[Jacob-list] Question....Ideal?..

[Neal Grose]

" What are we breeding Jacobs for if not a most ideal specimen?"

As a proud smartass I would say: Who says there's only one ideal? 

I want never to have to pull a lamb and expect the older girls to raise twins with no help from me, thank you very much. That will not define Jacob-ness, the Finn crosses will do that just as well.

We have no book on ancient Jacob history because these were always something of a counter-culture sheep. We know that they reflect ancient heritage of mixed Viking and southern European sheep. They were often kept on reserves and estates to maintain a park-like atmosphere, probably with minimum input from the owners. The "ideal" stuff is in many ways a practical selection for our own needs. We want to be able to pick up a handful of fleece and spin it in the grease; we want a distinctive color pattern that does not look like it is a cross of various other sheep; we want horns that do not fall off or become an impediment to the animal; and we want to be able to send a picture out that makes other Jacob breeders go  "Wow! I want that one!". 

Most of all, we want a Jacob sheep that looks like the first one we saw. For me, that is one that has a small-ish frame, flat bone, nice color pattern on the face and legs, and a certain attitude.

But that's only me.

Neal




From: im rapunzil 
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 11:12 PM
To: Jacob List 
Subject: [Jacob-list] Question......


Now I'm asking this question because I'm new to Jacobs - NOT trying to be a smartass.
 
As I understand it, the purpose of breeding Jacobs isn't for the show ring; rather breed preservation.  My reason for getting into Jacobs is because its a Heritage breed and I want to help it flourish.
 
We hold our Jacob sheep dear for their primitiveness.  So my question is:  What are we breeding Jacobs for if not a most ideal specimen?
 
Are those "Other" sheep breeders not striving for the ideal applicable to their breeds purpose i.e. meat, milk, wool?
 
And how would anyone know what an "ideal" Jacob specimen is supposed to be?  Let's consider its a primitive breed established well before our time......  What exactly is this primitive breed supposed to be?  Who is the Authority of what aspects of primitiveness is good, and what is bad?
 
Does someone have "The Ancient Handbook of Jacob Breeding" they'd like to share?  
 
I know of some folks on here that have both Jacob and the "other" sheep.  I'd like to read the take they have on this.  Actually, I'm anxious to hear EVERYONES take on it!
 
Looking forward to your replies.
 
Cindy
Stone Hollow Farm
 
You live by writing your poems on a farm
and call that farming.


 













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