Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Texel
Texel sheep have been bred in Holland, Finland, and Denmark for more than
160 years. In 1985 the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Nebraska was
the fi rst to import the breed, which resulted from crosses of native “polder
sheep” (grazers on “polderland,” or lands reclaimed from the sea) with British
breeds, such as Border Leicesters and Lincolns. Additional importations
were made in the 1990s by individual breeders, greatly expanding the North
American fl ock.
Texels are hardy animals that can adapt to many climates and conditions.
They do very well as a foraging breed. They are lean, medium-sized sheep and
have a high muscle-to-bone ratio. Rams are favored as terminal sires. These
sheep lamb only once a year, but in farm fl ocks they have a high percentage
of twins and triplets. Their lack of herding instinct makes them a poor choice
for ranges. Texels have a white fl eece of medium wool, with no wool on the
face or legs, and a distinct black nose.
Tunis
The Tunis is an American breed developed from the Tunisian Barbary sheep.
The foundation stock was fi rst imported into the United States in 1799, and
the breed spread throughout the Southeast. A Tunis ram was used by George
Washington to rebuild his fl ock, which had declined in number and vigor
while he was serving as president.
Tunis are medium sized, hardy, and docile. The ewes are very good moth-
ers and are known for breeding out of season; with proper management, they
can be bred almost any month of the year. The lambs are a reddish color when
they're born and gradually lighten to oatmeal or almost white, though they
retain an unusual color of reddish tan hair on their faces, their legs, and their
long, pendulous ears.
As its African heritage would suggest, the Tunis does very well in warm
climates, and the rams remain active in very hot summer weather. Although
they are a superior breed for a hot climate, they are raised successfully almost
anywhere.
