Katahdin is a slightly newer variety of sheep found in America. Its development occurred in 1950s by Piel Michael, an amateur geneticist and a farmer. The animal was named after Mt. Katahdin in the state of Maine where the farm was located. The breed was a result of a cross between haired sheep and British breeds. When in necessity for Katahdin sheep Kentucky is worth visiting before other places.
Registrations, transfer numbers, and surveys reveal that this breed makes up the highest proportion of all sheep meat consumed in USA. The animals should not be mistaken with goats because of the resemblance because they have 54 chromosomes unlike goats which have 60. Infact, cross-breeding with goats cannot produce fertile pregnancies. Mouflon, the ancestor of current day sheep resembled goats a lot and may be the cause of the goat-like appearance.
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, this breed does not have horns because it is generally polled. However, as a result of being developed from Wiltshire Horn breed, some develop scurs and horns due to residual influence. Polled animals are preferred more by the breed association and most breeders. Horning and scurring are allowed in the species standards. Milk goiter also develops in some lambs. This is a normal occurrence in perfectly performing lambs. The milk goiter must not be mistaken for bottle jaw, an abscess, or iodine goiter.
Development of these animals happened under cold mountain foot climates. This makes them very suitable for rearing in cold areas. They can also adapt very well under a wide range of climates. For instance, under very cold conditions, they develop a very thick coat to insulate against heat loss from the body. In warm regions, the coat developed is slightly thin. Nutrition plays a major role in maintenance of body temperature under suitable levels.
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.
Lambing ability is high, but also dependent on many factors. Age, season of breeding, and nutrition are the major factors that affect lambing. Each lambing results in at least more than two lambs on average. Number of lambs and capability to lamb depends significantly on the body condition. Ewes with more than one lamb should be fed plenty of feed with more nutrient content. This helps to meet milk requirements by the lambs.
Breeding should be started at 12 months of age. Weight should be based on more when deciding time of breeding than the age. Rams achieve breeding age at 7 to 8 months after birth.
Registrations, transfer numbers, and surveys reveal that this breed makes up the highest proportion of all sheep meat consumed in USA. The animals should not be mistaken with goats because of the resemblance because they have 54 chromosomes unlike goats which have 60. Infact, cross-breeding with goats cannot produce fertile pregnancies. Mouflon, the ancestor of current day sheep resembled goats a lot and may be the cause of the goat-like appearance.
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, this breed does not have horns because it is generally polled. However, as a result of being developed from Wiltshire Horn breed, some develop scurs and horns due to residual influence. Polled animals are preferred more by the breed association and most breeders. Horning and scurring are allowed in the species standards. Milk goiter also develops in some lambs. This is a normal occurrence in perfectly performing lambs. The milk goiter must not be mistaken for bottle jaw, an abscess, or iodine goiter.
Development of these animals happened under cold mountain foot climates. This makes them very suitable for rearing in cold areas. They can also adapt very well under a wide range of climates. For instance, under very cold conditions, they develop a very thick coat to insulate against heat loss from the body. In warm regions, the coat developed is slightly thin. Nutrition plays a major role in maintenance of body temperature under suitable levels.
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.
Lambing ability is high, but also dependent on many factors. Age, season of breeding, and nutrition are the major factors that affect lambing. Each lambing results in at least more than two lambs on average. Number of lambs and capability to lamb depends significantly on the body condition. Ewes with more than one lamb should be fed plenty of feed with more nutrient content. This helps to meet milk requirements by the lambs.
Breeding should be started at 12 months of age. Weight should be based on more when deciding time of breeding than the age. Rams achieve breeding age at 7 to 8 months after birth.
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