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In an effort to produce exceptional lambs for both the show ring and commercial market, we continue to be dedicated to genetically strengthening and seeking out superior bloodlines for both of our flocks.
Listed below are brief descriptions of the various breeds, and crosses, we have on the farm. Also listed is information about some of the products gained from sheep.
Suffolk
The first Suffolks were brought into this country in 1888; however, the breed did not make its appearance in the western states until 1919. Since that time, the University of Idaho has played a great part in developing and advancing the Suffolk in the western states.
Mature Suffolk rams weigh 250-300 pounds, with ewes weighing between 180-250 pounds. Fleece weights from mature ewes are between five and eight pounds, with a yeild of 50-62%. The fleeces are considered medium wool type with a fiber diameter of 25.5 to 33.0 microns and a spinning count of 48-58. The staple length ranges from 2 to 3.5 inches.
Hampshire
For over a century, US breeders have bred and selected Hampshires to fill specific sheep industry needs. Hampshire sheep have the genetic ability to efficiently convert forage into meat and fiber, and are adaptable and productive in various geographic regions of the United States.
The Hampshire is a large, open faced and active sheep, with a mild disposition. Hampshires are noted for their rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. Mature rams should weigh 275 pounds or more, and mature ewes should weigh 200 pounds or more in breeding condition. The face should be of good length, dark in color and practically free of wool from the eyes down. An unbroken woolcap should etend from the neck over the forehead.
Mature ewes will average a six to ten pound fleece that has a micron measurement of 25.0 to 33.0, and a spinning count of 46-58. The staple length of the fleece will be 2 to 3.5 inches, with a yield of 50-62%.
Dorset
Both horned and polled Dorsets are an all white sheep of medium size, having good body length and muscle conformation to produce a desirable carcass. Their fleece is very white, strong, close and free from dark fiber. The average ewe fleece weighs 5-9 pounds with a yield of 50-70%. The staple length ranges from 2.5-4 inches with a numeric count of 46-58's. The fiber diameter will range from 33.0 to 27.0 microns.
Mature ewes weigh from 150-200 pounds, with some in show condition exceeding that weight. Rams weigh from 225-275 pounds at maturity. Dorsets carry the "out of season" breeding characteristics. Ewes are good mothers, good milkers and multiple births are not uncommon.
Dorsets have grown in popularity to become the number one white faced breed in the United States. Their numbers also make them the second largest breed in total numbers in the USA, ranking below only the Suffolk breed.
Romanov
"Lambs by the Litter"
Genetically unique, the Romanov is a "pure gene". When crossed with a traditional ewe, a "hybrid" is produced. The high performance ewe for the flock of the future, and a top gaining market lamb. The 1/2 Romanov ewe looks like a "regular" sheep, but can perform like a Romanov. This production boost is easily introduced into any flock with the Romanov genetics.
Quadruplets, quintuplets and even sextuplets are normal performance for a Romanov ewe. The North American record for a Romanov ewe is seven live, healthy lambs in a litter. The Romanov breed record is a litter of nine.
Romanov sheep have phenomenal early sexual maturity. Rams and ewes are fertile by the time they are three months old. Ewes will breed any month of the year. This out of season breeding ability, as well as the multiple birth ability allow the high production of a Romanov ewe. Lambing every eight months, it is common for a ewe to lamb three times in two years, with three to five lambs each birth. This combined with the aggressiveness of the newborns that contributes to lamb survival, impressive lamb crops are possible.
PRODUCTS
Meat (Lamb and Mutton)
The most important product we can get from sheep is meat. Meat is an important ingredient in our diet, and lamb and mutton supply us with many of the vital vitamins and proteins we need for healthy living. Lamb is the meat (flesh) from a sheep that is less than one year old, while mutton is the meat from a sheep over one year old.
While sheep meat accounts for only 6% of the world's meat consumption, it is the principle meat in regions of North Africa, the Middle East, India and parts of Europe. The European Union claims to be the world's largest consumer and the number one importer of lamb. Ninety-nine percent of lamb imports originate from Australia and New Zealand.
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World Meat Consumption
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Pork
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40 percent
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Beef
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32 percent
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Poultry
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22 percent
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Lamb and Mutton
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6 percent
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Historically, lambs were viewed as a by-product of wool production. Today, it is the other way around.
Wool
Wool is a product that is well known to everyone. Wool is widely used in clothing, from knitwear such as socks and sweaters, to cloth used for suits and costumes. It is also widely used in the furniture trade for making chair covers and upholstery. Many of the better carpets produced traditionally and today are manufactured in wool. Wool is used to fill mattresses. It is used in a diverse way for things such as tennis ball covers, pool table baise and hanging basket liners. Alternative uses for wool are increasing. Wool is a very useful product when oil spills occur. Pads made from wool can help to soak up the oil.
Hides and Skins
Sheep skins are treated in a process called tanning, and made into soft leather. Sheep skin is commonly used for making the chamois cloths that you wash your car with. A small number of skins are preserved, and sold as "sheepskins", with the wool still attached.
The skins from hair sheep produce the most superior leather. This is because the numberous fine wool fibers, as opposed to the lesser number of coarse fibers of the hair sheep, cause the skin to be more open and loose in texture.
Lanolin
Lanolin consists of a highly complex mixture of esters, alcohols and fatty acids. It is used in adhesive tape, printing inks, motor oils, and auto lubrication. It can also be refined for use in cosmetics and beauty aids, with some of the common uses as lipsticks, mascara, lotions, shampoos and conditioners. Raw wool contains 10-25% grease, or lanolin, and is recovered during the scouring process.
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