What are St Croix sheep used for?
The St Croix is a hardy tropical breed known for its parasite resistance, and is raised primarily for meat production.
Are St Croix sheep good for meat?
SHEEP MEAT PRODUCTION INFORMATION Croix sheep breed meat in Utah that placed the meat in firs place for its grades in flavor, tenderness and juiciness. The meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat. The sheep tend not to deposit fat within their muscle.
How big do St Croix sheep get?
Mature rams weigh up to 200 lbs and ewes up to 150 lbs. Birth weights for twins average 7 lbs. St Croix sheep are active and vigorous without any tendency to be wild. They demonstrate greater resistance to internal parasites than do both wool sheep and most other hair sheep breeds.
Where did the St Croix sheep originate?
Croix. The Virgin Island White breed is found in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It is believed to have descend from the hair sheep of west Africa, but some feel it is a cross of the Wiltshire Horn and the native Criollo.
How much do St. Croix sheep cost?
Registered St Croix Rams for sale Prices vary from $200-300.
What is the most parasite resistant sheep?
St. Croix
Croix, a standardized breed in the United States. The St. Croix is adapted to the heat and humidity of a tropical climate, and this adaptation has several manifestations. The breed has well-documented parasite resistance, far superior to that found in most other sheep breeds.
Are St. Croix sheep friendly?
Good Temperament – Because of the docile temperament of rams and ewes, they are easy to handle and manage. This is one reason that the St. Croix breed has become popular for the small farm breeder. Therefore, they produce a lean meat without the tallow taste associated with lanolin wool sheep.
Can you milk St Croix sheep?
Good Milking Ability – St. Croix ewes exhibit well formed udders and bags. The ewes produce good quantities of milk and have become popular in certain areas of the US for cheese production. Their milk is high in butter fat content.
What is a hair sheep?
“Hair sheep” have a coat that’s more like other animal’s hair, so there’s no shearing required. “Hair sheep,” as they’re called, have a coat that’s more like other animal’s hair, so it doesn’t require shearing. They’re better suited for brush control and meat.
How much do St Croix sheep cost?
Are St Croix sheep endangered?
This Caribbean breed originated in the 17th century and is now considered endangered by the Livestock Conservancy. Though it is adapted to heat and humidity, the St. Croix will grow a thick winter coat in cold climates, making it suitable for use throughout North America.
What do you need to know about St Croix sheep?
St Croix Hair Sheep Breeders – To register, promote, and develop the breed. St Croix Hair Sheep Breeders – To register, promote, and develop the breed. To register, promote, and develop the breed. To register, promote, and develop the breed.
When is the St Croix hair sheep annual meeting?
We THANK YOU for your patience and request that you save the date and watch for information on our conference call annual meeting on October 17th at 1pm EST. At that time, we will review our very productive year as an association and will need member input for a better 2021!! Until then, enjoy your St Croix sheep!
What kind of milk does a St Croix hair sheep produce?
The ewes produce good quantities of milk and have become popular in certain areas of the US for cheese production. Their milk is high in butter fat content. It is not uncommon for ewes to lamb triplets or quad lambs and they are capable of nursing all their lambs without supplemental bottle feeding.
Where did the Virgin Island hair sheep come from?
It is believed that most hair sheep breed originated in West Africa and were introduced to the Caribbean in the 1500’s. It was from these sheep that different hair breed sheep were developed in the Caribbean region. The Virgin Island hair sheep breed was introduced into the United States by Michael Piel who was at the time a resident of Maine.