known for producing fur pelts and fleeces for hand spinning or felting. Colors range from silver to almost black. The Gotland is being established in the US via upgrading with imported semen. The first semen was imported in 2003.

[COLORED]

gsbana.org

Gulf Coast Native
The Gulf Coast Native is believed to have descended from the sheep brought to the New World by Spanish explorers. They developed largely through natural selection under the humid, sub-tropical conditions common to the Gulf states. Numerous universities have documented the parasite resistance of the Gulf Coast Native. Most of the sheep are white. They lack wool on their faces, legs, and sometimes bellies. Sexes may be polled or horned. The Gulf Coast Native is categorized as a "critical" breed by the Livestock Conservancy.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Hampshire
Hampshire sheep were developed in Southern England by the mingling of various breeds, including Old Hampshire, Berkshire Knot, Wiltshire Horn, Southdown, and Cotswold. Hampshires were first imported into the US in the 1860's, but many of the flocks were scattered or destroyed during the Civil War. Importations resumed in the 1880's. Hampshires are a large breed, with black heads and legs and wool on their heads and legs. They are a superior meat breed. Their most common use is as a terminal sire to produce crossbred offspring whose carcasses yield a high percentage of boneless, retail cuts. For this reason, the Hampshire is also a very popular club lamb sire. They are one of the most popular registered breeds.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Herdwick
The Herdwick is a very old breed, possibly originating from Scandinavia. They are considered to be the hardiest of Britain's hill sheep. Herdwick lambs are born mostly black. Their fleeces turn to dark brown and gray as they get older. Their wool is thick, coarse, and wiry, used primarily for outer wear and carpets. Herdwick rams sport horns, while ewes are polled. They are a medium sized, dual purpose breed. In 2008, the first Herdwick semen was introduced to the US.

[CARPET]
Hog Island
In the 1700's, a flock of sheep (originating from British breeds of the era) was established on Virginia's barrier islands. For centuries, the sheep adapted to the island environment, free from human intervention, becoming feral. In 1978, the last sheep were removed from Hog Island. The sheep are being preserved by several organizations, due to their relevance to American history. There is a flock at George Washington's Mt. Vernon. Hog Island sheep vary in physical appearance. As with other landrace breeds, they are relatively small. Most are white; about 20 percent are black. Ewes and rams can be polled or horned. The Hog Island breed is classified as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Icelandic
The Icelandic is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds of sheep, boasting an 1100-year history. It is the only breed of sheep raised in Iceland. It is of the Northern European short-tailed group of sheep, having a short, fluke-like tail that is not docked. Rams and ewes may be horned or polled. Icelandics are considered to be a triple-purpose sheep: meat, wool, and milk. Their fleece is dual-coated and comes in a range of colors. Similar to the Booroola Merino, a gene has been found in the Icelandic breed which causes high levels of reproduction. There is also a separate line of sheep in the breed called leadersheep, which have a unique ability to lead the flock from peril. Icelandic sheep were first imported into the US in 1993. Semen from Iceland adds to the genetic diversity of the breed.

Ile de France
The Ile de France is a breed native to France. It was developed at a French Veterinary College in the 1830's by crossing the English Leicester and Rambouillet. The Ile de France is a major breed in France and is popular worldwide. It is used primarily as a terminal sire. In the US, the Ile de France is increasingly being used for commercial lamb production.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Jacob
The most striking features of the Jacob are its four horns, two vertical center horns and two side horns curling alongside of the head, and its spotted black and white fleece. The Jacob is a very old breed, of unknown origins. The first importations of Jacobs to the US occurred in the early 1900's. Like its British counterpart, the American Jacob is a small, primitive breed valued for its unique features. Jacobs are categorized as "threatened" by the Livestock Conservancy.

[COLORED WOOL]

Karakul
The Karakul is probably one of the world's oldest breeds of sheep. It is native to Central Asia. Karakuls were first introduced to the US during the early 1900's. Karakuls differ radically in conformation as compared to most US breeds. They have a fat or broad-tail, though the size of their tail varies among individuals. They have a colored fleece, which is due to a dominant black gene. Most lambs are born coal black, with lustrous wavy curls. The pelts of Karakul lambs were historically referred to as Persian lambskin. Most adult Karakuls have a double-coat. Karakul ewes have an extended breeding season. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the American Karakul as "threatened."

