[Foobar]

Okay, so I discovered this week that (at least) one of my ewe-lambs has four teats ... is that bad / good / not important ?
I'm pretty sure her mother only has two, so I assume this trait came from the father's side...

[SteveHants]

It doesn't matter - she will only bag up and have two useable ones.


Unless she doesn't - and if so, I want one of your quad-raising sheep, please. 

[Foobar]

   Groovey, in that case I will keep an eye on her come lambing in the spring, and I'll check all her sisters too in case they also have four! Ta.

[Hillview Farm]

There was a article in the farmers weekly a few months ago about someone who bred sheep with four teats so they could rear more than twins. It was a really interesting read.

[shep53]

Having four teats is not a problem most will not be big enough to provide milk but the odd ewe can milk and be suckled on all four teats  . Was the article about the WHELDON ( not sure of the spelling ) sheep which were selected on  having 4 functioning quarters , ive tried to find information unsuccessfully in the past ,  before the war a german scientist was also breeding for the same trait but i assume they were eaten , a couple of breeders now are looking into selection i belive  .   You need to select rams with 4 teats

[Ladygrey]

I have two four teated ewes, they inherited them from their father, all 4 teats produce milk

[Hillview Farm]

Are they Shetland's, LadyGrey?

[Marches Farmer]

I had a ram a couple of years ago that threw ewe lambs with two extra teats immediately next to the main ones.  Never seen it before or since.

[Ladygrey]

Nope both are crosses, both have a ryeland dad and ones mum is a shetland ones mum is a Wiltshire horn

[Bramblecot]

I have several Shetland x Ryeland with four teats.  Only seem to milk on  two.

[Ladygrey]

The back two on mine seem to produce only as much milk as one of the front ones, so its really a three teated ewe