[Jacob-list] INbred sheep.

[Dave & Katrina]

What is interesting about thia is that this gruop of sheep was extremely
hardy on their home turf. minimal input,etc. Mostly on meager pasture.
Wormed once a year. never vaccinated, right MEH?  

Also the groups that were taken in the spring (a group by me, a group by
MEH and Royal's guys (girls...what were they, Royal?)  seemed to do fine,
although I noticed a bit more worm problems than normal with 3 of ours.
ONly in late fall and now all seem fine & healthy with fleeces looking
better than at their past environment. The ones that came as newborns had
no problems at all...from what I can see.  

I do think this is an inbreeding thing...what do the rest of you think? 
But why did the spring groups adjust better than the larger group that was
moved later to MEH's place.  Royal, did your girl have problems adjusting? 
Maybe our places were more similar in environment to MD compared to moving
them down to the southern states. MEH, want to move up North?  *Smile*  Am
really sorry for your struggles. Sick/dying sheep are no fun at all.

Anyway, I wondered if any of you who have practiced inbreeding that worked
know anything about it.  I really like the ones here and am kind of
facinated with this.  I have heard in theory that inbred sheep have a more
difficult time adjusting, but have never heard of proof of it.  Keep me
posted MEH.
Katrina

> [Original Message]
> From: Linda <wolfpen at rabun.net>
> To: jacoblist <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>; <mhansson1 at triad.rr.com>
 > Date: 12/27/02 6:06:25 PM
> Subject: RE: [Jacob-list] sheep memory
>
> That's interesting.  I'm afraid I would have to consider that a=
>  hardiness problem - just my opinion.  I know the group is highly=
>  inbred.  Would you attribute the situation to that?  I haven't=
>  heard of anything like this before, but it almost sounds like=
>  one of those behaviour traits, like poor mothering, aggressive=
>  rams, etc, that can be heritable - or not, depending on your=
>  view.
> 
> They are a pretty group - hope they settle in!
> 
> Linda
> 
> On Thu, 26 Dec 2002 20:43:18 -0500, Mary Hansson wrote:
> >Linda,
> >
> >I have seen an exaggeration of the same phenomenon with the=
>  large
> >Twigg
> >group I brought in this year. =A0Even putting a fence between them=
>  for
> >breeding caused lots of stress and apparent distress. =A0That=
>  group
> >just
> >has not done well with any changes. =A0You move one, and either=
>  they
> >or a
> >buddy of theirs gets sick and dies......all rather tiring.
> >
> 
> >Mary Ellen Hansson, ISeeSpots Farm
> >Jacob Sheep: =A0Those horny, fuzzy critters
> >Shop: =A0Knitting, crochet, spinning supplies
> >www.iseespots.com (336) 854-6209
> >
> >
> 
> Visit our Jacob flock at:
> http://www.PatchworkFibers.com
> Registered Jacob Sheep
> Handspun Yarns
>  
> 
> 
> 
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--- Dave & Katrina O. Lefever
--- oberlef at supernet.com
--- Chicory Lane Farm
--- http://wwwfac.mcdaniel.edu/Graduate/TI/pages/lefever/chicory.htm