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.
The best breeds were used in this breeding exercise to ensure that the offspring had the best qualities desired by Michael. In the recent past, the popularity of this breed has increased a lot in the US as a result of high shearing costs and low cost of wool. These breed has however spread fast and when in need of some of the best Katahdin sheep Kentucky is a good place to check.
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.
Katahdin have the main feature of having hair all over their bodies. This is contrasted from other strains which have wool instead. Some wooly hair however can still be seen. There is no need for shearing because they shed hair during spring. This is trait is desirable by most farmers. Docking is also not necessary.
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 color is white with a brown area along the neck on the upper side. Sometimes they have brown and black hair, and occasionally they are spotted. Hair offers protection against parasitic attack, rendering them highly resistant to parasitic ailments. The ewes weight between 120 and 160 pounds in weight whereas males are about 180-240 pounds. This weight places them in the medium size sheep class.
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.
Peak productivity is normally reached at the age of three to six years and starts to deteriorate at the age of seven and beyond. Life expectancy is about ten to twelve years. The animals should be grouped according to age and older ones should be removed to give room to younger ones.
The best breeds were used in this breeding exercise to ensure that the offspring had the best qualities desired by Michael. In the recent past, the popularity of this breed has increased a lot in the US as a result of high shearing costs and low cost of wool. These breed has however spread fast and when in need of some of the best Katahdin sheep Kentucky is a good place to check.
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.
Katahdin have the main feature of having hair all over their bodies. This is contrasted from other strains which have wool instead. Some wooly hair however can still be seen. There is no need for shearing because they shed hair during spring. This is trait is desirable by most farmers. Docking is also not necessary.
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 color is white with a brown area along the neck on the upper side. Sometimes they have brown and black hair, and occasionally they are spotted. Hair offers protection against parasitic attack, rendering them highly resistant to parasitic ailments. The ewes weight between 120 and 160 pounds in weight whereas males are about 180-240 pounds. This weight places them in the medium size sheep class.
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.
Peak productivity is normally reached at the age of three to six years and starts to deteriorate at the age of seven and beyond. Life expectancy is about ten to twelve years. The animals should be grouped according to age and older ones should be removed to give room to younger ones.
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