[CARPET WOOL]
Katahdin
The Katahdin is an American breed of hair sheep developed in the 1950's on the Piel farm in Maine. It is the result of crossing hair sheep from the Caribbean with various British breeds, especially the Suffolk. In the 1970's, the Wiltshire Horn was introduced to add size and carcass quality to the mix, but eventually selection was against horns. The Katahdin is probably the best all-around hair sheep in North America, as it blends the best qualities of Caribbean hair sheep with the superior growth and carcass quality of wooled sheep. Katahdins excel in maternal and fitness traits, including parasite resistance. They are the most numerous registered breed of sheep in the US. The Katahdin is a performance-oriented breed, with good participation in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).

[HAIR]
Kerry Hill
Kerry Hill is a British breed that originated in a region near the Welsh/English border. The breed's most notable characteristic is its unique markings. It has a white face with black markings around its mouth, ears, and eyes. Its legs are white, with black markings. It is a handsome sheep, medium in size, with good maternal traits. Kerry Hill semen was imported into the US in 2006.

[MEDIUM]
Lacaune
The Lacaune is the most popular dairy sheep in France. From its milk, France makes its famous Roquefort cheese. As compared to the East Friesian, the Lacaune produces less milk, but with higher total solids. Though the Lacaune is a wooled breed, it tends to shed most of its wool from the chest down. The Lacaune was imported into Canada in 1996, then the US. In the US, it has become common to cross the Lacaune with the East Friesian for dairying. Semen importations from France in 2017 will freshen the Lacaune gene pool in the US.
[DAIRY]
Leicester Longwool
The Leicester Longwool (or English Leicester) is an old English breed that produces a fleece that is heavy, curly, soft handling, and lustrous, with a spiral-tipped staple. The breed was developed in the 1700's by Robert Bakewell. The Leicester Longwool is a heritage breed, well-known by the American colonies. Conservation efforts are spearheaded by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation which maintains its own flock. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Leicester Longwool as "threatened."

[LONG WOOL]
Lincoln
The Lincoln is an English breed, considered to be one of the world's largest breeds of sheep. Its fleece is the heaviest, longest-stapled and most lustrous of any breed in the world. Lincolns were first brought to the United States in the 1800's, where they contributed to the development of several commercially-important American breeds including the Columbia and Targhee. In the US, Lincolns are raised mostly for wool. The Livestock Conservancy lists them as "threatened."
[LONG WOOL]
Montadale
The Montadale is an American breed of sheep developed by E.H. Mattingly in the 1930's. Mattingly's goal was to combine the best characteristics of Midwestern mutton-type sheep and big Western range sheep. He bred Cheviot rams to Columbia ewes. The Montadale is a large whiteface sheep. It is suitable as either a sire or dam breed.

[MEDIUM WOOL]
Navajo Churro
The Navajo Churro is one of the oldest sheep breeds in the US, having descended from the Churra sheep brought to the New World by Spanish Explorers. Over the years, there were numerous attempts to destroy the Navajo Churro population, almost resulting in the breed's extinction. However, since the 1970's, the Navajo Churro Project has been dedicated to preserving this culturally-important breed. Navajo Churros are a landrace breed, hardy and adapted to the adverse conditions found in hot, dry deserts and sub-zero climates. They have a double-coated fleece that is classified as carpet wool and used primarily for rug weaving. The wool is the basis of the famous Navajo carpets. Ewes and rams can be polled or have two to four horns. Despite continuing conservation efforts, the Navajo Churro is classified as "threatened" by the Livestock Conservancy.

[COLORED]
North Country Cheviot
The North Country Cheviot is a type of Cheviot native to Scotland. They are larger than their southern relatives, the Border Cheviot. North Countries are a hardy, hill breed that is raised primarily for meat. They are suitable as either a sire or dam breed. They are a medium sized, deep bodied, hornless sheep. The first North Country Cheviots were imported into North America in 1944, where they are favored by shepherds looking for sheep that can take care of themselves.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

Oxford
The Oxford originated in England. It is the result of crossing Cotswolds with Hampshires. A small amount of Southdown blood was introduced in the early development of the breed. The first Oxfords were imported to North America in 1846. The Oxford is a medium to large sheep, with a dark brown face and wool on the legs. It is used primarily as a terminal sire. It produces a medium grade wool. The Oxford is on the Livestock Conservancy's "Watch" list.

