[Jacob-list] Comment on "American Jacob"

[Kathryn Shirley]

I look at "American Jacob" as a more primitive, I mean, "landrace" version
of the breed.  The British added heavier meat type breeds to commercialize
their Jacobs and make them competitive in the meat market.  Neither
viewpoint, in and of itself, is bad.  Both the "American Jacob" and the
"British Jacob" appear to be white sheep with black spots and horns.  After
that the characteristics vary widely.

The "British Jacob" fills a niche in their meat market.  The "American
Jacob" also fills a niche.  Mine require low labor input, low feed input,
and are much desired by hand spinners and the ethnic market.  The ethnic
market around here prefer the more "landrace" breeds as having a milder
taste with a thinner fat layer.  The "American Jacob" most closely resembles
what these ethnic buyers grew up with in their native countries.  (Compared
to the commercial breeds).

Both versions of the breed are also great as "eye candy".

Kate Shirley
Humbug Farm

Edd Bissell wrote:

>          Neil Gross talked in his last post about the "American Jacob" -
> anyone out there want to talk about what that meant to them???  Since
> "primitive" has brought out such good responses then "American Jacob"
> should evoke a few ideas also.  Who is first?????
>
> Edd Bissell
> New Market, Tn.
> www.eddbissell.com
>
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