[Jacob-list] Freckling, Ticking, Mottling

[Mary E Hansson]

The freckling/ticking/mottling issue is certainly one that is not
clearly defined---nor well understood.  Those definitions don't match
what I see on a personal basis in sheep that have been exposed to
sunburn/strong sun for several months and develop spots to a higher
degree than the sheep kept in shady conditions on the same farms.  I
think there needs to be some actual looking at sheep from around the
country before definitions can be actually counted on for more than a
"good theory".  :o)  We do have to start somewhere, though!

Mary Ellen Hansson

ISeeSpots Farm

Jacob Sheep:  Those horny, fuzzy critters

Shop:  Knitting, crochet, spinning supplies

www.iseespots.com

 

-----Original Message-----
From: jacob-list-admin at jacobsheep.com
[mailto:jacob-list-admin at jacobsheep.com] On Behalf Of Mary Spahr
Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 12:37 PM
To: Jacob List Members
Subject: [Jacob-list] Freckling, Ticking, Mottling


These terms are confusing.  Did everyone get the JSBA Glossary of Terms
in their guidebooks?  Freckles (fleece and skin) are defined as:  A.
Small groups of dark spots in the white area of the skin which produce
dark fibers.  This may appear at birth or not until one year of age.
This is a heritable characteristic.  B.  Age spots appear as small,
darker spots (usually a shadowlike grey) on the pink skin as the animal
gets older.  The fibers growing from this area are rarely affected as
the pigment change only affects the skin.  This may be a heritable
characteristic.  C.  Sunburn spots appear from exposure to strong
sunlight.  These spots are generally much darker than age spots.  They
are also very small and may or may not have pigment changes involving
fiber.  This is an environmental effect.
Bleeding (fleece and skin) is defined as spotting which lacks clearly
defined edges.
Mottling (fleece and skin) is spotting which is not distinctly defined,
more irregular than clearly defined spotting and which may run together.
I cannot find a definition printed for 'ticking'.  I think it is used
interchangably with mottling.  
Mary Spahr

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