[Jacob-list] Primitive/ Improved Discussion

[Linda]

That makes sense to me. It's my breeding plan.
I was told years ago that using a two horned ram on forward horned ewes 
would help to set the horns back. I did it backwards by using a forward 
horned ram on a two horned ewe. Got great horns on that one cross. Like 
alot of breeders, I've seen SUED on lambs with one two horned parent.
What I'm uncertain about is the claim that using a two horned ram on 
four horned ewe with weak laterals will give you a better chance of 
getting good laterals on ewe lambs. I've heard this, but haven't seen it 
as I haven't kept or bred ewes with weak laterals (my personal 
preference for my small flock) for many years and they didn't mesh with 
the year I used a 2 horned ram (lovely boy - all his ewe lambs were four 
horned and all his ram lambs were two horned).
I prefer 4 horned sheep, but I love the look of a spectacular 2 horned 
Jacob. I do hear often that you can't sell a two horned Jacob, but just 
haven't seen it if the two horned are good quality. Good 2 horned Jacobs 
stand on their own. They do not need to be sold as something to 'help' 4 
horned sheep in relation to horns.



Neal Grose wrote:

> "My other question regarding the horns is this. . .Is it not true that 

> we need to breed 2 horn animals somewhat frequently within the 4 horn 

> population to keep the incidence of SUED down?  AND, to give strength 

> to the horn formation?  And, is there any scientific proof of those 

> things or only "live and learn" type stories?  I'd like to hear any 

> feedback on that."

>  

> There was some data gathered on this a few years back. There was no 

> difference in the incidence of SUED offspring between (4 horn X 4 

> horn) and (2 horn X 4 horn).  This would tend to confirm our 

> observation that if you want good 4 horn confirmation, then you really 

> need to consistently breed for good 4 horn animals; and in order to do 

> that, you have to measure (or gauge) the effect in the sheep from 

> generation to generation.

>  

> Neal Grose

> North Carolina

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>

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-- 
Patchwork Farm Jacob Sheep <http://www.patchworkfibers.com>
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