Everyone the world over want to make it big in their chosen business or professions. Right now you have a bit of land under your name. You want to raise some katahdin sheep, put up a katahdin hair sheep for sale sign, and wait for the money to come in. This is a noble dream and goal, but you will need a bit of information that an article like this can give so do read on.
Strangely enough despite the seemingly foreign sounding name, the Katahdin is actually an America domestic breed and named after the highest spot in Maine, Mt. Katahdin. Michael Piel in the late 1950s out of curiosity mated the St. Croix sheep with a variety of other sheep breeds, like the Suffolk breed and came up with some interesting results. The experiment brought up a new breed with two distinct line. One genetic line gives hairless ones that is good for meat and dairy production, while the other line, which has wool, gives one of the finest if not highest quality wool around.
Compared to other pasture animals like cows and such, these do not require as much space. In fact as a rule of thumb, you should allocate about half a dozen per acre of land. If you have over 100 head, prepare to allocate at least 30 acres. The breed has a gestation period of around 145 days so expect your flock to at least double its size within a year at the least, even faster if the majority of the flock are ewes.
The main strength of the Katahdin is that it can adapt to most environments. In addition to this they are also very resistant to parasites as well. This latter trait of course was inherited from its St. Croix parents. These very admirable trait, plus the fact that it is a fairly low maintenance breed, makes this particular sheep quite popular for those starting out in commercial shepherding.
This breed also has a lamb crop percentage of 200%. This means in the most basic of terms that it will have at least 2 lambs every time it gives birth which will be commercially viable. Commercially viable in the sense that it these lambs can be kept for further breeding or sold for meat or other purposes. Thus expect to be commercially profitable within a year given a 200% lamb crop rating.
Katahdins can be classified as medium to large animal, with rams weighing as much as 114 kilograms and ewes up to 72 kilograms. Despite the size, they are easy to take care of and one will not have problems with a small starter flock. A starter flock is one with about 20 ewes and one ram.
Once you have decided on getting a starter flock, then you will need to have three things prepared ahead of time. First you should prepare a sheep proof fence to corral your sheep in. Next you will need either one or more guardian dogs to keep away predators and other creatures. And lastly but most importantly you will need a lambing shed or shelter for future lambs from your ewes.
This article has shown some basic considerations an ideas to mull over before entering the shepherding business. Do also try to do more research into the long term market and viability of such an industry before making a solid commitment.
Strangely enough despite the seemingly foreign sounding name, the Katahdin is actually an America domestic breed and named after the highest spot in Maine, Mt. Katahdin. Michael Piel in the late 1950s out of curiosity mated the St. Croix sheep with a variety of other sheep breeds, like the Suffolk breed and came up with some interesting results. The experiment brought up a new breed with two distinct line. One genetic line gives hairless ones that is good for meat and dairy production, while the other line, which has wool, gives one of the finest if not highest quality wool around.
Compared to other pasture animals like cows and such, these do not require as much space. In fact as a rule of thumb, you should allocate about half a dozen per acre of land. If you have over 100 head, prepare to allocate at least 30 acres. The breed has a gestation period of around 145 days so expect your flock to at least double its size within a year at the least, even faster if the majority of the flock are ewes.
The main strength of the Katahdin is that it can adapt to most environments. In addition to this they are also very resistant to parasites as well. This latter trait of course was inherited from its St. Croix parents. These very admirable trait, plus the fact that it is a fairly low maintenance breed, makes this particular sheep quite popular for those starting out in commercial shepherding.
This breed also has a lamb crop percentage of 200%. This means in the most basic of terms that it will have at least 2 lambs every time it gives birth which will be commercially viable. Commercially viable in the sense that it these lambs can be kept for further breeding or sold for meat or other purposes. Thus expect to be commercially profitable within a year given a 200% lamb crop rating.
Katahdins can be classified as medium to large animal, with rams weighing as much as 114 kilograms and ewes up to 72 kilograms. Despite the size, they are easy to take care of and one will not have problems with a small starter flock. A starter flock is one with about 20 ewes and one ram.
Once you have decided on getting a starter flock, then you will need to have three things prepared ahead of time. First you should prepare a sheep proof fence to corral your sheep in. Next you will need either one or more guardian dogs to keep away predators and other creatures. And lastly but most importantly you will need a lambing shed or shelter for future lambs from your ewes.
This article has shown some basic considerations an ideas to mull over before entering the shepherding business. Do also try to do more research into the long term market and viability of such an industry before making a solid commitment.
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Get an overview of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a sheep breeder and more information about Katahdin hair sheep for sale at http://www.stablerockkatahdins.com now.
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