Multi-Purpose Sheep Catching On

Multi-Purpose Sheep Catching On LIVESTOCK Sheep/Goats 30-2-16 As its name suggests, the Finnsheep breed originates in Finland - where it's known as Finnish Landrace. This rare, multi-purpose sheep is thought to be several hundred years old, and was first imported to North America via Canada in 1966. According to Finnsheep Breeders' Association secretary Cynthia Smith, of Hominy, Okla., the group has averaged 426 new lamb registrations annually over the past seven years. "There are currently only about 250 registered animals in the Canadian flock, most of which are in Quebec and Ontario," says Canadian Finnsheep Breeders' Association secretary Kathy Playdon of Stony Plain, Alta. Finnsheep are a horn-less breed of small stature. Adult ewes average between 130 and 180 lbs., and rams generally weigh between 170 and 240 lbs. Combined with their friendly, docile nature, this makes them easy to handle, even for women. "Because of their prolific nature, they're primarily used in commercial flock cross-breeding programs to increase production, but demand for wool and meat is quickly increasing as well," Smith says. As of late, Finnsheep have become popular with hand spinners for their lustrous, soft and lightweight fiber, which blends easily with other fibers. Most North American Finnsheep are pure white, but they're also readily available in black and black/white piebald (spotted). Less common colors are grey, brown and fawn. They're early maturing, with ewes lambing by 12 months of age. Even at this tender age, ewes commonly produce twins and triplets, according to Smith. "As a whole, the breed is known for also regularly producing quadruplets and quintuplets," she says. "Fortunately, Finnsheep are also excellent mothers. Adult ewes often have plentiful milk for up to three babies, and some of the more exceptional mothers can handle four." Records also show several litters of octuplets and septuplets. Small, vigorous lambs make for easy births, as well. This breed tends to have greater tolerance to heat and cold than most of their domestic peers. They are browsers, so they enjoy leaves and brush as much as pasture. Finnsheeps' lean but juicy meat has a mild, tender and delicate flavor, and is popular with ethnic populations. Prices for registered lambs (ram or ewe) vary geographically but can average between $200 and $300, Smith says. Rare colors bring a premium. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Finnsheep Breeders' Association, Cynthia Smith, FBA Secretary, HC 65, Box 517, Hominy, Okla. 74035 (ph 918 519-4140; cindyusmith@yahoo.com; www.finnsheep .org) or Canadian Finnsheep Breeders' Association, Kathy Playdon, Box 10, Site 10, R.R.#4, Stony Plain, Alta., Canada T7Z 1X4 (ph 780 963-0416; kathy@superhorse.com; www.finnsheep.ca).

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