How To Register Katahdin Sheep

Breed of sheep

The Katahdin is a breed of domestic sheep developed by breeder Michael Piel in Maine, U.s.a.. He named this new breed later Mount Katahdin - the state's highest meridian. The breed was developed during the second half of the 20th century by crossing selected St. Croix sheep from the Virgin Islands with various other breeds, including the Suffolk. Lambs were selected based on hair glaze, meat-type conformation, loftier fertility, and flocking instinct.

The Katahdin sheep breed was the get-go in the United states of america to attain sheep industry standards of carcass quality.^[i] ^{[ further explanation needed ]}The average Katahdin ewe weight is 120 to 160 pounds and the ram's weight is 180 to 250. Most Katahdin ewes will have a 200% lamb crop. The Katahdin sheds its winter coat, and so does not take to be sheared. The Katahdin's hair^{[ farther explanation needed ]} can come in whatever colour, every bit the emphasis of the breed is on production rather than appearance. When Katahdins are crossed with wool sheep, their offspring volition usually have a mix of predominantly wool with some pilus.

The Katahdin's popularity in the U.s.a. has increased in recent years due to low wool prices and loftier shearing costs. This, combined with the fact that the Katahdin sheep breed is likewise resistant to parasites - a trait inherited from its St. Croix ancestors - makes the breed a highly productive, depression-price option for commercial shepherds.^{[ commendation needed ]}