Multiple Characteristics Keep Katahdin Sheep Breeders Happy And Prosperous
The Katahdin is a relatively new breed of ovine livestock. Developed in north central Maine, USA in 1957 by Michael Piel it is a combination of three African hair breeds that were imported from St. Croix, Virgin Islands and various other breeds. The result is an animal that truly pleases Katahdin sheep breeders.
These animals are a very good commercial investment because they are very low maintenance and can be maintained on pasture grass nearly year round. They do require some supplemental nutrition to round out their nutritional needs but these are minimal. They produce a lean sweet meat that has become a welcome change to the pallets of many.
Owners appreciate the fact that they give birth in the field and usually have twins and often triplets. The lambs feed on mother's milk and light grasses. They are weaned by the time they are six weeks old. Rams are able to breed at all times of the year and yield off spring continuously in the proper climate. A herd can triple in size in one year under ideal conditions.
The lack of need to shear yearly and dock the tails at birth creates a very desirable situation to those who want to raise Katahdins. Wool fabric is not as popular as it once was and shearing costs for them is very high. While they grow a thick coat to keep them warm in the winter months shed it in the early spring months.
Because they are so docile they are very easy to care for. They are gregarious and stay together by nature. They exhibit a high tolerance for climate changes and adapt readily to being moved. They can be raised in nearly anyplace on the North American continent and do very well world wide.
Some shelter may be required in inclement weather but it does not need to be complex. Some people plant trees in the pastures for shelter from extreme heat or build a lean-to to help keep them dry in rain or snow. Bedding can be any dry material that is available. Dry straw or wood chips are perfect. If an enclosed structure is used for protection against predators proper ventilation is imperative because moisture and poor air conditions damage the sheep's health.
Health issues are minimal with the most common being a viral skin disease called sore mouth. They can also contract ring worm or other skin rashes. There is also a neurological ailment called scrapie that is much the same as mad cow disease. Having sanitary habitats and proper nutrition promotes overall good health.
Katahdins offer an easy path to success for those who are interested. The Katahdin sheep breeders are blessed with the tools to be prosperous in many markets. The versatility of their product leads to meat packers, land owners, dog trainers and other individuals who want to raise these amazing animals. The ease of obtaining their goals is obvious when one considers that their markets are self replenishing and their products are self reproducing.
These animals are a very good commercial investment because they are very low maintenance and can be maintained on pasture grass nearly year round. They do require some supplemental nutrition to round out their nutritional needs but these are minimal. They produce a lean sweet meat that has become a welcome change to the pallets of many.
Owners appreciate the fact that they give birth in the field and usually have twins and often triplets. The lambs feed on mother's milk and light grasses. They are weaned by the time they are six weeks old. Rams are able to breed at all times of the year and yield off spring continuously in the proper climate. A herd can triple in size in one year under ideal conditions.
The lack of need to shear yearly and dock the tails at birth creates a very desirable situation to those who want to raise Katahdins. Wool fabric is not as popular as it once was and shearing costs for them is very high. While they grow a thick coat to keep them warm in the winter months shed it in the early spring months.
Because they are so docile they are very easy to care for. They are gregarious and stay together by nature. They exhibit a high tolerance for climate changes and adapt readily to being moved. They can be raised in nearly anyplace on the North American continent and do very well world wide.
Some shelter may be required in inclement weather but it does not need to be complex. Some people plant trees in the pastures for shelter from extreme heat or build a lean-to to help keep them dry in rain or snow. Bedding can be any dry material that is available. Dry straw or wood chips are perfect. If an enclosed structure is used for protection against predators proper ventilation is imperative because moisture and poor air conditions damage the sheep's health.
Health issues are minimal with the most common being a viral skin disease called sore mouth. They can also contract ring worm or other skin rashes. There is also a neurological ailment called scrapie that is much the same as mad cow disease. Having sanitary habitats and proper nutrition promotes overall good health.
Katahdins offer an easy path to success for those who are interested. The Katahdin sheep breeders are blessed with the tools to be prosperous in many markets. The versatility of their product leads to meat packers, land owners, dog trainers and other individuals who want to raise these amazing animals. The ease of obtaining their goals is obvious when one considers that their markets are self replenishing and their products are self reproducing.
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