Quick Facts About Hampshire Sheep Breed
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- Size: Male weight: 275 lbs.; female: 200 lbs.
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- Habitat: The Hampshire sheep is one of the Downs breeds that acquired its name from Hampshire County, England, where it developed.
What is a Hampshire sheep?
The Hampshire sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from United Kingdom. It is also known as Hampshire Down sheep, and it was originated around 1829. It was developed from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed.
What kind of animal is a Hampshire Down?
The Hampshire or Hampshire Down is a breed of sheep which originated around 1829 from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn, and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs. 1 History.
What is a Twynam sheep?
It is also known as Hampshire Down sheep, and it was originated around 1829. It was developed from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed. The Old Hampshire breeds include the Wiltshire Horn and the Berkshire Nott. A farmer in Hampshire named John Twynam crossed his then-Hampshire flock with Cotswold rams around 1829.
When did sheep come to the United States?
The first breed came to the United States in 1840. And these animals apparently met an untimely end during the Civil War and fortunately more sheep arrived in the year of 1879. The American Hampshire Down Sheep Association was organized in 1889, which is now known as The American Hampshire Sheep Association.
When did Hampshire sheep originate?
around 1829The Hampshire or Hampshire Down is a breed of sheep which originated around 1829 from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn, and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs.
How was the Hampshire sheep developed?
It is also known as the Hampshire Down sheep and developed around 1829 through the crossing of local horned sheep ewes like the old Hampshire, Berkshire Knot, Wilshire Horn with the Southdown rams. The first farmer to breed the sheep was John Twynam, who crossed his Hampshire flock with an improved Cotswold ram.
What are Hampshire sheep known for?
Hampshires are noted for their rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. The Hampshire is a large, open faced and active sheep with a mild disposition. Mature rams should weigh 275 pounds or more and mature ewes should weigh 200 pounds or more in breeding condition.
What does the Hampshire sheep produce?
Hampshire sheep have strong and medium length wool that can be combed and used for knitting yarns, socks, and flannels. They were introduced to the United States in the 1860s, but the breed disappeared during the Civil War and were not reintroduced until the 1880s.
Why are Hampshire Sheep good for meat?
3. Hampshire Sheep. As its name suggests, this breed originates from Hampshire in southern England and is one of the most popular sheep breeds for meat due to its large and muscular frame. The quality of the Hampshire's mutton is also one of the best.
What is the difference between Suffolk and Hampshire sheep?
As one of the larger breeds, the Hampshire is easy to distinguish from Suffolks by their black legs and faces. What is this? Unlike the Suffolk, Hampshires have some wool on their heads and legs and this breed should display a solid topknot of unbroken wool.
What is a Hamp sheep?
Hampy featured is referring to that sheep showing more Hampshire breed characteristics. Hamp characteristics include being shaggier legged, wool cap, having more wool in their eye channel, etc.
Where did the Southdown sheep originated?
Sussex hills of EnglandSouthdown, breed of medium-wool, dark-faced, hornless sheep originating in the Sussex hills of England. The oldest of all British breeds of sheep, it has an ideal body conformation for meat production.
Where did the Hampshire pig come from?
Hampshire, breed of pig developed in the United States from the Wessex Saddleback and other varieties first imported from England around 1825; in the late 20th century it was one of the predominant breeds in the U.S. The trim, fine-coated Hampshire is black with a white saddle, which includes the forelegs, and its ears ...
Where do Katahdin sheep come from?
MaineKatahdin sheep / OriginKatahdin sheep are a breed of hair sheep developed in the United States. The Katahdin breed originated at the Piel Farm in north central Maine where Michael Piel was an innovator and amateur geneticist who enjoyed raising livestock.
Where did the Rambouillet sheep originated from?
FranceRambouillet, breed of sheep, developed from selections of a few hundred of the best Merino sheep of Spain in 1786 and 1799 by the French government at its national sheepfold at Rambouillet, France.
Where did the Hampshire sheep come from?
Hampshire sheep. The Hampshire or Hampshire Down is a breed of sheep which originated around 1829 from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn, and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs.
What is the difference between a Southdown sheep and a Hampshire sheep?
