Sheep - Raising Small Animals - page 379

Awassi: The Awassi is a native sheep in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. They are usu-
ally white with a brown head and legs. They have a tail where fat is stored, and they can rely
on this fat for nutrition when conditions are harsh. They are a very hardy breed, able to live
with nomadic shepherds and as a settled flock. They have been used to produce meat, milk,
and wool, but they are most notable for their milk production, especially in extreme condi-
tions. They are disease-resistant and able to stand extreme temperatures. They are adaptable,
and the ewes make excellent mothers.
East Friesian: The East Friesian is from East Friesia in Germany. They are considered one of
the best sheep in terms of milk production. In addition to an exceptionally high milk yield
(300-600 liters of milk during a 300-day lactation period), East Friesian ewes also produce a
greater number of lambs than normal. When crossed with other breeds, they increase milk
production and the number of lambs produced. They do best in small flocks. East Friesians
are not hardy and are often used as crossbreds to improve Awassis and Lacaunes. The East
Friesian has a pink nose, and they have no wool on their heads or legs. They are hornless.
Their hooves are pale, and they have a “rat tail” or a tail that is thin and without any wool.
Their bodies are covered in white wool.
Lacaune: The Lacaune is from southern France, where it is very popular. Their milk is used
to produce Roquefort cheese. Government support for the breed, starting in the 1960s, helped
with selective breeding, and today, the breed is one of the most prolific of all sheep used for
milk products.
Fine-wool breeds
Merino: The Merino breed is known for its fine wool, which makes great wool for clothing.
Some strains of the breed can produce more than 30 pounds of fleece a year. Mature rams
weigh 175 to 235 pounds. Mature ewes weigh 125 to 180 pounds.
Rambouillet: This is a white-faced, white-fleeced sheep known for its fine wool. It is descen-
ded from the Merino sheep raised in Spain. Mature rams weigh 250 to 300 pounds. Mature
ewes weigh 150 to 200 pounds. Ewe fleeces can weigh up to 18 pounds.
Long-wool breeds
Lincoln: The Lincoln sheep is the world's largest breed of sheep with mature rams weighing
250 to 350 pounds, while mature ewes weigh 200 to 250 pounds. When fully grown, their
fleece spirals down in heavy locks and is coarse. The ewe's fleece weighs 12 to 20 pounds.