While it’s true that raising sheep is often associated with harvesting wool, the reality is that there’s more to it than just that. In fact, when I first started raising sheep, people were surprised by my response when they asked what I planned on doing with the wool – ‘I don’t know. Would you like it?’ The truth is, there are many other purposes for which you can raise sheep, including meat and milk production.
Since there isn’t much demand for wool where I live, and I have no interest in spinning it myself, the need to remove the wool from my animals becomes an additional expense and chore that I have to factor into my annual budget and planner. Had I thought more about this ahead of time, I probably would have chosen to raise a hair sheep breed instead of a traditional wool producer – that way, I wouldn’t have to worry about the wool.
Hair sheep breeds, as their name suggests, produce hair rather than wool, making them a viable alternative for those who want to avoid the hassle and expense of harvesting wool. With many different breeds to choose from, there are plenty of reasons to consider raising hair sheep over traditional wool producers.
Why Would You Want to Raise Hair Sheep?
Did you know that almost all sheep have descended from the Mouflon, a breed of wild sheep characterized by their long, coarse hair and soft undercoat? Although they’re now relatively rare (estimated to be around 10% of the world’s total sheep population), there are several reasons why raising one might be an attractive option. For instance, hair sheep tend to thrive in warm or humid climates, as they can simply shed their coat rather than requiring shearing.
This makes them particularly well-suited for meat and leather producers, with many breeds also suitable for milk production. Perhaps the biggest benefit, however, is that they don’t require regular shearing – a relief for those who find the process time-consuming or inconvenient. All sheep, technically, have both woolly and hairy fibers. The key difference between hair sheep and wool sheep lies in the proportion of these fibers: hair sheep tend to have fewer woolly fibers and more ‘hairy’ ones.
Interestingly, studies have shown that certain breeds, such as Katahdins and Dorpers, exhibit increased resistance to parasites – likely due to their origins in hot, humid areas where parasite challenges are high. This natural immunity can be particularly valuable for farmers looking to minimize the risks associated with sheep farming.
Top Hair Sheep Breeds
For those captivated by the prospect of rearing unique livestock, consideration of hair sheep over wool sheep might be a viable option. While not an exhaustive list, some of the most well-known and sought-after hair sheep breeds globally include…
Katahdin
Developed in Maine, the Katahdin sheep owes its name to the state’s highest peak. This breed was created towards the end of the 20th century by crossing St. Croix sheep with other breeds like Suffolk. The result is a hardy, meat-producing sheep that can boast impressive weights: an average ewe weighs around 160lbs, while rams can reach up to 250lbs.
Notably, Katahdin sheep are known for their ability to produce twin lambs and have the unique advantage of not requiring shearing, as they naturally shed their winter coats.
Barbados Blackbelly
The Barbados Blackbelly sheep breed has a disputed origin story, with some attributing its roots to Africa and others claiming it hails from the Caribbean island of Barbados. Regardless of where they came from, these hardy sheep first set foot in the United States at the dawn of the 20th century. With their affinity for warm climates, they tend to thrive, producing twin lambs with regularity and yielding a bountiful supply of meat.
In contrast to some other breeds, the Barbados Blackbelly’s market weight is achieved relatively quickly. On average, rams will reach around 150lbs in maturity – neither particularly massive nor diminutive. One notable characteristic of this breed is their natural polled nature (horns absent), which can simplify management concerns related to safety and overall care.
Wiltshire Horn
From the rolling hills of Wiltshire, England, the Wiltshire Horn breed has made a name for itself as a premier domestic sheep. Primarily raised for its succulent meat, this versatile breed boasts a unique characteristic – it sheds its coat of short wool and hair in the spring. This natural process not only keeps the animal cool but also provides farmers with an abundance of usable fleece.
Additionally, Wiltshire Horns are renowned for their impressive fertility rates and nurturing instincts, making them ideal mothers. As a result, lambs can be ready for slaughter in as little as 16 weeks, a significant advantage for large-scale sheep farming operations. Furthermore, these resilient animals possess natural resistance to flystrike, a major concern when managing large flocks.
California Red
One of the most sought-after sheep breeds for homesteaders is the California Red. Its ease of management makes it an ideal choice for families with small children or other livestock. This breed excels at producing both milk and meat, with rams typically weighing over 220lbs on average. While they are considered hair sheep, the California Reds do require some additional care regarding their fiber. A minimal amount of shearing may be necessary to maintain their coat.
The breed’s origins can be traced back to its development from Tunis and Barbados Blackbelly sheep, aimed at creating a hair-sheep similar to the Barbados Blackbelly but with the out-of-season breeding qualities of the Tunis. Although the goal of producing a true hair sheep was not achieved, the California Red remains a worthwhile breed to consider. Its ability to lamb outside of season and thrive in hot weather makes it an attractive option for many farmers.
