Black Sheep Breed Pretty, Practical

Black Sheep Breed Pretty Practical LIVESTOCK Exotic Animals Black Welsh Mountain sheep may be considered a threatened and exotic breed by some in the U S but they’re also a sustainable breed on the commercial level says Oogie McGuire She and her husband Ken have about 185 of the sheep on their Paonia Colo ranch Desert Weyr “They’re working sheep not pets ” McGuire emphasizes “They need to be promoted as a functional meat sheep ” She understands why hobby farmers are attracted to them however “They have a striking black color and elegant faces ” she notes The breed dates back to medieval times Black wool was prized because it was difficult to find natural dyes for black garments Welsh shepherds continued to breed for color and a finer fleece Currently in Britain Black Welsh Mountain sheep flocks are common and their meat is considered premium Black Welsh Mountain sheep in the U S date back to 1972 when Thomas Wyman of Easton Md imported them McGuire learned about Black Welsh sheep because of her interest in the Middle Ages and her desire to spin and weave a black cloak “Black Welsh Mountain sheep tend to be easy to care for They’re good mothers and we lamb out on pasture ” McGuire says The sheep thrive in most regions except hot and muggy climates because of their dark wool Tails don’t need to be docked which saves work And they are easier to handle because they are smaller than some breeds with the ewes up to 120 lbs and the males up to 160 lbs The McGuires worm and vaccinate according to their vet’s recommendations but the sheep are hardy McGuire says “We finish them without any grain They are on pasture and eat hay Customers like the flavor ” she adds The McGuires sell meat from their farm and in a couple of area stores as well as fleeces wool roving yarn and socks They also sell sheep manure and the horns from the rams They record all their animals with the National Sheep Improvement Program NSIP for breeding value calculations “We’re actively looking for breeders committed to continuing genetic breeding ” McGuire says “It’s important to maintain because you can’t get genetic diversity back once it’s gone ” People interested in finding breeding stock can contact the McGuires or check out the association’s website www blackwelsh org There are currently about 1 800 animals in 45 to 50 registered flocks Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Ken and Oogie McGuire 16870 Garvin Mesa Rd Paonia Colo 81428 ph 970 527-3573; www desertweyr com; sales@desertweyr com

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