Sheep Industry Flashcards
Where did sheep originate?
Europe and the cooler regions on Asia
Sheep are important ruminants in
temperate agriculture
New Zealand, Australia, and Saudi Arabia have the higher per capita consumption of
mutton, lamb, and goat meat
What are the 5 leading sheep countries?
China, Australia, India, Iran, Sudan
What 4 commodities do sheep provide?
fiber, milk, meat, and hides
What percentage of sheep are raised in the temperate zones?
60%
Fewer than what percentage of sheep are in the tropics?
40%
Where did sheep originate?
In dry climate in Southwest Asia
Best environment for sheep?
temperate climates
In temperate climates, what traits do sheep have that are an advantage?
large, compact bodies, heavy fleece covering, and storage of subcutaneous fat
Selection emphasis on
growth rate, milk production, lambing percentage, and fleece weight
How many sheep were in the US in 1942? 2002?
56 million; 6.5 million
What does the US rely on to supply limited demand for lamb?
Imports
What size flocks do US sheep growers have in the US?
Small (50 or fewer) and raise sheep as a secondary enterprise
What percentage of sheep born in western US lost before they are marketed? And why?
23%; predators and weather
Purebred sheep industry
Sell rams and ewes for breeding
What makes the purebred sheep industry important?
They determine the genetic productivity of commercial sheep
What are the percentages for the total income of lamb? Wool?
85-90%; 10-15%
Wool breeds have what percentage of income from the sale of wool?
30-35%
Two forms of purebred sheep industry
Farm Flocks (50 head or less) and youth projects (4H & FFA)
