Part of second half of the20th century in US featured the development of unique domestic animals. This resulted into katahdin sheep. The sheep was first developed in Maine near Katahdin mountain, hence the name. The breeding and research work was handled by amateur geneticist known as Micheal Piel. His sole aim was to develop a variety of sheep with good flocking instinct, better hair coat, meat type conformation, and high fertility.
His research was focused on producing animals with hair and not wool. A breed that does not produce wool was needed because of low prices of wool and high shearing costs. The resultant breed had good mothering abilities in comparison to the parents. To get docile yet hardy Katahdin sheep Kentucky is the place to go. They show higher resistance to both external and internal parasites. They are easy to handle because they are docile.
Healthy and mature females weigh between 160 to 120 pounds. A mature male has its weight varying between 250 to180 pounds. Most twins have a mean weight of eight pounds at the time of birth. Ewes give bear twins, although they might give birth to triplets or quadruplets sometimes. The protective instinct among females is better.
Twelve months is the earliest time ewes can be mate provided they have attained the required size and weight. It is important to focus more on weight than size. Once lambs have attained two-thirds of the size of mature ewes they can be bred. First-time mothers should be managed and fed separately from those that have already have young ones until their lambs are weaned. This is done to help them be better mothers.
Females and males mature early and show prolonged productive life. Rams are reliable breeders with the capability of fertilizing the whole year. A single ram may serve many females in the first wave of exposure. Females and males may be applied in crossbreeding. First time generation lambs between katahdins and other breeds of wool sheep are covered with wool fleeces.
It takes approximately 3 generations or even more depending on the type of crossbred wool animal to have lambs with purebred features like shedding hair coats. The lengths and textures of hair coats vary on each sheep. Kentucky katahdins are born with many either pure or sorts of shades. Brown, red, black and white are the commonest shades. Some have spots or unique patterns.
Young males and females are a source of quality and healthy lean meat. The quantity of fatty acid in the meat depends on the diet. Their meat contains important omega three and six fatty acids. Grass is the major source of fatty acids, even though a diet with specific oils or fats can achieve the same results. Details on the types of fats or oils to be included in the diet has to be prescribed by trained veterinaries. This is done for health reasons.
Katahdins are hardy animals with feeding behaviors similar to that of goats. They feed on anything ranging from soft tree barks of deciduous plants to weeds. They support themselves on hind legs to access leaves and remove tree barks. They may be destructive when not controlled. Young ones of katahdin sheep are in the habit of climbing on plants and hay. To avoid this, bale rings must be placed round plants and trees to be protected.
His research was focused on producing animals with hair and not wool. A breed that does not produce wool was needed because of low prices of wool and high shearing costs. The resultant breed had good mothering abilities in comparison to the parents. To get docile yet hardy Katahdin sheep Kentucky is the place to go. They show higher resistance to both external and internal parasites. They are easy to handle because they are docile.
Healthy and mature females weigh between 160 to 120 pounds. A mature male has its weight varying between 250 to180 pounds. Most twins have a mean weight of eight pounds at the time of birth. Ewes give bear twins, although they might give birth to triplets or quadruplets sometimes. The protective instinct among females is better.
Twelve months is the earliest time ewes can be mate provided they have attained the required size and weight. It is important to focus more on weight than size. Once lambs have attained two-thirds of the size of mature ewes they can be bred. First-time mothers should be managed and fed separately from those that have already have young ones until their lambs are weaned. This is done to help them be better mothers.
Females and males mature early and show prolonged productive life. Rams are reliable breeders with the capability of fertilizing the whole year. A single ram may serve many females in the first wave of exposure. Females and males may be applied in crossbreeding. First time generation lambs between katahdins and other breeds of wool sheep are covered with wool fleeces.
It takes approximately 3 generations or even more depending on the type of crossbred wool animal to have lambs with purebred features like shedding hair coats. The lengths and textures of hair coats vary on each sheep. Kentucky katahdins are born with many either pure or sorts of shades. Brown, red, black and white are the commonest shades. Some have spots or unique patterns.
Young males and females are a source of quality and healthy lean meat. The quantity of fatty acid in the meat depends on the diet. Their meat contains important omega three and six fatty acids. Grass is the major source of fatty acids, even though a diet with specific oils or fats can achieve the same results. Details on the types of fats or oils to be included in the diet has to be prescribed by trained veterinaries. This is done for health reasons.
Katahdins are hardy animals with feeding behaviors similar to that of goats. They feed on anything ranging from soft tree barks of deciduous plants to weeds. They support themselves on hind legs to access leaves and remove tree barks. They may be destructive when not controlled. Young ones of katahdin sheep are in the habit of climbing on plants and hay. To avoid this, bale rings must be placed round plants and trees to be protected.
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