[Jacob-list] Modern Jacobs

[Thomas Simmons]

Well, Seth,

that just goes to show you the breadth of philosophies surrounding animal
husbandry.  Asregards rare breeds especially, I take thwe
180-degree-opposite position that you do.

Many once-primitive animals have been bred for standardization.  It makes
"commercial" sense, and it makes for nice blue ribbons on the mantel. But it
also "creates" something that disin;t exist, and destroys that which did
exist.

Standarized horse breeds look lovely and run well, but break their ankles
all too easily.  Turkey is great at thanksgiving, but, left to themselves,
they would die, since they are no longer physically able to breed.

There is more in a gene pool than just "what it looks like."  There are
mothering instincts, and hardiness, and resistance to disease and stress,
and a tone of other non-visible traits. When we breed for "standarization"
and throw out those with the "wrong" genes, we are also throwing out tons of
other genes, too.

I prefer my Jacobs funky.  The lean ram, the unique horn, the
fade-to-apricot, etc.  I prefer my gene pool as varied as it can be within
the "jacob realm."  Someday, my flock might have a "flock look," but God
only knows what that's going to be!

thom
-----Original Message-----
From: SETH DYER <RAVENPR2 at webtv.net>
To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Date: Friday, December 08, 2000 12:47 AM
Subject: [Jacob-list] Modern Jacobs


Hi,

I do understand why some people in the USA are keeping the old type
jacobs.  I don't think it makes a lot of sense, nor do I support it.  I
have raised rare breeds and commercial sheep for over 15 years.  While
we never had spyder-genes  we did have some callyipege and I think as
long as you don't breed the crap you are doing it right.

If you can raise heavier muscled higher yeilding market lambs and finer
grading colored fleeces.  Why waste your time breeding them to be fail.

I think Jacobs should be black and white.  I don't think lilac sheep
should be bred.  I also beleive that everyone should cull improper horn
sets on rams.

I am not saying they need to look like texels or dorpers.  A little more
bone and muscle would help to market them to the US meat markets.

Seth


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