What is the point in hair sheep - Now what wool/meat breed is best.

[PendergrassRanch]

What about Suffolk? Those seem to be really popular around here.

 

[PendergrassRanch]

OH sweet, I just found a source for Romney sheep locally.

 

[SheepGirl]

Those are a medium wool breed, mainly used as a terminal sire. They are the most popular breed in the U.S. due to their fast growth rates. But they are HUGE sheep. IF you were to use them for sheepskins, the wool would be no longer than 3" (probably more like 1-2" if you use skins from lambs) and it would feel like a carpet. (That's how many people described the wool on my sheep when I take them to fairs, and they have medium wool like a Suffolk.) And the skins would be big, too.

eta, here's a picture from Donner Trail Ranch of a EWE. I would love to have a big sheep like this just for fun lol

 

[PendergrassRanch]

Holy giant sheep batman!

If I were to get that as a sire, would I be okay crossing them on Romneys?

 

[SheepGirl]

I would think so, yes.

 

[PendergrassRanch]

I would think so, yes.

Awesome, I have a lot to consider but I do have a few months. Thanks for your help!

 

[RemudaOne]

"The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The skin comprises a high percentage of the income (20%) of the total carcass value."

You can find more information here too:

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/dorper/

And here:

http://www.dorper.org/

Not sure where you live but the dorpers were developed to thrive in harsh, arid climates and maintain weight on poor pasture. Not sure how they would do if you live somewhere soggy.

Good luck on your decision .

 

[PendergrassRanch]

"The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The skin comprises a high percentage of the income (20%) of the total carcass value."

You can find more information here too:

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/dorper/

And here:

http://www.dorper.org/

Not sure where you live but the dorpers were developed to thrive in harsh, arid climates and maintain weight on poor pasture. Not sure how they would do if you live somewhere soggy.

Good luck on your decision .

I live in Northern California at about 1100 elevation. Its not especially soggy.

That is a hair breed right?

 

[SheepGirl]

"The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The skin comprises a high percentage of the income (20%) of the total carcass value."

You can find more information here too:

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/dorper/

And here:

http://www.dorper.org/

Not sure where you live but the dorpers were developed to thrive in harsh, arid climates and maintain weight on poor pasture. Not sure how they would do if you live somewhere soggy.

Good luck on your decision .

lol I've never heard of Cape Glovers But to me I guess it would be more like a cowskin, since it's a hair breed. When I think of sheepskin, I think of a soft, luxurious throw.

But it depends on what type of skins the OP wants to produce, I guess.

 

[RemudaOne]

Pendergrass, yes it's a hair breed. Both of those websites have some nice pictures.

Sheepgirl, from what I understand Cape Glovers is located in South Africa where the breed originated. Since I've never seen or touched a finished Dorper sheep skin I couldn't speak to its texture. The OP was asking about breeds, I was simply stating what I have read and supplying websites where Pendergrass might be able to learn more about the Dorpers.