Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The breed is well suited to hilly areas. The animals are easy to care for and
lamb unassisted, though they inherit a bit of nervousness from their Cheviot
ancestry and need gentle handling.
Polypay
The Polypay was developed in the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Idaho.
Announced as a new breed in 1976, it started with initial crosses of Targhee-
Dorset and Rambouillet-Finnsheep breeds. These crosses were then recrossed,
resulting in a breed that is one-quarter of each foundation breed of sheep.
Polypays are a superior lamb-production breed. Not only are they out-
standing in twice-a-year lambing operations, but their lambs have a quality
carcass as well.
The Rambouillet and Targhee breeding is included to retain hardiness and
fl ocking instincts. Dorset blood contributes to carcass quality, milking ability,
and a long breeding season. The Finnsheep contributes early puberty, early
postpartum fertility, and high lambing rate.
The fl eece of the Polypay is medium to fi ne and weighs about 8 pounds
(3.6 kg). Wool weight is higher in fl ocks that are bred less than twice each
year.
Rambouillet
The Rambouillet is the French version of the Merino. Louis XVI imported
359 Spanish Merinos for his estate at Rambouillet in 1786, and the Merinos
were crossed with the resident sheep. The resultant Rambouillet sheep were
fi rst brought to the United States in 1840.
Rambouillets are very large and have strong bodies and little wrinkling,
except perhaps some across the brisket. They are hardy and possess remark-
able herding instincts, spreading out to graze during the day and gathering
closely together to sleep at night, making them excellent for open range. They
adapt well to a wide range of climates and feeds, making them equally suitable
for farm fl ocks, and have been used for developing new breeds.
They are considered to be a dual-purpose breed, with a desirable carcass
and good wool production. The ewes can be bred early to lamb in November
and December, and the lambs give good yield in boneless, trimmed meat cuts.
The fl eece is less oily than that of the Merino, so it also shrinks less. The rams
have horns, and both sexes have white feet and open faces. They show rela-
tively strong resistance to internal parasites.
 
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