[Jacob-list] Two Horned /Four Horned

[im rapunzil]

Hi All-
 
Forgive me, I'm new to sheep ownership.  What is SUED?  Also, what does "claw horned" mean?
 
Thanx!

You live by writing your poems on a farm
and call that farming.

 


Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:30:31 -0700
From: lynettefrick at gmail.com
To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com
Subject: [Jacob-list] Two Horned /Four Horned


Well, on the subject of quality 2 horned sheep selling equal, I do have to admit that I personally preferred them, and had several people that wanted them over the four horned. I personally liked the "clean" look of the ewes, and the challenge of aiming for quality two horned offspring... not an easy feat. I kept about equal of both in my flock though, as having the diversity of choice is what makes the Jacob sheep unique. From the experience I had with my sheep, I saw lots of good four horn sets out of 2x4 crosses in either direction, so didn't cull based on number of horns, just quality in either type. I also didn't cross 2X4 to improve either type. They just got better as I cleared the lower quality out of either. I did have a ram with SUED, and never had any lambs born out of 2 horn ewes get SUED. Whereas, when the same ram was used over a four horn it displayed every time. Also, got SUED out of a four horn ewe who was absolutely clear out of different lineage, crossed with a 2 horn ram with normal eyes. So take it as you will? If anybody is interested in my standpoint on horns, it would be to pick the strong and clear of either type. As a shearer though the two horns do have the bonus of being substancially easier to shear :) 
 
PS. Had some "claw" horned ewes with strong claws give me beautiful sets too. Maybe a good percent of the qualityof horns, in 4 horns is in the individuals genetics, and the rest is chance.
 
It's good to see so much healthy debate lately!
 
Lynette
Four Points Shearing & Sheep Co.
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