Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Savanna.
Savanna goats are a little hardier than Boers, as they originated in South Africa and have
more tolerance to dry, hot weather. They are said to be more resistant to parasites and diseases
as well. Savanna goats also can develop a cashmere coat that increases the value of the breed for
the backyard farmer. If you live in a drought-prone area, or want a dual-purpose goat, you might
consider the Savanna.
Te xe l S he e p.
Texel sheep are a popular meat breed in the United States and are known for their
quick growth and lean meat. The sheep must be white according to breed descriptions so even
though they only produce 3 to 4 pounds of medium-length wool, the wool is useable. They are
considered excellent mothers as well and have a high rate of multiple births with twins considered
the norm. Texel sheep are very efficient at turning feed into muscle mass and are naturally lean
with little fat.
Breeds for Fiber
American Cormo.
These fine-wooled sheep originated in Tasmania but came to the United States
in the 1970s. Since then they have become known as producers of a fine fleece with more than 6
to 9 pounds of wool produced each year. They are low-maintenance sheep and can tolerate wet or
humid climates better than some of the other sheep breeds. They also produce twins often and are
excellent mothers, which helps make them easy to keep.
Angora Goats.
Angora goats produce mohair, a distinctive long coat with wavy or curly fibers.
Originally from Turkey, they are popular with homesteaders for their spinnable fiber. Their
medium size allows them to fit in nicely with a backyard farm program. Traditionally, the Angora
goats were white, but a growing trend among the breed is producing a variety of colors that allow
for naturally colored fibers. Red, grey, and brown are all colors making a comeback among the
Angora enthusiasts.
Border Leicester Sheep.
Popular for the long, white wool that can have a staple length up to
10 inches, the Border Leicester is often used to cross with other breeds and improve fleece length.
The average ewe will produce 8 to 12 pounds of wool each year. While they are not as highly
productive in lambing, they are excellent mothers and milkers. Their parent breed, the Leicester
Longwools, produced a number of Leicester cousins that all have a similarly long staple length to
their fleeces.
California Red Sheep.
A newer breed that is still developing, I anticipate seeing more wool pro-
duction from this breed in the future. Right now, these naturally colored sheep produce 4 to 7
pounds of wool per year. California Red sheep do not have wool around the belly and udder area,
and the rams have a red mane of hair around the neck. Their color begins as a dark cinnamon red
when they are lambs, but the wool lightens to oatmeal, light red, or a pale copper color. With the
trend toward naturally colored wools, this fits the growing niche.
