[Jacob-list] PRIMITIVE TRAITS

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

Two weeks ago I received  an email from another "rare breed" conservator 
asking several conservation questions about effective population/inbreeding, 
etc. and, "is either (Jacob) organization promoting the 'primitve' type?"  I 
responded that both organizations include the 'primitive' type in their 
conservation efforts but was stumped when thinking of a definition of 
'primitive'.

If there is a 'primitve' genotype, evidence might be seen in various breeds 
and appropriately noted.  Can a definition of 'primitive' be constructed in 
such a fashion that it includes expressions of the primitive genotype OR does 
one already exist? ...'primitive' applies to many breeds...there is a genetic 
basis for 'primitive'.  For example, I can remember some possible traits:

+Estrus: Some of you may recall Martin Dally's picture of 'primtive' estrus 
cycles at the JSBA meeting; others may remember the JSC articles on lambing 
months (some geographical observations).
+Hair/kemp/fleece: Presence of hair in the birthcoat?  Molting (with/without 
cotting?)? (Ryder)
+Structure: Oval shape of the chest?  Gait?  Length of neck? Scrotum/Udder? 
+Disease resistance: ?
+Parasite resistance?
+Maternal behavior: Parturition?  Lamb survival? Lamb agression?  
Agression/passivity? 
+Adaptable to wide environments?: Middle mangement vs. low management? 
Pasture/grain rations and barn/open range questions?  Fixed/nomadic behaviors?

The purpose here is to try to think FIRST of possible 'primitive' traits of 
sheep, THEN, which traits are observed in all Jacobs or other breed 
(super-gene) or only in some Jacobs (certain lines) and thus arrive at a 
working definition which may be important to conserving the Jacob and other 
breeds, including its 'primitive' traits. Doemstic sheep are not wild sheep 
but do wild sheep have 'primitive' traits? 

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A 'PRIMITVE' LIST or CAN ADD TO A Jacob-List LIST or HAVE 
IDEAS ON HOW TO BUILD A LIST OF PRIMITIVE TRAITS? 

Thanks for your thinking abut this.

Fred Horak