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

[Carl Fosbrink]

I agree with Shannon. I might add that the American Jacob should have a deer shaped body, a triangular shaped head and a sloping rump. The Jacob is not a meat breed and it is not a fleece breed of sheep. It is a primitive breed and should be admired and preserved for it's primitive characteristics. We, as stewards of this breed, can work on improving conformation, horns, spotting pattern, fleece etc., but should always keep it's primitive characteristics as our top priority. 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Shannon Phifer 
  To: im rapunzil ; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Friday, September 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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