The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Solentfish on November 11, 2012, 09:05:09 pm

Title: Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?
Post by: Solentfish on November 11, 2012, 09:05:09 pm

Hi All,
I have been reading the forum for a while having started with sheep this year. I have a mix of registered GFDs and some Suffolk mule Xs. I was supposed to be starting with a few Suffolk mule Xs to learn with, but love the GFDs and couldn't resist.
I have a registered GFD ram who has happily spent his time with his GFD and Suffolk X ladies. I have just had some more land available and I am thinking of buying a few draft ewes to put in with the GFD ram to keep him busy for a while longer. My query is whether any of you have experience with crossing a GFD ram with other breeds aiming for lambs for meat.
Also, a thank you to this forum for all the available advice here. I have used the search facility and found answers to all my queries and worries so far!

Title: Re: Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?
Post by: Small Farmer on November 12, 2012, 12:43:47 am

We crossed GFD ewes with a Southdown last year.  The meat is less fatty than Southdown and well-flavoured but doesn't grow particularly quickly so this years lambs killed out at about 17kg

Title: Re: Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?
Post by: Hazelwood Flock on November 12, 2012, 08:22:59 pm

Poll Dorsets and Charollais both make easy lambing commercial crosses with a GFD ram, and finish by autumn when born feb/march.