Katahdin is a new species of American sheep. Its development was done in the 50s by Michael Piel, an amateur geneticist. Michael named the animal after Mt. Katahdin in Maine where the development took place. The breed resulted from a cross between hair sheep and some British breeds. When in need of buying Katahdin sheep Kentucky offers the best place to visit.
The highest number of sheep in USA reared and consumed in USA is of this type according to transfer number, registrations, and recent surveys. There is some resemblance with goats, although this should not make one think the two are related. Number of chromosomes differs and fertile pregnancies cannot occur with goats. The resemblance is probably because the ancestor of contemporary sheep called Mouflon resembled goats a lot.
The coat of the animal may have one color or a combination of colors formed into different patterns. However, red, white, black, and brown are the major colors observed with white occurring more frequently than the others. Reproduction or other qualities do not differ depending on the color. Also, the breed association does not make any discriminations basing on color.
Naturally, the breed is polled and does not grow horns. However, since the animals were developed from Wiltshire Horn breed, some may develop horns or scurs as a residual influence. The breed association and most breeders prefer polled animals. Standards that regulate the species allow horns and scurs. Some may also develop milk goiter, which is perfectly normal in well performing lambs. The goiter should not be misdiagnosed for iodine goiter, bottle jaw, or an abscess.
These animals were developed under very cold, mountainous conditions. This gives them a high ability to survive under cold conditions. They also show high adaptability to a wide spectrum of weather conditions. For instance, they survive under cold conditions by developing a thick coat which insulates the body against heat loss. In warm regions, they develop a slightly lighter coat. To maintain suitable body temperatures, the right nutrition must be fed to the animals.
Katahdin has many attractive qualities that other breeds lack. For instance, crutching, tail docking, and shearing are not necessary. Gastro-intestinal parasites are also well resisted against by these animals. Reproduction traits and body fitness are also very good. Fertility, mothering capability, prolificacy, and milk production are all high. The meat has very good taste and quality.
Although dependent on many factors, these animals have high lambing ability. Factors that affect lambing include nutrition, age, and season of breeding. On average, mature ewes lamb two or more lambs per lambing. Ability to lamb and number of lambs lambed is affected a lot by body condition. Plenty of food with more nutrient content should be fed to ewes raising more than one lamd as compensation for milk consumed by young ones.
The age at which the first breeding should occur is 12 months. Time of breeding should depend on weight more than age. Seven to eight months is the average age for rams to be ready for breeding.
The highest number of sheep in USA reared and consumed in USA is of this type according to transfer number, registrations, and recent surveys. There is some resemblance with goats, although this should not make one think the two are related. Number of chromosomes differs and fertile pregnancies cannot occur with goats. The resemblance is probably because the ancestor of contemporary sheep called Mouflon resembled goats a lot.
The coat of the animal may have one color or a combination of colors formed into different patterns. However, red, white, black, and brown are the major colors observed with white occurring more frequently than the others. Reproduction or other qualities do not differ depending on the color. Also, the breed association does not make any discriminations basing on color.
Naturally, the breed is polled and does not grow horns. However, since the animals were developed from Wiltshire Horn breed, some may develop horns or scurs as a residual influence. The breed association and most breeders prefer polled animals. Standards that regulate the species allow horns and scurs. Some may also develop milk goiter, which is perfectly normal in well performing lambs. The goiter should not be misdiagnosed for iodine goiter, bottle jaw, or an abscess.
These animals were developed under very cold, mountainous conditions. This gives them a high ability to survive under cold conditions. They also show high adaptability to a wide spectrum of weather conditions. For instance, they survive under cold conditions by developing a thick coat which insulates the body against heat loss. In warm regions, they develop a slightly lighter coat. To maintain suitable body temperatures, the right nutrition must be fed to the animals.
Katahdin has many attractive qualities that other breeds lack. For instance, crutching, tail docking, and shearing are not necessary. Gastro-intestinal parasites are also well resisted against by these animals. Reproduction traits and body fitness are also very good. Fertility, mothering capability, prolificacy, and milk production are all high. The meat has very good taste and quality.
Although dependent on many factors, these animals have high lambing ability. Factors that affect lambing include nutrition, age, and season of breeding. On average, mature ewes lamb two or more lambs per lambing. Ability to lamb and number of lambs lambed is affected a lot by body condition. Plenty of food with more nutrient content should be fed to ewes raising more than one lamd as compensation for milk consumed by young ones.
The age at which the first breeding should occur is 12 months. Time of breeding should depend on weight more than age. Seven to eight months is the average age for rams to be ready for breeding.
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