Small, Colorful Sheep Breed Catching On Fast

Small Colorful Sheep Breed Catching On Fast LIVESTOCK Sheep/Goats Shetland Sheep are one of the smallest British sheep breeds Their numbers are expanding quickly in North America Although only imported into Canada in 1980 and coming to the U S in 1986 more than 15 000 animals have been registered with the North American Shetland Sheep Association NASSA in the past 6 years Although the meat is tasty it is the wool that attracts most breeders “Shetlands come in 11 colors and 31 patterns ” says Sandy Powers Fantasia Fleece Farm A NASSA board member Powers describes the wool as very soft with lots of loft She says spinners really like working with it as it doesn’t scratch and works well for things like scarves worn next to the skin As expected from a small breed the wool comes in small quantities Average production of 5 lbs of raw wool processes down to about 2 to 3 lbs per animal Shetlands are considered a primitive or unimproved breed since they haven’t generally been selected for specific traits If breeders do select for specific traits in order to be registered by the NASSA the sheep have to stay within the breed standard It outlines a collection of varied traits such as short tail medium length of face with prominent nose and small mouth Ewes range from 75 to 100 lbs and rams range from 90 to 125 lbs Shetlands are seasonal breeders that commonly produce twins when well fed The breed is very adaptable to the climate Powers says breeders range from the Northern U S and Canada into the southeast and southwestern U S Powers has run as many as 80 head at a time though she is now down to 60 She rotates pastures and averages about 7 head per acre Though typically raised for the wool she markets weathers for meat “It is very mild tasting with smaller cuts ” she says “A loin cut runs about 3 oz which is a recommended meat portion ” Although the first Shetlands imported sold for thousands of dollars each Powers reports today’s prices are significantly less “You can get a beautiful ewe for $200 to $300 ” she says “A ram would be more ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Fantasia Fleece Farm 10600 N 600 E Roanoke Ind 46783 ph 260 672-9623; spowers@shetland-sheep org; www shetland-sheep org

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