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 good investment for those who are looking for commercial marketing opportunities. They produce lean, mild sweet tasting meat that is more popular with the public. As an investment they are very low maintenance and are pasture feeders with minimal supplemental feeding. The ewes have an early puberty and live long and productive lives.
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.
This breed of hair sheep is exceptionally easy to care for, docile and efficient. When properly tended they require very little attention are hardy enough to adapt well to heat and humidity. Their flocking instincts allow them to be easily controlled by man or dog.
When considering whether shelter is needed you may look to simple solutions. A shed or carport should be acceptable. Bedding can be of any dry material that is available in your area. Most can live their entire lives in the field. If you need to protect them from predation by wild animals and choose an enclosed shelter the ventilation system needs to be good enough that they are not exposed to moisture and poor air. These conditions can compromise their 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.
Whether you are looking for a means to improve the quality of your flock or want to sell the lambs for commercial use, being one of the Katahdin sheep breeders appears to be a viable option. You will be able to meet your goals for profit in many ways. They are also in demand for herding dog trainers or land owners who wish to keep foliage in check. Their non-woolly coat makes them perfect for ranchers who live in areas where the thick wool will be a detriment. This is an opportunity for profit on many levels.
These animals are a good investment for those who are looking for commercial marketing opportunities. They produce lean, mild sweet tasting meat that is more popular with the public. As an investment they are very low maintenance and are pasture feeders with minimal supplemental feeding. The ewes have an early puberty and live long and productive lives.
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.
This breed of hair sheep is exceptionally easy to care for, docile and efficient. When properly tended they require very little attention are hardy enough to adapt well to heat and humidity. Their flocking instincts allow them to be easily controlled by man or dog.
When considering whether shelter is needed you may look to simple solutions. A shed or carport should be acceptable. Bedding can be of any dry material that is available in your area. Most can live their entire lives in the field. If you need to protect them from predation by wild animals and choose an enclosed shelter the ventilation system needs to be good enough that they are not exposed to moisture and poor air. These conditions can compromise their 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.
Whether you are looking for a means to improve the quality of your flock or want to sell the lambs for commercial use, being one of the Katahdin sheep breeders appears to be a viable option. You will be able to meet your goals for profit in many ways. They are also in demand for herding dog trainers or land owners who wish to keep foliage in check. Their non-woolly coat makes them perfect for ranchers who live in areas where the thick wool will be a detriment. This is an opportunity for profit on many levels.
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