Sheep ?s

[mylilchix]

We're thinking about getting sheep, and I was wondering if there is a breed that is good for milk and meat?

Thanks,
Sonja

 

[justusnak]

Look up Dorper Sheep. Thats what I am looking into. Great breed! No shearing!

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I think Friesians are the dairy sheep of choice, but when I looked at pics of the Dorpers, I was real impressed with the size of their udders and the info provided says they have a real high milk fat %.

I'm getting a Dorper ewe in the spring myself, for this very reason. I really like the sound of the breed and hope to make a little cheese on occasion, as well as raise some lambs for market. Also make a good lawn mower for my orchard!

 

[snowydiamonds]

Getting Shetland lambs this Spring Going to be spinning wool into yarn, they'll mow down the grass, & keep the chicken's warm w/the extra body heat in the biggest barn in the winter.

 

[mylilchix]

Thanks for the help everyone! Is there a site that tells the fat content in sheep milk? Dh wants the sheep for meat and I want them for milk. We need to find a happy medium.

Sonja

 

[Riocotesei]

If you want some for meat and wool Look up Suffolk They are pretty cool

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Sonja, here are a few links about the Dorpers and the Friesians. The first link is about the nutritional value of the sheeps milk.

http://www.sheepdairying.co.uk/haenlein.htm

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/dorper/index.htm

http://ranchmagazine.com/index.php/Livestock-Breeds/Sheep/Dorper-Hair-Sheep-Meat-Breed.html


http://showcase.netins.net/web/sam/ccef.htm

 

[Ugly Cowboy]

I raise Dorpers, like 'em a lot.

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Tell us more, UC? Are they docile, hardy, good mothers, easy keepers, nonselective grazers like they say on the sites? Think they can be used for a dual purpose like dairy as well as meat?

 

[Ugly Cowboy]

Docile, VERY easy keepers, very hardy, good mother's, and nonselective grazers, all true. I know they got good meat on 'em, but I aint never milked one or drunk any... I'll try it sometime and tell ya what I think!