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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 26
Crossbreds:
Crossbred sheep are sheep with mixed blood. Very often crossbreeds produce better than purebreds and are known for their hybrid vigor.
Hybrid vigor is a desirable quality and occurs when sheep of two different breeds are bred to each other, the most desirable traits of each breed surface rather than those that are less desirable, this in turn makes for hardier sheep with a more vigorous growth, and more productivity. The subject of crossbreeding will be covered in depth later on in the book.
BREEDS TO CONSIDER
If you decide you want to go for a particular breed, rather than a crossbreed, the following present some interesting characteristics from which you may wish to select.
Barbados Blackbelly:
This variety of sheep has the ability to lamb nearly twice a year. They are prolific, hardy and easy breeders. However, the ewes tend to be nervous around strangers and are very protective mothers. The Barbados is suited to hot, humid climates and have a good resistance to internal parasites and suffer little from heat stress.
Black Welsh Mountain:
This sheep originated in Wales. It is small, and extremely hardy and like cold climates. The ewes are well known for easy lambing, high fertility, and as good milk producers which ensures a rapid growth to their lambs. They are an independent sheep and very active which makes them somewhat difficult to fence in.
Bluefaced Leicester:
A breed native to the UK. There are three Leicester breeds, the Longwool Leicester, the Border Leicester and the Bluefaced Leicester.
Longwool Leicester:
Crossbred sheep are sheep with mixed blood. Very often crossbreeds produce better than purebreds and are known for their hybrid vigor.
Hybrid vigor is a desirable quality and occurs when sheep of two different breeds are bred to each other, the most desirable traits of each breed surface rather than those that are less desirable, this in turn makes for hardier sheep with a more vigorous growth, and more productivity. The subject of crossbreeding will be covered in depth later on in the book.
BREEDS TO CONSIDER
If you decide you want to go for a particular breed, rather than a crossbreed, the following present some interesting characteristics from which you may wish to select.
Barbados Blackbelly:
This variety of sheep has the ability to lamb nearly twice a year. They are prolific, hardy and easy breeders. However, the ewes tend to be nervous around strangers and are very protective mothers. The Barbados is suited to hot, humid climates and have a good resistance to internal parasites and suffer little from heat stress.
Black Welsh Mountain:
This sheep originated in Wales. It is small, and extremely hardy and like cold climates. The ewes are well known for easy lambing, high fertility, and as good milk producers which ensures a rapid growth to their lambs. They are an independent sheep and very active which makes them somewhat difficult to fence in.
Bluefaced Leicester:
A breed native to the UK. There are three Leicester breeds, the Longwool Leicester, the Border Leicester and the Bluefaced Leicester.
Longwool Leicester: