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 used the best breeds in the interbreeding to ensure that lambs that came out were of the best quality. The recent past has seen a great rise in popularity of this species in the United States because of high shearing prices and low wool price. The breed has continued to spread from the motherland state of Maine and when in necessity of best Katahdin sheep Kentucky should be the place to check out.
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 good parental instincts and provide protection to their young ones. They are observed to give birth to triplets at times and often require no assistance when lambing. Research indicates that twins or single lambs are preferable for the first time lambing. The amount of milk they produce is sufficient for their young ones. The gentle nature of these breed allows the animals to flock moderately well, although rams may sometimes be a bit pushy.
Generally they are colored white although they have a brown patch along the upper surface of the neck. The animals have black or brown hair in some situations, and occasionally spots may appear. Hair offers good protection against parasite attack, rendering them very resistant to parasite-caused ailments. The weight of ewes ranges between 120 and 160 pounds whereas males weigh around 180-240 pounds. This mass places them under the medium size sheep category.
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 used the best breeds in the interbreeding to ensure that lambs that came out were of the best quality. The recent past has seen a great rise in popularity of this species in the United States because of high shearing prices and low wool price. The breed has continued to spread from the motherland state of Maine and when in necessity of best Katahdin sheep Kentucky should be the place to check out.
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 good parental instincts and provide protection to their young ones. They are observed to give birth to triplets at times and often require no assistance when lambing. Research indicates that twins or single lambs are preferable for the first time lambing. The amount of milk they produce is sufficient for their young ones. The gentle nature of these breed allows the animals to flock moderately well, although rams may sometimes be a bit pushy.
Generally they are colored white although they have a brown patch along the upper surface of the neck. The animals have black or brown hair in some situations, and occasionally spots may appear. Hair offers good protection against parasite attack, rendering them very resistant to parasite-caused ailments. The weight of ewes ranges between 120 and 160 pounds whereas males weigh around 180-240 pounds. This mass places them under the medium size sheep category.
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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