Blackhead Persian
The origins of the Blackhead Persian sheep lie in the Caribbean and Somalia, where their unique physical appearance is striking. Characterized by stocky bodies and robust rumps, they may not be the most conventionally attractive creatures. However, their meat quality is exceptional, making them a valuable addition to any farm or agricultural endeavour.
It’s worth noting that these sheep can present some challenges during lambing season, which may require additional support if you’re planning to breed them.
St. Croix
Native to the island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, St. Croix sheep are often referred to by their namesake. This breed is characterized by its lack of wool production, instead producing hair that’s resistant to parasites. The sheep also tend to be polled, meaning they don’t grow horns. Interestingly, they originated from African sheep brought to the Caribbean on slave ships and can be found in white, black, and brown variants.
Africana
While not as widely kept as some other breeds of hair sheep, the Africana sheep stands out for its exceptional heat tolerance. Hailing from Venezuela and Colombia, this polled breed has been traditionally used as a source of meat. Its adaptability to warm climates makes it an attractive option for farmers looking to raise livestock in regions with intense sunlight.
Touabire
The Laudom or White Arab sheep, also known as the Touabire breed, is predominantly found in Africa, with countries like Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania being its primary habitats. This large breed is dual-purpose, serving both dairy and meat production purposes. Upon initial observation, it may be mistaken for a goat due to its unique appearance, which features lop ears and a lean physique.
Notably, males of this breed are characterized by their horns, whereas females, or ewes, tend to be hornless.
St. Augustine
The St. Augustine sheep, a medium-sized breed, has evolved to thrive in hot and humid environments, boasting impressive parasite resistance. Its temperament is characterized by an ease of handling and a strong flocking instinct, allowing it to efficiently forage on various types of feed. This adaptable breed can be found with either a natural poll or horns, shedding its coat during the summer months, although some individuals may retain a light layer of wool. The St.
Augustine’s meat is renowned for its mild flavor profile, and what’s more remarkable is that rams of this breed remain fertile during the summer months – a unique characteristic not shared by most other breeds.
Mouflon
A glimpse at Shutterstock brings us face-to-face with the mouflon, technically a wild sheep breed with several subspecies bred over time. This hardy, adaptable species has been thriving in primitive environments for centuries and is believed to be the ancestor of all modern domestic sheep breeds.
Uda
The Uda is a lesser-known breed of hair sheep originating from Africa, specifically Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. This breed is characterized by its long legs, making it distinct from other sheep varieties. The Uda is primarily raised for meat production, with various strains existing across different regions. Notably, most Udas exhibit a brown-black and white coat pattern, while ewes are naturally polled, whereas rams sport horns.
Maasai
The Maasai breed, also known as the Red Maasai, is a prominent sheep breed utilized primarily for meat production. A distinguishing feature of this breed is its characteristic fat tail. Native to East Africa, the Maasai is commonly raised by farmers in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where it has been an integral part of local agricultural practices for centuries.
American Blackbelly
The American Blackbelly’s connection to the Barbados Blackbelly is undeniable, as it results from crossing this breed with the Mouflon or Rambouillet sheep. What sets the American apart is its distinctive feature – horns. Typically, these are curved and elongated in shape. In comparison to the Barbados Blackbelly, American Blackbellys tend to be smaller in stature, with rams reaching approximately 140lbs in weight.
Despite their modest size, they’re highly valued for their remarkable resistance to parasites.
West African Dwarf
Native to West and Central Africa, the West African Dwarf sheep is a popular breed primarily utilized for its high-quality meat. A notable characteristic of this species is that female West African Dwarfs typically give birth to one or two lambs at a time.
Dorper
The Dorper, a South African breed of domestic sheep, is a cross between Blackhead Persian and Dorset Horn sheep. Known for being a meat sheep, it thrives in dry areas of the country due to its ability to grow quickly and adapt to arid conditions. This breed sheds its short coat of wool and hair annually, typically in spring. Moreover, the Dorper’s genetic makeup has been leveraged to develop numerous other sheep breeds.
Romanov
Romanov sheep, hailing from Russia, stand out due to their adaptation to a colder climate. As one of the oldest breeds without a tail, these sheep are characterized by their robust growth rate and remarkable fertility. Unlike many other sheep breeds that typically produce twins, Romanovs tend to deliver litters, with the possibility of triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, or even sextuplets, although this is relatively rare.
Royal White
The Royal White breed is a standout for its distinctive body shape, which allows it to conserve heat remarkably well during harsh weather conditions. This adaptation is particularly noteworthy, as the breed’s rams typically weigh between 200-230lbs on average, with ewes being similarly imposing in size. What’s more, the lambs of this breed are renowned for their rapid growth and exceptional meat quality.
Is a Hair Sheep Breed Right for Me?
When it comes to raising a low-maintenance and cost-effective sheep flock, hair sheep are an excellent option to consider. Although they may be more challenging to find for sale, especially in colder climates where their popularity is relatively lower, the search is often justified by the numerous benefits they offer. By choosing hair sheep, you can significantly reduce your expenses and time spent on shearing, ultimately resulting in a healthier and more productive flock.
