The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Foobar on October 18, 2013, 05:11:02 pm

Title: Four teats
Post by: Foobar on October 18, 2013, 05:11:02 pm

Okay, so I discovered this week that (at least) one of my ewe-lambs has four teats ... is that bad / good / not important ?
I'm pretty sure her mother only has two, so I assume this trait came from the father's side...

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: SteveHants on October 18, 2013, 05:14:05 pm

It doesn't matter - she will only bag up and have two useable ones.


Unless she doesn't - and if so, I want one of your quad-raising sheep, please.  :)

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Foobar on October 18, 2013, 05:17:27 pm

 ;D  Groovey, in that case I will keep an eye on her come lambing in the spring, and I'll check all her sisters too in case they also have four! Ta.

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Hillview Farm on October 18, 2013, 06:05:05 pm

There was a article in the farmers weekly a few months ago about someone who bred sheep with four teats so they could rear more than twins. It was a really interesting read.

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: shep53 on October 18, 2013, 07:50:21 pm

Having four teats is not a problem most will not be big enough to provide milk but the odd ewe can milk and be suckled on all four teats  . Was the article about the WHELDON ( not sure of the spelling ) sheep which were selected on  having 4 functioning quarters , ive tried to find information unsuccessfully in the past ,  before the war a german scientist was also breeding for the same trait but i assume they were eaten , a couple of breeders now are looking into selection i belive  .   You need to select rams with 4 teats

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Ladygrey on October 19, 2013, 11:07:42 am

I have two four teated ewes, they inherited them from their father, all 4 teats produce milk

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Hillview Farm on October 19, 2013, 12:54:17 pm

Are they Shetland's, LadyGrey?

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Marches Farmer on October 19, 2013, 01:51:11 pm

I had a ram a couple of years ago that threw ewe lambs with two extra teats immediately next to the main ones.  Never seen it before or since.

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Ladygrey on October 19, 2013, 02:50:15 pm

Nope both are crosses, both have a ryeland dad and ones mum is a shetland ones mum is a Wiltshire horn

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Bramblecot on October 19, 2013, 05:26:10 pm

I have several Shetland x Ryeland with four teats.  Only seem to milk on  two.

Title: Re: Four teats
Post by: Ladygrey on October 19, 2013, 06:07:34 pm

The back two on mine seem to produce only as much milk as one of the front ones, so its really a three teated ewe