[MEDIUM WOOL]

americanoxfords.org

Painted Desert
The Painted Desert is spotted hair sheep. It originated in Texas by crossing Mouflon with Rambouillet, Merino, and Texas Blackbelly. Some Jacob and Navajo Churro influence was used to create multi-horned animals. Painted Desert sheep breed out-of-season. They may be flighty when confined the small spaces. The breed is raised mostly for trophy hunting.

[HAIR, EXOTIC]
Panama
Panama sheep originated in 1912 in Idaho. The foundation of the breed was a cross of Rambouillet rams to Lincoln ewes. Though developed from the reciprocal cross, they are not as large as the Columbia. Panamas produce a medium, long-stapled fleece. They are a hardy sheep, best adapted to range conditions. It is not known if many purebred Panama sheep remain.

[MEDIUM WOOL]
Perendale
Perendales were developed in the 1950's at Massey University in New Zealand. Their parent breeds are Border Cheviot and Romney. They were developed as an easy-care breed. They are considered dual-purpose and well-suited to cold, high rainfall areas. There aren't many Perendale sheep in the US.
[LONG WOOL]
Polypay
The Polypay is an outstanding maternal breed. It was developed in the 1970's at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, and Nicholas Farms at Sonoma, California. Targhee x Dorset and Rambouillet x Finnsheep crosses were mated to form a 4-breed composite that could produce two lamb crops and one wool crop per year. Polypays are a medium-sized, prolific breed with an extended breeding season. Good mothers and milkers, they produce lambs with good growth and carcass quality. The name Polypay comes from "poly" for many or much and "pay" to indicate a return on investment and labor. The Polypay is a performance-oriented breed, with good participation in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).

[MEDIUM WOOL]
Racka
The Racka is a Hungarian breed of sheep known for its spiral-shaped horns. Mature males may have horns as long as 2 feet or more; the minimum standard is 20 inches for rams and 12 to 15 inches for ewes. The cork screw horns protrude almost straight upward from the top of the head. The Racka has double-coated fleece, with a very long and coarse outer coat. Color varies from white to brown to black. The breed was introduced to the US in 2005 via semen.

[LONG WOOL]
Rambouillet
The Rambouillet is the foundation of most western range flocks. It was developed from the Spanish Merino in France and Germany and imported into the US in the 1800's. The Rambouillet is a large, rugged breed, of medium growth, and good longevity. It has a well-developed flocking instinct; an important trait in range flocks. Rambouillets produces high quality, fine wool. Though considered a range breed, the Rambouillet is adaptable to different conditions and is raised throughout the US. They considered to be a dual-purpose breed. Rambouillet ewes have an extended breeding season

[FINE WOOL]
Rideau Arcott
The Rideau Arcott is a Canadian breed. It was developed at a research center for the purpose of developing a sheep that reproduced rapidly and could be used for research purposes. The breed's mix is 40% Finnish Landrace, 20% Suffolk, 14% East Friesian, 9% Shropshire, and 8% Dorset Horn. The remaining 9% consists of Border Leicester, North Country Cheviot, Romnelet (Rambouillet x Romney), and Corriedale. The Rideau Arcott excels in reproductive traits: early puberty, prolificacy, and an extended breeding season. The breed is widely used in the Canadian sheep industry and was imported into the US in the 1990's
[MEDIUM WOOL]
Romanov
The Romanov is one of the most prolific breeds of sheep in the world. It originated in Russia's Volga Valley. The breed is of the Northern European short-tail variety. Purebred Romanov lambs are born pure black and lighten to a soft, silver gray as they make their fleece. The color is lost on their first cross. The fleece of adult animals is double-coated and not well suited to commercial markets. Romanovs possess outstanding maternal characteristics. First introduced to the US in the 1980's, the primary use of the Romanov is the production of crossbred ewes, 1/4 and 1/2 blood ewes that are put on a terminal sire. Such ewes will produce lamb crops between 200 and 300 percent.
[COLORED, PROLIFIC]
Romney
The Romney is a long wool sheep that developed in a marshy area of England. It is the predominant breed in New Zealand. Romneys were first imported into the US in 1904. While a good dual-purpose breed, Romneys are raised mostly for wool in the US. Their fleeces are heavy, long, and lustrous. Their wool has the finest diameter of any of the long wool breeds. Romneys can be white or colored. They are open-faced and polled.
[LONG WOOL]
Royal White
Originally called the Dorpcroix, the Royal White® is American breed of hair sheep, developed in the 1990's by William Hoag. It is a cross between the Dorper and St. Croix. The breed is pure white. It grows a longer hair in the winter that is shed off naturally in the spring. Ewes and rams are naturally hornless.
Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is an extremely rare breed that once existed as a feral sheep on the Santa Cruz Island of the Channel Islands of California. After they were removed from the island, conservation efforts were begun to save the breed from extinction. Santa Cruz are a small, hardy sheep, most likely originating from the Merino, Rambouillet, and Churra breeds. They are categorized as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy.

