Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Katahdin is most popular sheep breed

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.

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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