The second half of the twentieth century in America was characterized with the development of a unique domesticated animals. Katahdins were the result of this work. The breed was first raised in north central Maine near mount Katahdin, thus the name. The research work and breeding was done by amateur geneticist called Micheal Piel. His sole goal was to come up with a breed of sheep with better hair coat, good flocking instinct, high fertility and meat type conformation.
The research was directed on replacing wool with hair coats. Non-wool producing breeds were needed since shearing was costly and wool fetched low prices. The resulting breed had improved mothering abilities compared to the parents. For people who need tough and hardy yet docile Katahdin sheep Kentucky offers the right solution. It exhibits higher resistance to endo-parasites and exo-parasites. It is easier to handle since it is docile.
Full grown and healthy ewes show a weight variation of between 120 pounds to 160 pounds. Mature rams weigh between 180 pounds to 250 pounds. 8 pounds is the mean weight of twins born to these sheep. Females usually give birth to twins, though they can have quadruplets or triplets in some occasions. Mothers exhibit strong protective instinct.
Twelve months is the earliest time ewes can be mate provided they have attained the required size and weight. It is important to focus more on weight than size. Once lambs have attained two-thirds of the size of mature ewes they can be bred. First-time mothers should be managed and fed separately from those that have already have young ones until their lambs are weaned. This is done to help them be better mothers.
Females and males mature early and show prolonged productive life. Rams are reliable breeders with the capability of fertilizing the whole year. A single ram may serve many females in the first wave of exposure. Females and males may be applied in crossbreeding. First time generation lambs between katahdins and other breeds of wool sheep are covered with wool fleeces.
It takes approximately 3 generations or even more depending on the type of crossbred wool animal to have lambs with purebred features like shedding hair coats. The lengths and textures of hair coats vary on each sheep. Kentucky katahdins are born with many either pure or sorts of shades. Brown, red, black and white are the commonest shades. Some have spots or unique patterns.
Lambs produce quality healthy lean meat. Fatty acid content of their meat is influenced by diet. Their meat is rich in both essential omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. They derive fatty acids from the grass they feed on, although a diet with certain oils and fats can serve the same purpose. Information on the type of oils and fats to feed them on should be given by a qualified veterinary. This is important for health purposes.
The hardy feature and feeding habits observed in goats is also seen in Katahdins. They consume anything from weeds to soft barks of deciduous plants. They stand on their behind feet to peel tree barks and access leaves. They are quite destructive when not under control. Young katahdin sheep have a behavior of climbing on anything from hay to plants. To avoid waste, bale rings ought to be installed round trees or plants to be protected.
The research was directed on replacing wool with hair coats. Non-wool producing breeds were needed since shearing was costly and wool fetched low prices. The resulting breed had improved mothering abilities compared to the parents. For people who need tough and hardy yet docile Katahdin sheep Kentucky offers the right solution. It exhibits higher resistance to endo-parasites and exo-parasites. It is easier to handle since it is docile.
Full grown and healthy ewes show a weight variation of between 120 pounds to 160 pounds. Mature rams weigh between 180 pounds to 250 pounds. 8 pounds is the mean weight of twins born to these sheep. Females usually give birth to twins, though they can have quadruplets or triplets in some occasions. Mothers exhibit strong protective instinct.
Twelve months is the earliest time ewes can be mate provided they have attained the required size and weight. It is important to focus more on weight than size. Once lambs have attained two-thirds of the size of mature ewes they can be bred. First-time mothers should be managed and fed separately from those that have already have young ones until their lambs are weaned. This is done to help them be better mothers.
Females and males mature early and show prolonged productive life. Rams are reliable breeders with the capability of fertilizing the whole year. A single ram may serve many females in the first wave of exposure. Females and males may be applied in crossbreeding. First time generation lambs between katahdins and other breeds of wool sheep are covered with wool fleeces.
It takes approximately 3 generations or even more depending on the type of crossbred wool animal to have lambs with purebred features like shedding hair coats. The lengths and textures of hair coats vary on each sheep. Kentucky katahdins are born with many either pure or sorts of shades. Brown, red, black and white are the commonest shades. Some have spots or unique patterns.
Lambs produce quality healthy lean meat. Fatty acid content of their meat is influenced by diet. Their meat is rich in both essential omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. They derive fatty acids from the grass they feed on, although a diet with certain oils and fats can serve the same purpose. Information on the type of oils and fats to feed them on should be given by a qualified veterinary. This is important for health purposes.
The hardy feature and feeding habits observed in goats is also seen in Katahdins. They consume anything from weeds to soft barks of deciduous plants. They stand on their behind feet to peel tree barks and access leaves. They are quite destructive when not under control. Young katahdin sheep have a behavior of climbing on anything from hay to plants. To avoid waste, bale rings ought to be installed round trees or plants to be protected.
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