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 bred for their commercial value because of the lean sweet meat they produce. They are also very low maintenance investments in that they will be field flocks that eat pasture grass and do well on it. There are supplements that you should also give them to help balance their nutritional intake. Rotating fields is a good idea when grass becomes sparse or over grazed.
Twins, triplets and quads are not unusual for the ewes. They give birth in the fields and the lambs are alert and frisky from birth. The mothers are very protective and nurturing until the lambs are fully weaned at six weeks. Breeding can take place all year long so the flock may double or triple in size every season.
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.
Katahdin breeders have an enormous market range to choose from. These animals are in demand by people who want to raise sheep or improve the flock they have, those who are looking for quality lamb meat with mild flavor or land owners who need a small ruminant to help maintain field conditions. The lack of woolly coats makes them excellent candidates for areas where the wool is a detriment to adaption or where wool markets are doing poorly. The ample markets and inbred characteristics serve to make the Katahdin sheep breeders a very happy and prosperous group.
These animals are bred for their commercial value because of the lean sweet meat they produce. They are also very low maintenance investments in that they will be field flocks that eat pasture grass and do well on it. There are supplements that you should also give them to help balance their nutritional intake. Rotating fields is a good idea when grass becomes sparse or over grazed.
Twins, triplets and quads are not unusual for the ewes. They give birth in the fields and the lambs are alert and frisky from birth. The mothers are very protective and nurturing until the lambs are fully weaned at six weeks. Breeding can take place all year long so the flock may double or triple in size every season.
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.
Katahdin breeders have an enormous market range to choose from. These animals are in demand by people who want to raise sheep or improve the flock they have, those who are looking for quality lamb meat with mild flavor or land owners who need a small ruminant to help maintain field conditions. The lack of woolly coats makes them excellent candidates for areas where the wool is a detriment to adaption or where wool markets are doing poorly. The ample markets and inbred characteristics serve to make the Katahdin sheep breeders a very happy and prosperous group.
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