[Jacob-list] horn question

[linda]

Fred -
 
Thank you for such a detailed answer.  If I was wondering which were the horns, I've got it 
straight now :-)
 
I am not talking about aberrant horns.  Per your definition, I'm talking short scurs or 
possibly 
long scurs.  These never do look like horns.  I believe someone on the list described them as 
looking like fingernails or maybe hangnails.  When they break off, there is little if any 
blood.
 
My curiosity regarding this configuration of horns and hornlike protrusions came about when I 
looked at two horn ram to purchase about 4 years ago.  He had tiny scurs at the base of his 
two 
horns.  I rejected him on that account.  Later they fell off and no further evidence of scurs 
was 
ever seen.  The ram later went to a breeder with two ewes.  He produced four horned lambs on 
the four horned ewe and two horned lambs on the two horned ewe.  So there wasn't really any 
data for contemplation in that situation.
 
The subject of aberrant horns is interesting and gives me much more to ponder.  I don't 
believe 
I've ever seen a ram with aberrant laterals. But, then I don't get out much so my observations 

are  limited. The two cases I'm referencing from my farm probably fit your description of 
short 
scur.  Both these rams were four horned (one fused) and the scur appeared as a fifth horn at 
the base of a top horn. Neither ram was used for breeding. I have seen other sheep with up to 
7 
scurs (less than 1 inch) at one time.  These fall off and the animal has normal looking horns 
by 6 
months.  
 
I am unclear on the modifying effect of the scur gene.  Would HN+ScAh two horned, aberrant 
horns (or HN+Sc+ for that matter) show up a ewe with two scurs and nothing else and a ram 
with -- well, I don't know what that would be.
 
But, I am detouring from my original question as your post has presented many more topics to 
ponder.  These "hangnails" as someone called them break off, don't leave obvious evidence 
that they ever existed.  I don't think you would notice them if you didn't check your sheep 
closely 
every few days. I doubt that this is something that would be reported in the flock books.  So, 
I 
doubt that it could be researched.  And it's not really a crucial issue - just something I 
find 
curious and interesting.  Thanks for giving me more to think about along with my morning 
coffee!  This may take an extra cup or two.
 
 
Linda
 
 
 
 
Check out our 2001 Jacob Sheep lambs at:
www.PatchworkFibers.com/lambs.html

Check out our 2001 Jacob Sheep lambs at:
www.PatchworkFibers.com/lambs.html
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