Katahdin sheep was originally developed in the state of Maine in USA. Records indicate that the development happened in the 20 century particularly in the second half. The original developer was someone called Michael Piel who did so after reading an article in National Geographic in 1956. He then imported St. Croix sheep and crossed them with other breeds. The crossing mainly depended on flocking instinct, meat-type conformation, fertility, and hair coat.
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 trait observed in these creatures is that as opposed to other breeds which are covered in wool, their body has hair instead. However, some wooly hair might still be observable. The hair is shed during spring eliminating the need to shear them periodically. This is an essential trait desirable by many farmers. The tails do not have 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.
The general hair color is white with some having a brown patch on the upper side of the neck. In some cases, the animals have brown or black hair, and occasionally with spots. The hair provides a good shield against parasite attack, making them highly resistance to parasite-caused diseases. Ewes weigh between 120 and 160 pounds while the males weigh starting at 180 to 240 pounds. This weight category makes them to be considered medium size sheep.
The main reason why farmers raise these breed is the meat. The quality of the meat is good with a mild favor and lean in nature. Another reason why they are preferred is that they are good grazers able to eat most herbs that most other breeds ignore. They require little maintenance in comparison to other strains too.
These species reaches its peak productivity at the age of 3 to 6 years and deteriorates at 7 and beyond. The life expectancy lies between ten and twelve years. It is advisable to group animals according to age with older ones being removed to provide room for younger ones.
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 trait observed in these creatures is that as opposed to other breeds which are covered in wool, their body has hair instead. However, some wooly hair might still be observable. The hair is shed during spring eliminating the need to shear them periodically. This is an essential trait desirable by many farmers. The tails do not have 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.
The general hair color is white with some having a brown patch on the upper side of the neck. In some cases, the animals have brown or black hair, and occasionally with spots. The hair provides a good shield against parasite attack, making them highly resistance to parasite-caused diseases. Ewes weigh between 120 and 160 pounds while the males weigh starting at 180 to 240 pounds. This weight category makes them to be considered medium size sheep.
The main reason why farmers raise these breed is the meat. The quality of the meat is good with a mild favor and lean in nature. Another reason why they are preferred is that they are good grazers able to eat most herbs that most other breeds ignore. They require little maintenance in comparison to other strains too.
These species reaches its peak productivity at the age of 3 to 6 years and deteriorates at 7 and beyond. The life expectancy lies between ten and twelve years. It is advisable to group animals according to age with older ones being removed to provide room for younger ones.
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