[Jacob-list] black face criteria

[BIDEWEE at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/12/2010 9:15:22 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
jacob-list-request at jacobsheep.com writes:

Are  Jacobs actually 'classified' somewhere as being black faced? Or has 
anyone  else been able to test their Jacob flock under this definition via 
USDA or  another state program? I recall the discussions of Jacobs being 
predominantly  black with white spots, although it is visually expressed just the 
opposite  
Hi Cheryl,
There are currently a number of states which require testing for  blackface 
breed sheep entering their state.  Here's a description of the  blackface 
breeds from the State of Washington's import regs:  
"Any  purebred rams of Suffolk, Hampshire, Shropshire, or Montadale 
descent, or cross  thereof; any nonpurebred rams known to have Suffolk, Hampshire, 
Shropshire, or  Montadale ancestors; and any nonpurebred rams of unknown 
ancestry with a black  face, except for hair sheep, may enter Washington state 
for breeding purposes if  they are determined by genetic testing before 
entry to be QR or RR at the 171  codon. Hair sheep known to have Suffolk, 
Hampshire, Shropshire, or Montadale  ancestors are considered blackface sheep".  
Source: _http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-54-101_ 
(http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-54-101) 
 
I understand the financial reasons for wanting to have your  Jacob sheep 
considered 'blackface' sheep but in the long run I'd argue  that it's not 
beneficial for the Jacob sheep to be lumped in to that  category.  Scrapie has 
historically been most prevalent in  the blackface breeds and crosses, and 
Jacob sheep do not  logically belong in that group.  In addition, if Jacobs 
were  classified as a 'blackface' breed it would activate codon testing 
requirements  when selling sheep to the growing number of states that now require 
it for  blackface breeds.  I have no problem with codon testing for  
informational purposes and am happy to do it if buyers request it but would  rather 
not be required to do it on a state-by-state basis.

Karen Lobb
bide a wee farm  


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