[MEDIUM]

Scottish Blackface
Numerically and economically, the Scottish Blackface is one of the most important breeds in the United Kingdom, but in the US, they are a minor breed, raised mostly for their wool. Scottish Blackfaces are horned in both sexes and as their name suggests, they have a black face, sometimes with white markings. They produce a carpet quality wool that is double-coated. They are a tough and adaptable breed, one of the most stunning in looks.

[CARPET WOOL}
Shetland
The Shetland is a very old breed, having originated over 1000 years ago. It belongs to the Northern European short-tailed group of sheep and is one of the smallest breeds of sheep. Shetlands are known primarily for their production of colorful wool upon which the Shetland woolen industry is based. Shetland wool comes in one of the widest ranges of colors of any breed. There are 11 main colors as well as 30 markings, many still bearing their Shetland dialect names. As a primitive breed, Shetlands naturally shed their wool during late spring/early summer.
[COLORED]
Shropshire
The Shropshire breed originated in central western England, likely from crosses between native blackface sheep and the Southdown, Leicester, and Cotsold. The first Shropshires were imported into the US in 1855. During the 30's and 40's, the Shropshire was the most popular and influencial breed in the US. They are a medium to large sized breed with black faces and legs. The Shropshire is raised primarily for meat, with its primary role being that of terminal sire. The Shropshire is on the Livestock Conservancy's "Watch" list.
[MEDIUM WOOL]
Soay
Soay sheep descend from feral sheep on the island of Soay in the St. Kilda Archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland. Soay means "sheep island" in Norse. They are of the Northern European short-tailed variety of sheep. They are a small, athletic sheep that resemble a gazelle in appearance. They are brown in color. Ewes are either polled or horned. Rams are usually horned. Like other primitive breeds, they are extremely hardy. They shed their fleeces naturally. The breed is rare in the US.
[COLORED]
South African Meat Merino (SAMM)
The South African Meat Merino or SAMM originated in South Africa. It is derived entirely from the German Mutton Merino. Years of selection resulted in a versatile sheep, with good meat and wool. Their fine wool isn't as good as many Merinos, but they are better meat producers. SAMMS were introduced into the US via embryos in 1999.
[FINE WOOL]
Southdown
The Southdown was developed in the Sussex hills of England in the late 1700's and early 1800's. It was imported into the US in the 1820's. Southdowns are a small to medium-sized breed. The color of their face and legs is gray to mouse-brown. They are an early maturing breed that excels in crossbreeding programs to produce meaty lamb carcasses at a light weight and hot house lambs. They produce a medium fleece that is the finest of the British breeds. The prepotency of the Southdown is well-known. They are one of the most popular breeds in the US.
[MEDIUM WOOL]
St. Augustine
The St. Augustine is a relatively new breed of a hair sheep. It was developed in the 1990's by Ron & Ruth Tabor. It is a cross between the St. Croix (5/8) and the Dorper (3/8). The St. Croix was selected because of its mothering ability, parasite resistance, and hardiness. The Dorper was valued for its size and muscling. Being bred and developed in Florida, the breed is well-adapted to hot, humid conditions and has good parasite resistance.
[HAIR]
St. Croix
The St. Croix is a hair sheep native to the US Virgin Islands and named after the island of St. Croix. The St. Croix likely descends from the African sheep brought to the Caribbean on slave ships. Most of the breed is white with some solid tan, brown, black or white with brown or black spots. Both sexes are polled, and rams have a large throat ruff. In addition to having outstanding reproductive capabilities, the breed is considered to be the most parasite resistant breed in the US. The St. Croix is classified as a "threatened" breed by the Livestock Conservancy.
[HAIR]
stcroixsheep.org
Suffolk
Found throughout the world, the Suffolk is a British breed, the result of crossing Southdown rams onto Norfolk ewes. The first Suffolks were bought to the US in 1888. Today, the Suffolk is one of the most popular breeds in the US. It is the most popular sire of market lambs and one of the preferred breeds for producing club lambs. Suffolks are one of the largest breeds in the US. Their lambs grow fast and produce well-muscled carcasses. They are an attractive breed with a bare black head and legs and long, pendulous ears.
