[Jacob-list] Freckling

[Mary Spahr]

This has been an interesting and informative topic.  Everyone has their own breeding philosophies and I believe that our breed standard allows for lots of diversity.  I would like to clarify that freckling is not an automatic 'Fail' status with JSBA.  Could a JSC member fill us in as to their standards on freckling?  In JSBA, Under Acceptable but Less Desirable Traits, a small amount of freckling in white wool is allowed.  Under Unacceptabl/Disqualifying Traits, Excessive freckling in the white wool of young animals is considered unregisterable.
I think my philosophy closely matches Linda's.  If there are other qualities about the sheep that I like, I won't cull for some freckling.  And like Edie, I would be more cautious about using a ram with a fair amount of freckling.  A previous flock sire of ours, Puddleduck Sir James, had a sprinkling of freckles.  This was insignificant to me in light of the magnificent horns he has and his nice fleece.  Our present flock sire, Craft's Carson has a few freckles also, but again, this seems trivial because of his beautiful horns, fleece, conformation, and the lambs he produces. 
Our original sheep back in 1988 had some freckling, so it is just something that I have always observed.  There are still patches of white that I can separate when I want to have brindle roving made from Oh. Valley Natural Fibers.
I do make a distinction between 'some' freckling/mottling, and 'excessive' freckling/mottling.  I also make allowance for older sheep who get more freckling as they age.  Our sheep spend most of their time outdoors roaming around, so environment could play a part also.
I had also been told that Dr. Philip Sponenberg had made the comment that freckling is part of the make-up of Jacob sheep and they are the only breed of sheep to carry this trait.  I do not know if this statement is true or not true.  
I consider it a trait that I must try to 'balance' but certainly not to the point where I feel it must be totally eradicated from our flock.  
Mary Spahr    
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