Katahdin sheep Kentucky way are well worth investigating by anyone interested in raising sheep, understanding the process of selective breeding, or appreciating the results of dedication and experimentation. This is an American success story that, like so many others in this great nation of immigrants, involves other countries and continents.
Michael Piel of Maine became interested in different breeds of this valuable domestic animal in his childhood. He found the Suffolk to be satisfactory, but focused on meat production rather than the wool that every one of his animals grew every year. This wool, which once boosted profits, has become less valuable since the market has been flooded with Australian wool. In addition, synthetic fleece has captured public affection and reduced demand for the natural product.
Believe it or not, animals like this do exist. Called hair sheep, they have coats more like other domestic animals. Their hair coats shield them from extremes of weather but require no shearing. There are millions of these beasts, mainly in Africa and Latin America.
Piel imported three ewes and a ram from the Virgin Islands and crossed them with various woolly kinds of American animals. He was careful to select animals that fit his specifications. All of the imported ewes were triplets, all four animals were young and healthy, and all were prime examples of their breed in conformation, temperament, and size. The non-woolly breed was known to be prolific, resistant to parasites, adaptable, and hardy.
Other traits make these animals stand out. They conceive readily, give birth easily, mate at any time of the year, and grow and mature quickly. All sheepherders can appreciate lambing in May rather than during freezing nights in February, and saving money by feeding pregnant ewes rather than barren ones.
To produce as much high-quality meat as possible, Piel wanted muscular, stocky animals with long loins that would quickly mature as either breeding stock or market lambs. The standard for registered Katahdins today shows that he was successful. Conformation and size are important, while color is not. If an animal has only one registered parent, it must be inspected for conformity to the standard before papers will be issued.
The meat from these animals is lean and flavorful. There's also a lot of it packed onto these muscular beasts who tolerate heat or cold, thrive on a variety of forages, and pretty much take care of themselves. They are ideal for clearing brush-clogged areas, like land under power lines or fields that have lain fallow for a number of years.
Check out Katahdin sheep Kentucky to see if there might be a flock near you. You can also go to the website set up for this breed, posted by Katahdin Hair Sheep International.
Michael Piel of Maine became interested in different breeds of this valuable domestic animal in his childhood. He found the Suffolk to be satisfactory, but focused on meat production rather than the wool that every one of his animals grew every year. This wool, which once boosted profits, has become less valuable since the market has been flooded with Australian wool. In addition, synthetic fleece has captured public affection and reduced demand for the natural product.
Believe it or not, animals like this do exist. Called hair sheep, they have coats more like other domestic animals. Their hair coats shield them from extremes of weather but require no shearing. There are millions of these beasts, mainly in Africa and Latin America.
Piel imported three ewes and a ram from the Virgin Islands and crossed them with various woolly kinds of American animals. He was careful to select animals that fit his specifications. All of the imported ewes were triplets, all four animals were young and healthy, and all were prime examples of their breed in conformation, temperament, and size. The non-woolly breed was known to be prolific, resistant to parasites, adaptable, and hardy.
Other traits make these animals stand out. They conceive readily, give birth easily, mate at any time of the year, and grow and mature quickly. All sheepherders can appreciate lambing in May rather than during freezing nights in February, and saving money by feeding pregnant ewes rather than barren ones.
To produce as much high-quality meat as possible, Piel wanted muscular, stocky animals with long loins that would quickly mature as either breeding stock or market lambs. The standard for registered Katahdins today shows that he was successful. Conformation and size are important, while color is not. If an animal has only one registered parent, it must be inspected for conformity to the standard before papers will be issued.
The meat from these animals is lean and flavorful. There's also a lot of it packed onto these muscular beasts who tolerate heat or cold, thrive on a variety of forages, and pretty much take care of themselves. They are ideal for clearing brush-clogged areas, like land under power lines or fields that have lain fallow for a number of years.
Check out Katahdin sheep Kentucky to see if there might be a flock near you. You can also go to the website set up for this breed, posted by Katahdin Hair Sheep International.
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