The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Minilop123 on September 13, 2016, 12:32:40 pm
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Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had bred a Kerry Hill (gimmer) with a Zwartbles or Blue Faced Leicester? If so what are the lambs like? Which would be better? Or is it not a good idea? Any other suggestions would be helpful too.
Thanks in advance
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Never tried that cross but I put two Black Welsh sheep to a Zwartbles ram year before last and the lambs were great - very hardy and tough (Welsh influence) with good growth rates (Zwartbles influence). They killed out well too - leaner than my OH's Berrichon X Welsh lambs that were done at the same time and the meat was more tender.
My OH popped two of his old Welsh ewes in with my Zwartbles ram this year to keep him company until I put my girls in (on the assumption that they wouldn't come into season until after they were removed - they usually start cycling in November) and he's served one of them so I'm quite looking forward to seeing what she produces.
Sooooooo after that long winded bit, I think a Zwartbles on a Kerry Hill should produce a nice hardy lamb with good growth rates and a nice taste. Just be aware it will probably be plain black so won't be too attractive at market if sold live.
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[member=28984]mowhaugh[/member] might have some advice for you; she used to keep Kerry Hills and had (has) other breeds on the farm too.
I can't see why there'd be a problem with crossing to BFL. Quite a few of the crossing Leicester breeders are now putting a bit of Kerry Hill in the mix to get the facial markings. I would think crossbred ewes would be very decent types to produce a fat lamb, wouldn't they? A Kerry Mule!
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I don't know, but it would definitely be worth a try and if you don't like it you could go back to what you breed. I would think the kerry hill would contribute hardiness/milkiness/good mothering instincts to the already milky/good mothering and hardiness to the zwartbles. It might make them a little more flighty though. All the best with whatever you decide and do let us know how you get on?