Where did Shropshire sheep come from?
England
Shropshire, breed of medium-wool, dark-faced, hornless sheep originating in the Downs of England. It is one of the most popular farm sheep in the Midwestern United States. It produces good wool and mutton and subsists on sparse pasturage more successfully than breeds such as the Hampshire or Suffolk.
Do Shropshire sheep eat trees?
It is common for sheep to be used as conservation grazers, but they have a tendency to eat the new growth on trees as well as munching on older foliage. The Shropshire sheep, however, does not have this problem.
Are Shropshire sheep good mothers?
As dams, Shropshires are good mothers – being docile and milky, rearing twin lambs with ease. They are prolific and can achieve lambing percentages of 160% and above. They are extremely hardy and have a long productive flock life.
Are Shropshire sheep a rare breed?
The Shropshire Sheep is no longer considered a rare breed. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has removed the sheep from its annual watch list of native breeds “of genetic conservation importance”. The RBST said the breed had experienced a “resurgence in its fortunes” with almost 4,000 UK ewes now registered.
What is the Southdown sheep used for?
The Southdown is historically one of the most important of the British breeds of sheep, valued for fleece, meat, and for improvement of other breeds. The Southdown was developed in southeastern England, specifically in the Chalk Hills or “South Downs” of Sussex.
Can sheep eat old Christmas trees?
Most sheep love eating pine. Not only does it provide some variety in their diet but provides some health benefits as well. Feeding your Christmas tree to your small flock of sheep or herd of goats also provides a great way of recycling your tree.
What are Suffolk sheep known for?
Suffolks are prolific, early maturing sheep with excellent mutton carcasses. They are energetic, and the whole carriage is alert, showing stamina and quality. The breed is not desirable for wool production. The fleeces are short in staple and light in weight, and they have black fibres.
What are Suffolk sheep used for?
Their large frame and muscular bodies make them an ideal breed for meat production, however; they are also good for wool production as well. They are hardy sheep, a trait originating from their Norfolk Horn heritage.
What is a Shropshire sheep?
The Shropshire sheep is a medium to large sized breed with stylish carriage. It’s body is covered with fine and dense wool. It is a robust animal as indicated by width and depth of the chest, strength and formation of neck and by bold active movement.
Do Shropshire ewes have lambing problems?
The ewes are prolific and long-lived with wonderful mothering and milking abilities. There are seldom any lambing problems with Shropshire ewes. Lambing percentages of 175-200% are not uncommon in a flock of Shropshires.
Are Shropshire lambs Hardy?
Shropshire lambs are hardy, vigorous and meaty. They have the ability to feed out to choice grade at an earlier age and with less investment in feed, thus producing greater overall profit. The Shropshire is one of the heaviest wool producers among the medium-wool breeds.
When did the Shropshire breed grow in the US?
The late 1880’s, the 1890’s and the early years of the twentieth century saw the greatest period of expansion of the Shropshire breed in the United States and Canada. Several flocks that were established during this period made a distinct contribution to the breed.