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Photo source: The National Sheep Association. |
Southdown Sheep are highly versatile and are valued by all types of breeders for their exceptional qualities. They are renowned for their well-fleshed, meaty build, featuring a wide, level back extending to the tail and a sturdy leg at each corner. Their dense, fine-textured wool covers their entire body down to the hocks, with small ears adorned with short wool.
One of the key attributes of Southdown Sheep is their ease of lambing, making them a preferred choice for many breeders. Rams are known for their robustness, excellent foot health, and longevity, ensuring reliable breeding performance over time.
In addition to their meaty conformation and wool quality, Southdown Sheep are recognized for their moderate size and weight. On average, mature ewes weigh between 65 and 75 kilograms, while rams range from 85 to 100 kilograms.
Overall, Southdown Sheep epitomize the ideal all-round sheep breed, excelling in meat production, wool quality, ease of lambing, and longevity, making them a popular choice among breeders seeking a reliable and productive sheep breed.