[MEDIUM WOOL]
Targhee
The Targhee is an American breed of sheep, developed in 1926 at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, from Rambouillet, Columbia and Corriedale crosses. The breed derives its name from the Targhee National Forest on which the experiment station's flock grazed in the summer. The Targhee is a dual-purpose sheep with good meat type and a heavy fleece of high quality wool. The breed is especially popular in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. The Targhee is a performance-oriented breed, with good participation in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).
[MEDIUM FINE]
Teeswater
The Teeswater is a large, dual-purpose, long wool sheep from Great Britain. They are known for their long, purled locks, with a staple length of 8 to 12 inches. The wool is among the finest of the long wool breeds. The Teeswater was crossed with the English Leicester to yield to Wensleydale breed. The first Teeswater semen was imported into the US in 1996.
[LONG WOOL]
Texel
The Texel originated on the Isle of Texel off the coast of the Netherlands early in the 19th century. The breed became available to U.S. sheep producers in 1990 when they were released from quarantine at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, where they were being evaluated for their potential in crossbred lamb production. The most outstanding characteristic of the Texel is its remarkable muscle development. Texel-sired lambs show an advantage of one full leg score in breed comparisons. In more recent years, it has been learned that the Texel may be more resistant to internal parasites as compared to other wooled breeds, making it a good choice for siring crossbred lambs that will be finished on grass. The Texel has become the dominant terminal-sire breed in Europe and is becoming increasingly popular for this purpose in the US.
[MEDIUM WOOL]
Tunis
Modern Tunis sheep are the result of combining the Middle-Eastern fat-tailed sheep imported from Tunisia, with the sheep available in America around 1799, making them one of the oldest US sheep breeds. The Tunis is a medium sized sheep with a distinct look. They have a creamy colored wool. Their head and legs are solid tan to cinnamon red in color. Lambs are born red and lighten as they mature. Tunis ewes have an extended breeding season. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Tunis breed under its "watch" category.
[MEDIUM WOOL]
Valais Blacknose
Dubbed the "world's cutest sheep," Valais Blacknose are a hardy mountain breed that originated in Switzerland. They are dual purpose, used for both meat and wool. Their wool is a coarse. Its main use is for felting and carpets. The breed is most valued for its unique appearance which involves black parts of the nose, eyes, ears, front knees, hocks, and feet in an otherwise white body. Both sexes have spiral shaped twisted horns. The first Valais Blacknose lambs were born in the US in 2018, the result of an upgrading program.
[LONG WOOL]
Wensleydale
The Wensleydale is a long wooled sheep that originated in England. It was developed in the 19th century by crossing the English Leicester with Teesdale sheep. It is a large sheep with long-stapled, lustrous wool that falls in long ringlets almost to ground level in unshorn sheep. The breed also has a distinctive gray-blackface, ears, and legs. The breed was established in the US in the late 1990's when Cotswold, English Leicester, and Lincoln ewes were inseminated with imported semen.
[LONG WOOL]
Wiltipoll
The Wiltipoll is a hair sheep that was developed mostly from the Wiltshire Horn, with an infusion of various wooled breeds including Border Leicester, Perendale, Poll Dorset, and Poll Merino. Primarily, they are a polled version of the Wiltshire Horn, developed in Australia as an easy-care alternative to wooled sheep. At some point, the Wiltipoll was introduced to the US.
[HAIR]
Wiltshire Horn
The Wiltshire Horn is a very old English breed that naturally sheds its short wool and white hair coat. As the name suggests, both ewes and ram are horned. The Wiltshire Horn's presence is documented very early in the history of the US (1600's). The breed was again imported to the US in the 1970's, when it was used in the development of the Katahdin breed. Importations in the 1990's freshened the genetic base. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Wiltshire Horn as a "recovering" breed.
[HAIR]

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