When looking for an easy and prosperous way to make a living in central Maine, USA Michael Piel imported and cross bred three different African hair breeds with several other breeds of sheep. The resulting animal has become a way of life for the Katahdin sheep breeders. They have found them to be the perfect business opportunity in nearly every part of the country.
These animals are a very good commercial investment because they are very low maintenance and can be maintained on pasture grass nearly year round. They do require some supplemental nutrition to round out their nutritional needs but these are minimal. They produce a lean sweet meat that has become a welcome change to the pallets of many.
Twins, triplets and quads are not unusual for the ewes. They give birth in the fields and the lambs are alert and frisky from birth. The mothers are very protective and nurturing until the lambs are fully weaned at six weeks. Breeding can take place all year long so the flock may double or triple in size every season.
The lambs grow quickly and their coats can be any color pattern. They do not require tail docking because of breeding techniques. They also do not require shearing and shed their winter coats in the spring. Since wool is not a popular product in many areas at this time and shearing costs are high this is a very desirable concept.
Because they are so docile they are very easy to care for. They are gregarious and stay together by nature. They exhibit a high tolerance for climate changes and adapt readily to being moved. They can be raised in nearly anyplace on the North American continent and do very well world wide.
When considering whether shelter is needed you may look to simple solutions. A shed or carport should be acceptable. Bedding can be of any dry material that is available in your area. Most can live their entire lives in the field. If you need to protect them from predation by wild animals and choose an enclosed shelter the ventilation system needs to be good enough that they are not exposed to moisture and poor air. These conditions can compromise their health.
The most common health issues can be avoided with proper nutrition and a sanitary living space. That being said, you may encounter skin rashes such as sore mouth or ring worms. As with other livestock there are neurological diseases that are serious. All health issues should be treated by a veterinarian at the earliest possible moment.
Katahdins offer an easy path to success for those who are interested. The Katahdin sheep breeders are blessed with the tools to be prosperous in many markets. The versatility of their product leads to meat packers, land owners, dog trainers and other individuals who want to raise these amazing animals. The ease of obtaining their goals is obvious when one considers that their markets are self replenishing and their products are self reproducing.
These animals are a very good commercial investment because they are very low maintenance and can be maintained on pasture grass nearly year round. They do require some supplemental nutrition to round out their nutritional needs but these are minimal. They produce a lean sweet meat that has become a welcome change to the pallets of many.
Twins, triplets and quads are not unusual for the ewes. They give birth in the fields and the lambs are alert and frisky from birth. The mothers are very protective and nurturing until the lambs are fully weaned at six weeks. Breeding can take place all year long so the flock may double or triple in size every season.
The lambs grow quickly and their coats can be any color pattern. They do not require tail docking because of breeding techniques. They also do not require shearing and shed their winter coats in the spring. Since wool is not a popular product in many areas at this time and shearing costs are high this is a very desirable concept.
Because they are so docile they are very easy to care for. They are gregarious and stay together by nature. They exhibit a high tolerance for climate changes and adapt readily to being moved. They can be raised in nearly anyplace on the North American continent and do very well world wide.
When considering whether shelter is needed you may look to simple solutions. A shed or carport should be acceptable. Bedding can be of any dry material that is available in your area. Most can live their entire lives in the field. If you need to protect them from predation by wild animals and choose an enclosed shelter the ventilation system needs to be good enough that they are not exposed to moisture and poor air. These conditions can compromise their health.
The most common health issues can be avoided with proper nutrition and a sanitary living space. That being said, you may encounter skin rashes such as sore mouth or ring worms. As with other livestock there are neurological diseases that are serious. All health issues should be treated by a veterinarian at the earliest possible moment.
Katahdins offer an easy path to success for those who are interested. The Katahdin sheep breeders are blessed with the tools to be prosperous in many markets. The versatility of their product leads to meat packers, land owners, dog trainers and other individuals who want to raise these amazing animals. The ease of obtaining their goals is obvious when one considers that their markets are self replenishing and their products are self reproducing.
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