[Nuffield]

Hi Woolyval

Yes we are already playing with some crosses with the old type Southdown's being the smallest sheep we are utilising.  The perfect orchard sheep however must be a shedding (hair) type, must not need tail docking, needs to be vertically challenged and beyond that must not be able to graze off their hind legs (as goats and some African breeds can).  I am not sure how to post pictures on this forum but I'll have a try below.  To get the wool off but to also keep to a smaller frame we are upgrading using a Persian/Dorper anomaly an Australian breeder has come up with called a Mini Meatmaster (http://members.bordernet.com.au/~genelink/mini.htm). We have also been able to source Wiltshire upgrades with lovely small frames that were discards from the conventional breeders who are on an eternal quest for 'big is best'. These are also being used to remove the fleece and not relying entirely on African blood.  Too much African blood and the resultant offspring can virtually climb your trees. 

So we are on a steep learning curve making many crosses to find a happy balance.  And the main driver is we see rising demand for low cost weed control using sheep as oppsed to herbicides in fruit and nut, timber, biofuel and carbon sink plantation sectors.  And of course in Australia weed control is a necessary evil to also reduce the risk of fire damage over the dry summer months.

<img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/vy5kk4.jpg">
Small framed wiltshire poll with Southdown F1 lambs in toe.  This mother is around 65cm tall at the shoulder.  Obviously 45cm would be better as with the Ouessant but hopefully in time we can have an infusion of such genetics.

<img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/sxc2h5.jpg">
Minimeatmaster ram which measure 60cm at the shoulder.  100% African blooded so will get up on those hind legs and fall into trees to pull down branches.  Very destrucive but also carrying many desirables.  Very resistant to internal parasites, nice short tail, very efficient fleece shedders, and don't appear to be interested in girdling the bark off trees.

[kanisha]

I'm not sure how you would prevent a sheep from getting up on their hind legs certainly the smallest of ouessants will do this no problem

another application

http://www.paysdechateaubriant.fr/Des-moutons-d-Ouessant-au-poste-electrique-de-Louisfert_a5947.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rte-france/sets/72157625121204638/

[Nuffield]

Thats where the Southdown comes into play.  It is impossible for the meaty frame to graze off their hind legs.  I would be interested to hear from anyone who has played around with Ouessant x Southdown crosses.