The Southdowns had long dark brown or black legs, matured early, produced the best of mutton and a fine quality of medium wool. The original Hampshire was larger, coarser, but hardier, slower to mature, with inferior flesh, and a longer but coarser wool. The Southdown had always been remarkable for its power of transmitting its special characteristics to its progeny by other kinds of sheep, and hence it soon impressed its own characteristics on its progeny by the Hampshire. The horns of the original breed have disappeared; the face and legs have become dark, the frame has become more compact, the bones smaller, the back broader and straighter, the legs shorter, and the flesh and wool of better quality, while the superior hardiness and greater size, as well as the large head and Roman nose of the old breed, still remain. Hampshires of the 1890s matured early and fattened readily. They clipped from 6 to 7 pounds of wool, suitable for combing, which was longer than Southdown wool, but less fine.
Is Hampshire a Cotswold?
In addition to Southdown, the Hampshire likely has a dash of Cotswold blood in its composition. Considerable importations of the breed were made to the United States in the 18th century, but it did not become so popular as the Southdown and some other English breeds.
Is a hornless sheep polled?
Both sexes are polled (hornless) Sheep. Ovis aries. The Hampshire or Hampshire Down is a breed of sheep which originated around 1829 from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn, and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as ...
Who crossed his flock with Cotswold rams?
John Twynam, a Hampshire farmer, crossed his then-Hampshire flock with Cotswold rams around 1829. The resultant half-bred rams were compact and blocky animals, and from around 1835 were sold into six or more of what were to become the first recognised pedigree Hampshire Down flocks in the United Kingdom. An important flock was kept ...
Who wrote the domestic sheep?
The Domestic Sheep by Henry Stewart (1898), "The Hampshire Down" (with photos).
Is Hampshire wool harder than Southdown?
Indeed, the Hampshire may be considered a larger and trifle coarser and hardier Southdown. The breed was occasionally crossed with Cotswolds, when it produced a wool more valuable for worsted manufacturers than the pure Cotswold.
Where did the Hampshire sheep come from?
Hampshire Sheep: Characteristics, Origin, Uses & Breed Information. The Hampshire sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from United Kingdom. It is also known as Hampshire Down sheep, and it was originated around 1829. It was developed from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed.
When was the Hampshire Down Sheep Association founded?
The American Hampshire Down Sheep Association was organized in 1889, which is now known as The American Hampshire Sheep Association. However, read some more information about this sheep breed below. Table of Contents. Hampshire Sheep Characteristics. Uses.
What breed of rams are in Old Hampshire?
A farmer in Hampshire named John Twynam crossed his then-Hampshire flock with Cotswold rams around 1829. The resulting half-bred rams were compact and blocky animals and form around 1835, and were sold into 6 or more of what were to become the first recognized pedigree ...
How much fleece does a Hampshire sheep produce?
And these features are a plus for the farmers and exhibitors. Mature Hampshire ewes on average produce around 2.7 to 4.5 kg fleece that is of 25 to 33 microns.
What are the characteristics of a Hampshire sheep?
Hampshire Sheep Characteristics. The Hampshire sheep are large sized animals with strong muscling and deep, blocky bodies. Their look is like the oxen of the sheep world. They are mainly white in coloration. They have dark face with moderately long and slightly dropped ears.
Where is Hampshire County?
The Hampshire county is located on the south coast of England, which is an area with a kinder climate than many parts of Britain. The first breed came to the United States in 1840. And these animals apparently met an untimely end during the Civil War and fortunately more sheep arrived in the year of 1879.
What is the purpose of ewes?
Breed Purpose. Primarily raised for meat production. Special Notes. Hardy and active animals, can adapt themselves to almost all climates, have long breeding season, the ewes experience a large percentage of multiple births, very active, very good for meat production.
Where did the Hampshire sheep come from?
The Hampshire sheep acquired its name from the agriculture county of Hampshire in Southern England where they were developed. The Hampshire-Down evolved from the mingling of different strains of kindred blood from sheep in co-existence along the borders of Hampshire County. The Old Hampshire, Berkshire Knot, Willshire Horn and Southdown sheep were believed by most writers to be the original broods found in and along the borders of Hampshire County. Mr. John Twynam made a valuable contribution to the Hampshire Down through the use of an improved Cotswold ram and Mr. William Humphrey by the introduction of two of the largest and most outstanding Southdown rams. The sheep farmers in the district of Hampshire continued through selection to improve the Hampshire Down which was considered far superior to any other sheep. In 1889 the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeder's Association was established in Salisbury, England, where it is still active.
