About Gulf Coast Native Sheep

Spanish sheep first arrived in Florida in the 1500's. Laterrnimportations of Spanish and other breeds of sheep mixed with the earlierrnpopulation, all evolving under the strong natural selection of the native rangernconditions of Florida and the other Gulf Coast states. Today a remnant of thisrnpopulation survives and is known as Gulf Coast sheep.

Gulf Coast sheep are best known for their resistance torninternal parasites. The Florida Agricultural Experiment Station in Gainesvillernhas a flock which has been maintained without the use of anthelmintics sincern1962. The Gulf Coast Native is classified as a "critical" breed byrnthe American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.