Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Jacob Sheep
The mottled fl eece of Jacob sheep is light, with 4- to 7-inch staple (10 to
18 cm). Its medium-fi ne texture and high luster have great appeal for hand-
spinners. Tanned pelts bring premium prices.
THE FIRST RECOGNIZED
BREEDING PROGRAM
Jacob sheep get their name from the topic of Genesis, where it is
recorded that Jacob's father-in-law paid Jacob for his labors with all
the spotted and speckled sheep in his fl ock. Then, in a dream, God
told Jacob to use only spotted rams, creating a spotted fl ock that
all became Jacob's. Although the origin of modern Jacob sheep is
unknown, this small sheep with random spots all over its body is
known to have been bred in England for at least 350 years. One
of its most unusual characteristics is that it often sports up to six
horns, but four is more common. It is thought that parks and zoos
were the fi rst to import these sheep into North America in the early
1900s.
Karakul
Native to the central Asiatic region of Russia, the Karakul, a fat-tailed sheep,
is thought to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. It was introduced into
North America in the early 1900s.
Karakuls are small, fi ne-boned sheep with long, droopy ears. They are quite
hardy, adaptable to a wide range of climatic conditions, and known for their
longevity. Their breeding season is fairly long and allows for out-of-season
breeding. Single lambs are the most common, though we had one Karakul ewe
that had triplets every year, which she raised without any assistance from us.
Most lambs are born black and lighten with age, though there are strains
of blue and red as well. The lamb's pelt, which is tightly curled, was tradition-
ally prized for its lustrous “fur.” Although the fl eece grades as carpet wool, it
is long stapled and good for handspinning. It also has excellent felting quality.
Karakul meat is less muttony tasting than that of some other sheep breeds,
and the fat from its tail provides good tallow for soap or candle making.
