[Jacob-list] Question......

[Cheryl Terrano]

Well said, Shannon....I second that! 

I feel there is far too much concentration on one or two certain traits in our Jacob world - my opinion, of course. And, while horns and fleece are wonderful aspects of the breed, they are certainly not the only viable traits, as you so graciously pointed out. I think a 'balanced' animal in many aspects - one who meets/exceeds the breed standard - is what I look for in Jacobs. Genetic diversity and temperament are two of my "soap box' issues. I firmly believe temperament just as heritable of a trait as any other. A handsome or pretty sheep (from looks alone) with a nasty or aggressive attitude is not something I tolerate on my farm, nor would I knowingly sell it to someone else. Shannon brought up many of those 'invisible' traits I also expect - mothering ability, hardiness, etc.

We kept commercial breed types for our kids 4H and FFA projects early in our Jacob sheep endeavors. We also learned rather quickly how high maintenance they can be. I much prefer our Jacobs to the other breeders I have worked with, even in small numbers. This topic has crossed the list on many occasions, with many comments from shepherds across the US and across the pond. The diverse replies are always interesting!


Cheryl in WV 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon Phifer <kenleighacres at yahoo.com>
To: im rapunzil <im-rapunzil at hotmail.com>; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com
Sent: Fri, Sep 17, 2010 12:28 am
Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Question......




Part of what makes a jacob a jacob are all of the traits you can't see.  Good mothering ability, good foraging ability, hardiness, few lambing problems, overall they 'need' little intervention from us.  There are few modern breeds of sheep that can do this.  There are known lines of suffolk show sheep that have sterility issues and they still continue to breed them because they 'win' in the show ring - this is just one example of many.  We used to have a commercial flock of sheep, we quickly realized how much more work they were vs. our flock of jacobs.  We sold them and increased our flock of jacobs.  I am flexible in the 'looks' department of our sheep - I love the diversity - however I am not flexible in the mothering ability and hardiness department.  You can not judge those qualities in a show ring.  I look forward to reading other's input.
 
Shannon Phifer
Kenleigh Acres Farm
www.kenleigh-acres.com
That'll Do Photography
www.thatlldo.photoreflect.com
 




From: im rapunzil <im-rapunzil at hotmail.com>
To: Jacob List <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Thu, September 16, 2010 8:12:40 PM
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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