Main Texas Sheep Breeds - Medium Wool
SUFFOLK |
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The Suffolk originated in England from Southdown X Norfolk crosses and was imported into the U.S. inn 1888. The breed is highly adapted to farm flock production and crossbred with commercial white-faced ewes for market lamb production. The Suffolk is large sized with bare head, black face and bare, black legs. Hardy, highly prolific Suffolks have excellent growth rates, milking ability and lambing ability, adapt well to heat and cold, and produce high quality meat carcasses and a medium, easy-to-spin wool. |
HAMPSHIRE |
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The Hampshire was developed in England from Southdown X Wiltshire Horn and Berkshire Knot crosses and imported into the U.S. in the 1880's. A popular meat breed, Hampshires are crossbred with white-faced ewes for market lamb production. Hampshires are large sized with black faces and wool on the legs, adaptable to varied and wet climates, used in farm flock production, and prolific with good maternal instincts and milking ability. The fast-growing breed has excellent carcass merit and a medium, easy-to-spin wool. |
SOUTHDOWN |
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One of the oldest breeds of sheep, the Southdown originated in England where it contributed to the development of other breeds. Imported into the U.S. in 1803, the Southdown is best suited to farm flock production. It is medium to small sized with gray to mouse-brown face and wool on the legs. This early maturing breed has good lambing ability and excellent crossing ability to produce meaty lamb carcasses at light weights and hot-house lambs. The Southdown is adaptable to varied and wet climates, and yields a medium, easy-to-spin wool. |
