The story of Katahdin sheep Kentucky is interesting even to those who don't intend to become shepherds. For those who are already involved with raising sheep, the rationale behind this new registered breed will perhaps change the way they conduct business. This story is a real life example of American ingenuity in action.
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.
Piel learned about a breed that has no fleece. These 'hair sheep' have coats which don't need to be sheared each year. These animals have been virtually unknown in Europe and North America but are familiar sights 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 taste and quality of the meat is paramount. Piel's new type gives a lot of lean, flavorful meat. In addition, the beasts are tolerant of many climates, can flourish on many kinds of forage, and are remarkably easy to care for. They do an outstanding job of clearing waste lands and fallow fields of brush, with little time and attention from their owners.
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.
Piel learned about a breed that has no fleece. These 'hair sheep' have coats which don't need to be sheared each year. These animals have been virtually unknown in Europe and North America but are familiar sights 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 taste and quality of the meat is paramount. Piel's new type gives a lot of lean, flavorful meat. In addition, the beasts are tolerant of many climates, can flourish on many kinds of forage, and are remarkably easy to care for. They do an outstanding job of clearing waste lands and fallow fields of brush, with little time and attention from their owners.
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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