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

[Linda]

How about we breed for "pretty" sheep with good horns, good fleece, good 
temperament, hardiness, AND genetic diversity? A sheep with poor horns 
and poor fleece does not meet/exceed the breed standard. I don't think 
we need to sacrifice "pretty" for hardiness or diversity. 
Hardiness/temperament/mothering ability alone is not enough to qualify 
as a Jacob without other more visible Jacob qualities.

I take it as given that no one wants to bottle fed a bunch of lambs. I 
learned that at a lambing seminar given by a commercial Suffolk breeder.

Linda



Cheryl Terrano wrote:

> 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

> http://www.paintedrockfarm.com <http://www.paintedrockfarm.com/>

> http://paintedrockfarm.blogspot.com 

> <http://paintedrockfarm.blogspot.com/>

> *Visit the ETSY store: *http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedrockfarm

>


Patchwork Farm Jacob Sheep <http://www.patchworkfibers.com>
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