In 2013, Katahdins surpassed Suffolks as the most popular breed of sheep in the United States, as measured by registrations and transfers. In fact, the Suffolk breed slipped to #3. Hampshires are the second most commonly registered sheep breed. Dorsets, Dorpers, and Southdowns round out the top six.
Transfers, which are an indication of sales, movement, and growth of a breed, were also tops in the Katahdin breed. Hampshires had the second most transfers, followed by Dorpers, Dorsets, Suffolks, and Southdowns.
The Katahdin is a hair sheep developed in Maine in the 1950's. They are an easy-care breed that doesn't require shearing, crutching, and tail docking. They are more resistant to gastro-intestinal parasites than other breeds and excel in reproductive traits, such as fertility, prolificacy, mothering ability, and milk production.
At one time, there were three times as many Suffolks registered as any other breed. In terms of purebred registrations, Southdowns have probably been the most consistent breed over time.
Source: Director's Corner, Katahdin Hairald,Spring 2014.
| Breed |
2013
|
2012
|
2011
|
2010
|
2009
|
| Katahdin |
8338
|
8131
|
6744
|
4753
|
4979
|
| Hampshire |
7447
|
7760
|
8112
|
6793
|
8459
|
| Suffolk |
7439
|
8761
|
9546
|
9811
|
10146
|
| Dorper |
6335
|
6505
|
6176
|
5045
|
4998
|
| Dorset |
6265
|
6493
|
6045
|
6240
|
7211
|
| Southdown |
5157
|
5072
|
5010
|
5059
|
5026
|
Transfers, which are an indication of sales, movement, and growth of a breed, were also tops in the Katahdin breed. Hampshires had the second most transfers, followed by Dorpers, Dorsets, Suffolks, and Southdowns.
| Breed |
2013
|
2012
|
2011
|
2010
|
2009
|
| Katahdin |
4197
|
4456
|
3907
|
2761
|
2584
|
| Hampshire |
3435
|
3587
|
3485
|
3390
|
3752
|
| Dorper |
3374
|
3289
|
2723
|
2645
|
2384
|
| Dorset |
3032
|
3370
|
2912
|
3157
|
3545
|
| Suffolk |
2871
|
3094
|
3140
|
3453
|
3934
|
| Southdown |
2804
|
2573
|
2506
|
2548
|
2426
|
The Katahdin is a hair sheep developed in Maine in the 1950's. They are an easy-care breed that doesn't require shearing, crutching, and tail docking. They are more resistant to gastro-intestinal parasites than other breeds and excel in reproductive traits, such as fertility, prolificacy, mothering ability, and milk production.
At one time, there were three times as many Suffolks registered as any other breed. In terms of purebred registrations, Southdowns have probably been the most consistent breed over time.
Source: Director's Corner, Katahdin Hairald,Spring 2014.
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