Author Topic: Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?  (Read 2301 times)

Solentfish

  • Joined Jun 2012
Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?
« 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!

Small Farmer

  • Joined Jan 2012
  • Bedfordshire
Re: Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?
« Reply #1 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
Being certain just means you haven't got all the facts

Hazelwood Flock

  • Joined Sep 2011
  • Dorset.
Re: Experience of crossing GFD for meat production?
« Reply #2 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.
Not every day is baaaaaad!
Pedigree Greyface Dartmoor sheep.

 

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