Gulf Coast Sheep
The American Sheep Industry Association considers the Gulf Coast Sheep one of
the oldest breeds of sheep in North America and the
American Livestock Breed Conservancy consider them one of the 4 most critically
endangered species of sheep in all the world. (click here for the
complete watch list from the ALBC). We feel very fortunate to have a purebred flock of almost 20 of them on our farm, especially since
the world-wide population is estimated at less than 2000. In other words, we may have almost 1% of the entire
worlds population of Gulf Coast sheep, right here on our farm in Goshen.
The Gulf Coast sheep are much like any stereotypical sheep: mostly
white and not to big, not to small. Pretty much what you picture
when you think of "sheep". However, what's unique about this breed,
cannot be seen by the eye: they have an almost complete genetic
resistance to internal parasites as well as hoof rot. If you've
never raised sheep, you might not understand what a remarkable
statement that is.
The origins of our foundation flock.
Our foundation flock was acquired from a completed government funded research program back in 2002 at Bowdoin College
in Brunswick, Maine(part of this research program was researching the the parasite resistance). I didn't give much thought
to what kind of research was being done when I responded to the classified ad, assuming that all animals are studied
by some university somewhere, pretty much all the time. I made the trip up to Brunswick Maine, loaded up the truck and trailer and
brought our new starter flock of animals to their new home never really giving much thought to those unique traits.
As I was leaving the farm I was told:
"You now have some of the best genetic material of this
breed in all the United States" - Professor of Microbiology, Bowdoin College
Years later, after adding several other breeds of
sheep and goats to the farm (breeds that don't share all those unique
qualities), I began to realize what a gem the Gulf Coast sheep were
- especially in the area of hardiness and parasite resistance. Five
years later, we have never had to assist with lambing, never lost a
single adult or lamb to any diseases or parasites, and most
importantly, have never had to worm any of the animals - not a
single animal, not a single time.
If you are considering getting some sheep of your
own someday (of any breed), do yourself a favour and read everything
you can about worms and parasite resistance before you bring your
flock home. If you are looking to purchase sheep to raise
organically, the Gulf Coast sheep are probably one of the very few,
or perhaps only, breed of sheep where you will be able to do that
easily, i.e. without the use of chemical de-wormers.
Sheep characteristics
General Appearance
Typical Gulf Coast Sheep are small to medium sized with adult rams
weighing 150-190 pounds and adult ewes weighing 100-140 pounds. Most
sheep are white to tan in color although on rare occasions one may
be light or dark brown or black. Sheep may have some rust speckles
primarily on the face and legs. They have open (wool free) faces,
legs and bellies. Both sexes may be polled (hornless), horned or
have scurs.
Parasite Resistance
Studies at the University of Florida and Louisiana State University
found the presence of factors in Gulf Coast sheep that infestation
of some gut parasites, in particular Haemonchus contortus. Trials
conducted at Alabama A&M University in 1997 came to similar
conclusions. In this study Gulf Coast Sheep had one eighth of the
fecal parasite egg count (Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia
circumcincta and Trichostrongylus spp.) than Suffolk sheep under
similar conditions. Some flocks have been maintained for many years
without the use of dewormers. The University of Florida flock was
maintained this way for more than thirty years.
Footrot Resistance
Gulf Coast Sheep have a well-documented resistance to footrot, based on the experiences of many breeders including those at research universities.
Heat and Humidity Tolerance
Gulf Coast Sheep have become so adapted to the high heat and humidity that temperatures of more than 100 degrees will not
interfere with breeding. Some of these sheep have also become acclimatized to temperatures as low as 60 degrees below zero.
Wool Characteristics
Grease fleece weights range from 4-6 pounds per ewe. Average fiber
diameter is 26-32 microns. Spinning count is 48-58. Gulf Coast
fleeces are usually soft, open, low grease, wavy to crimpy and 2.5
to 4.0 inches staple length. This makes them suitable for many uses.
Hand spinners say it is a delight to select fleeces for projects
they have planned. It makes great fabric, blankets or knitted
projects (sweaters, ect.) since it is not harsh to the skin. It also
felts really well for making hats or felt pieces for sewing.
Meat Quality
Gulf Coast lambs raised on their mother's milk and pasture are lean
and succulent. Carcass weights are usually light with little waste.
The meat is delightfully mild and can be prepared in many ways.
Milk Quality
Milk has twice the solids than either cow or goat milk therefore
will produce more butter and cheese per gallon of milk. Butterfat
content is in the 8% range. Milk also has a higher lactose content
causing the milk and the butter to have a sweeter taste.
Prolificacy
Gulf Coast ewes are able to produce three lamb crops in two years
and will average 150% lamb crop per year. Lambing rates are similar
to that of other breeds (70% single, 30% twins and occasionally
triplets). They produce a high percentage of live lambs and a high
ratio of finished lambs per ewe mated.
Sustainable Agriculture
Desirable qualities such as parasite and footrot resistance, heat
and humidity tolerance, year round breeding, easy lambing, early
maturity and good mothering ability, among other traits, make Gulf
Coast Sheep an excellent choice for low input, sustainable
grass-based agriculture and for cross breeding programs.
For sale
We currently only have just a single purebred Gulf Coast Ram for sale.
"Joey" was a triplet born in the spring of
2007, all white with a nice set of horns. We are asking $500 for him
registered. If you are interested, please
contact us. By spring of 2008 we will have a new crop of ewe and
ram lambs available. If you are interested in reserving an animal
for next year, please let us know.
For more detailed information about Gulf Coast
breed and links to even more resources, visit our partner website
www.GulfCoastSheep.Org
which is under construction and constantly being updated with new
information about the breed as it becomes available.