Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2
ANY DISCUSSION OF SHEEP RAISING needs to begin with breed-
ing and breeds, whether you are purchasing your fi rst sheep or adding to an
existing fl ock. Remember, although it may be tempting to bring in an exotic
breed from a far-off place, it may not be practical or simply not be affordable.
The best route may be to use a more available breed or crossbred sheep that
are locally available, knowing that a careful and patient breeding program can
upgrade your fl ock and potentially even provide many of the desired quali-
ties of the less available breed. The addition of one special ram at a later date
might just accomplish your breeding goals.
For anyone interested in breeding sheep, a primer in genetics is helpful.
The idea of selecting for desired traits has been around since humans began
domesticating animals. Statues and artwork from ancient cultures in the
Middle East and Africa show that selection for wool was taking place by 4000
to 3000
BC
. But early breeding was somewhat haphazard.
In the mid-1700s Robert Bakewell elevated the art of breeding to a higher
level and began to establish what we know today as true breeds. Bakewell,
who infl uenced Charles Darwin's work in evolution, began keeping extensive
records to help select animals for breeding and began using linebreeding.
Much of Bakewell's work was with sheep, with his most important contribu-
tion being the development of the Leicester Longwool.
30