What sheep were found in and along the borders of Hampshire County?
The Old Hampshire, Berkshire Knot, Willshire Horn and Southdown sheep were believed by most writers to be the original broods found in and along the borders of Hampshire County. Mr.
How much does a hampshire sheep weigh?
The Hampshire is a large, open faced and active sheep with a mild disposition. Mature rams should weigh 275 pounds or more and mature ewes should weigh 200 pounds or more in breeding condition. The ears should be moderate in length, thick, covered with a coarse dark brown or black hair and free from wool. The face should be of good length, dark in ...
Where was the Hampshire Down Sheep Association established?
In 1889 the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeder's Association was established in Salisbury, England , where it is still active. During that same year (1889) the American Hampshire Down Sheep Association was also organized, now known as The American Hampshire Sheep Association.
Why are Hampshire standards important?
Therefore, the Hampshire Standards are made to include mainly those traits that research has found to make them more productive.
What is a sheep?
sheep. Sheep, ( Ovis aries ), species of domesticated ruminant (cud-chewing) mammal, raised for its meat, milk, and wool. The sheep is usually stockier than its relative the goat (genus Capra ); its horns, when present, are more divergent; it has scent glands in its face and hind feet; and the males lack the….
Where is the wool of Hampshire fleeces from?
The Oxford, a breed popular in England and in the Great Lakes region of the U.S., was produced in the mid-19th century in Oxfordshire, England, ...
Where did the Hampshire Down sheep come from?
The domestic sheep is also known as Hampshire Down sheep. The breed was discovered at around 1829 and it originates from the United Kingdom.
Who developed sheep?
The sheep breeds were developed by a farmer known as John Twynam who crossed the Hampshire flocks with Cotswold rams around 1829.
What breed of sheep is best for farm?
Well, Hampshire breed of sheep is great breeds to keep on your farm. The dazzling appearance and calmness behavior make them easy to handle as well as manage.
Why are lambs good meat producers?
The lambs tend to grow very fast making them suitable for increasing the number of flocks on the farm. They also add weight very fast as compared to other breeds hence the reason why they are great meat producers.
When were sheep imported?
The breed of sheep was later imported in the United States at around 1849 although the civil war tried to inhibit the exportation. But around 1879, the sheep breed was imported in huge numbers.
Do rams have horns?
Both the ewes and rams are polled. They do not have any signs of horns at all.
Where did the Hampshire sheep come from?
The Hampshire sheep breed also known as the Hampshire Down sheep originated from a cross between Southdown, Wiltshire Horn and Berkshire Knot breeds of sheep over 150 years ago. They became a breed that were vital to maintaining the thin downland soils fertility in Berkshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
What is the breed of sheep in Hampshire?
Hampshire Sheep Breed – Everything You Need to Know. The Hampshire she ep were primarily bred to keep the thin soil of various downlands in Britain fertile. They are a medium to large sized breed that are excellent producers of meat, wool and good with landscape management.
What breed of sheep is good for juniors?
GENERAL INFORMATION. The Hampshire sheep breed has an excellent temperaments and is a very popular choice for juniors in 4-H and FFA competitions. Apart from their great temperaments they have a very beautiful appearance and carriage position.
Why are Hampshire sheep so popular?
The Hampshire sheep were primarily bred to keep the thin soil of various downlands in Britain fertile. They are a medium to large sized breed that are excellent producers of meat, wool and good with landscape management. They are one of the top choices for junior/youth sheep exhibition competitions such as the 4-H and FFA.
What is the color of a sheep?
Their faces are partly covered by wool and usually a dark brown or black in color. Color (s): White.
How long does it take for lamb to reach dead weight?
They have an excellent grade quality with fast growing lambs that reach their targeted dead weights at around 12 weeks. They have longer, more muscled and leaner carcasses. Lean, succulent, tender meat with a fine flavor and grain.
How long does it take for a lamb to be born?
No. Lambs/Litter: 1 to 2 (twins) lambs in a season. Lactation Period: Usually, around 150 to 240 day but most are milked for 180 days. Milking From: 4 to 6 weeks after lambing.
