US Sheep Breeds
Meat Breeds Ewe Breeds Dual Purpose
Breeds Wool Breeds Hair Breeds
Five Classifications
- 26 – 30 Breeds in US- Only 8- 10 Industry Impact
Ms.Simmons 2
Meat Breeds
Developed: Suffolk county England
Characteristics: Black head and legs (Free of any wool) Largest breed of sheep
Rams up to 350 lbs Ewe up to 250 lbs
Noted For: Rapid growth rates, and carcass traits
Suffolk
Ms.Simmons 3
Meat Breeds
Developed: Hampshire county England
Characteristics: Black head and legs with wool on them Rams can weigh up to 325 Ewes can weigh up to 225 lbs
Noted For: Fast rates of growth and excellent
muscling
Hampshire
Ms.Simmons 5
Origin: England
Black face
Meat type
Excellent carcass
Medium wool
# 2 Ram breed
Hampshire
Ms.Simmons 6
Meat Breeds
Developed: Hampshire county England
Characteristics: Mouse colored muzzle and legs with wool on
legs Smaller sized Rams can weigh up to 200 Ewes can weigh up to 150 lbs
Noted For: Calm docile sheep, gained popularity due
to size for young exhibitors
Southdowns
Ms.Simmons 7
Origin: England
Base of all meat breeds
Medium wool
Early maturing
Muscular, light weight carcasses
Southdown
Ms.Simmons 8
Ewe Breed / Wool Breed
Developed: Spain
Characteristics: White points, long fleece Rams 220 lbs, Ewes 150 lbs
Noted For: Highest Quality fleece , up to
14 lbs Finest Fleece Maternal Strengths
Merino
Ms.Simmons 9
Origin: Spain
White face
Gregarious
Fine wool
Rams = horned
Ewes = polled
Wool on shanks
Wool blindness
Merino
Ms.Simmons 10
Ewe Breed / Wool Breed
Developed: In France from Merino
Characteristics: White with long wool Ram 300 lbs, ewe 250 lbs
Noted For: Excellent mothering Hardiness – Western Breed Quality wool, Heavy fleece up to 18 lbs
Rambouillet
Ms.Simmons 11
Origin: FranceWhite faceGregariousFine woolRams = hornedEwes = polledPredominant fine wool breed in U.S.
Rambouillet
Ms.Simmons 12
Dual Purpose Breeds
Developed: First breed developed in the
US Univ of Wyoming Western Range Rambioullet X Lincoln (meat)
Characteristics: Large Sheep Rams
Rams 300 lbs Ewes 225 lbs
Noted For: Mothering Characteristics Good Carcasses
Columbia
Ms.Simmons 13
Origin: U.S.Cross of Lincoln & RambouilletMeat and wool typeLarge frame/growthGood mothers
Columbia
Ms.Simmons 14
Origin: Angora
Mohair Production
Sheared twice/year
Horned
Small Frame
Require extra management at Kidding
Angora
Ms.Simmons 16
Origin: South Africa
Meat Type
Horned
Early Puberty
Extended Breeding Season
Heavy Muscle
Boer
Ms.Simmons 17
Origin: EnglandDual purposeVery popular cross with meat type goatsLarge frameExtended breeding seasonAdapts to hot environment
Nubian
Ms.Simmons 22
Origin: SwitzerlandOldest known dairy breedMedium frame sizeDark color with white ears and white stripes down face.Excellent udder qualityBest suited for cool climates
Toggenburg
Ms.Simmons 23
Origin: Switzerland
Heavy milkers
White color
Sensitive to excessive sunlight and hot climates
Saanen
Ms.Simmons 24