Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Columbia sheep

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Scientific name
  
Ovis aries

Rank
  
Breed

Higher classification
  
Sheep

Columbia sheep Columbia Sheep Columbia Sheep Breed Raising Sheep

Similar
  
Targhee sheep, Rambouillet sheep, California Red, Polypay, Montadale

The Columbia is one of the first breeds of sheep developed in the United States. The product of USDA and university research, it was intended to be an improved breed adapted for the Western ranges of the country (where the majority of sheep raising takes place).

Columbia sheep httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Beginning in 1912 in Laramie, Wyoming, Lincoln rams were crossed with Rambouillet ewes. In 1918, the foundation flock was moved to the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station near Dubois, Idaho, for further refinement. Today's Columbia is a popular breed, with heavy, white fleeces and good growth characteristics. It is one of the larger breeds, and is often used for cross breeding in commercial western flocks.

Columbia sheep Columbia Sheep Columbia Sheep Breed Raising Sheep

Characteristics

Columbia sheep Sheep 101 Sheep Breeds C

Adult rams weigh between 275 and 400 lb (125 and 181 kg), while females weigh between 175 and 300 lb (79 and 136 kg). An average fleece from a ewe weighs from 10 to 16 lb (4.5 to 7.3 kg), with a yield of 45 to 55%. The staple length of the wool ranges from 3.5 to 5 in (8.9 to 12.7 cm). The wool is classified as medium wool with a spin count of 50s to 60s. The wool varies from 31.0 to 24.0 microns.

Columbia sheep Columbia Sheep on emaze

References

Columbia sheep Wikipedia