The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Nicki_W on July 24, 2014, 04:33:53 pm

Title: Ram: breed selection
Post by: Nicki_W on July 24, 2014, 04:33:53 pm

Hi All

I have a diverse assortment of ewes (2x Portland; 3x Welsh Black; 4x Dorset Down; 1x Castlemilk Moorit X), and have in the past mainly put them to a Dorset Down ram [which I hired in], occasionally a Charolais ram.

This year I have 4x ewe lambs, the rest being experienced older ewes.  They are kept on lowland, and the older ewes always have twins.

The lambs usually go into my (or a relative's) freezer.  The wool I sell at a Fleece Fair @ £4 each (2014).

My usual Dorset Down Rent-a-Ram is now unavailable, so am on the lookout for a new one, but considering changing breed.  Any advice?

 :sheep:

Title: Re: Ram: breed selection
Post by: shep53 on July 24, 2014, 06:22:42 pm

Don't now where you are , in marketplace   LADYGREY is selling charmoise which are very very easy lambing and provide a great carcass

Title: Re: Ram: breed selection
Post by: Me on July 24, 2014, 06:46:56 pm

Agree! We breed them and use them on Lleyn live in the West of Wales

Title: Re: Ram: breed selection
Post by: lou13 on July 24, 2014, 10:18:35 pm

Try the Hampshire Down, similar to the dorset but in my opinion alot better! Hampshire cross lambs can finish from 12 weeks of age with just grass. Not sure how it would cross with your primitive breeds but works great with my texel X mules!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS9_1dkRiRM&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS9_1dkRiRM&feature=youtu.be)