Author Topic: Shetland x Wiltshire Horn (Read 3359 times)

Keelan H · « **on:** October 30, 2017, 05:06:14 pm »

Hi guys,
Tomorrow I'm getting my Wiltshire Horn Tup lamb delivered, he has 11 ewes to cover, and 7 of which are Shetlands the other 4 consist of 3 Norfolk Horns and a Shetland x Charolais. Having finished Sixth form now and not going to uni I have the time to try out an experiment I've been thinking about for a while. A man local to me crosses the Wiltshire Horn Ram with a Soay ewe and then the resultant ewe back to an unrelated Wilts. They are used in a very extensive system and graze mostly conservation type grazing and the majority shed their wool. Anyway I thought using the Shetland in this this two generation experiment would produce a nice medium sized compact ewe, with great maternal instinct, good feet, ideal for poor grazing, potentially shed and then produce a decent butchers lamb when crossed with a terminal sire.

Originally I was going to cross my Shetland ewes with either a Texel or a Charrolais, I know due to their wide pelvis they can easily lamb to a bigger breed, however they're not the biggest so was a bit reluctant to use a big ram. The idea was to use a ram lamb, and that's when I saw the Wilts Horn Ram Lamb for sale and after thinking over and over of what the Shetland x Wilts could produce I bit the bullet and bought him. Again I am using a tup lamb just to be on the safe side, to ensure none of my Shetland ewes receive any injuries. The man I bought them off said he lambed them to a Texel this year, but I'm a bit cautious and obviously want to kick this experiment off!

Anyway, I will keep you all updated and any advice or experience on this cross would be greatly received!

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2017, 05:46:28 pm »

Sounds like you're thinking about a version of the UK's stratification system - mountain or fell ewe to a larger-framed and more prolific sire then the resulting female offspring to a terminal sire for a better carcase. You may well breed in hybrid vigour but watch out for losing a good carcase through your choice of breed.

Tim W · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2017, 11:50:14 am »

You may be surprised how many Shetland x Wilts shed on the first cross

Keelan H · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2017, 06:24:28 pm »

Quote from: Marches Farmer on October 30, 2017, 05:46:28 pm

Sounds like you're thinking about a version of the UK's stratification system - mountain or fell ewe to a larger-framed and more prolific sire then the resulting female offspring to a terminal sire for a better carcase. You may well breed in hybrid vigour but watch out for losing a good carcase through your choice of breed.

Yes, that's very true, I'm hoping the 3/4 Wilts will maintain a bigger size yet still keep the mothering ability and hardiness of the Shetlands! Only time will tell

Keelan H · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2017, 06:25:47 pm »

Quote from: Tim W on October 31, 2017, 11:50:14 am

You may be surprised how many Shetland x Wilts shed on the first cross

The shedding isn't a massive deal for me, but it'll be interesting to see what does and doesn't shed from the first cross!

Helen Wiltshire Horn · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2017, 06:48:20 am »

Our first ever sheep for fattening were Wiltshire X Welsh Mountain. They were great (though we only had them to fatten so they didn't stay around for long). They were woolly on top but had the short hair of a WH on their bellies so it looked like they had been very badly shorn. No need to dag or crutch. Hope it all works out well.
Helen

PipKelpy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2019, 08:48:42 pm »

Just read your post (was reading elsewhere and got diverted!!) Did the Wiltshire horn x shetland work?? I ask as my few sheep are primarily Dorset Down x which means December lambing!! If they didn't need shearing they'd be 110% perfect. Don't care how you look at it, shearing, crutching, fly strike prevention etc is a pain! The amount of times I've been put off rice........ Anyhow, would like to know.