The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: AliceJ on June 23, 2016, 07:50:11 pm

Title: How old till they are big enough to eat? Texel x North Ronaldsay
Post by: AliceJ on June 23, 2016, 07:50:11 pm

Hi,
We have way too much grass and have bought 6 Texel x North Ronaldsay lambs just weaned. Any idea how old they are likely to be before they are a decent weight? It doesn't matter, just helps with planning.
Thanks,
Alice

Title: Re: How old till they are big enough to eat? Texel x North Ronaldsay
Post by: Sbom on June 24, 2016, 08:09:52 am

What weight are they now?

Title: Re: How old till they are big enough to eat? Texel x North Ronaldsay
Post by: Backinwellies on June 24, 2016, 03:08:01 pm

What age / weight are they now?  Texels are often sent straight to slaughter from weaning so not sure how much grass you will get eaten?

Title: Re: How old till they are big enough to eat? Texel x North Ronaldsay
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 25, 2016, 07:47:08 am

Agree that commercial Texel types may be sent straight from weaning  - but will probably have had cake to achieve good grades at that stage.  Depending on the grass they're on, of course - our grass here on the Cumbrian uplands needs a bit of help for fast finishing at good grades.

I haven't done that specific cross, but I've had various Shetland x commercial crosses.  For the mart, 7-9 months was enough, but assuming you'd like them larger for home use, 12 months perhaps.  These figures for sheep on the Cumbrian uplands, of course. ;)

Title: Re: How old till they are big enough to eat? Texel x North Ronaldsay
Post by: Jullienne on June 26, 2016, 03:56:43 pm

My Lleyns typically finish, depending on how good grass growth is, at 6-7 months. Grass is key to good flavour and growth. I lamb mine in April, so they finish earlier. When were they born?