Lambing Season is just around the corner, and all four of the girls look like they were covered by our Ram, 'Prince'. He's 75% (ARR) and one ewe is 75%, while the other three are 50% Kerry hill. (So 5/8 KH babies)
The ewe on the left (with the white nose) is one of our first 50% lambs, while right beside her is our 75% Ram. He has good markings, and is a pretty calm ram, (by Cheviot and Kerry Hill standards). I haven't weighed him recently, but he looks to be in the 150-180 lb range (hard to tell before we shear). Our twin 50% rams were behemoths, well over 200 each, heterosis, I am sure.
The ewes are smaller than the Cheviot foundation ewes, probably down in the 125 pound range. I don't plan to keep any of the lambs (well the boys will go to the freezer, but we could part with ewe lambs and few have been spoken for).
Very interested in Kerry Hill sheep. Will you sell any, or straws for AI? Is anyone else breeding up Kerry 's in the USA?
ReplyDeleteLooking for US Kerry Hill raw fleece to spin. A few more years, I guess?
ReplyDeleteYes, we do sell the percentage KH fleece. It is noticably different in character than the Cheviot, and the 75% is softer than the 50%, but no 100% is forthcoming.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, we will never have 100% lambs. From a genetic standpoint the American Kerry Hills will always have some cheviot DNA, including mitochondia and mitochondrial DNA, right? I will probably get this project to 15/16, or 94%, and call her done.
Very Nice Blog !
ReplyDeleteI Like This Very Much.
Methods of Modern Farming
Sheep Farming
Rearing Cow
Artificial Insemination of Cattle
Any lambs yet? Looking forward to seeing this years babies! Thanks again for bringing this breed into the USA. Hopefully, will be able to purchase ewe lambs from you, if possible.
ReplyDeleteGood evening, Richard! I just thought I'd check in and see how the program was going and was delighted to see that you updated the blog. Has lambing started yet? Keep us posted... do you happen to have a Face Book page yet to show your sheep and lambs?
ReplyDeleteRaven
My 50% boy is at least 250 lbs!
ReplyDelete