NEW SHEEP BREEDS.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 155, 21 October 1926, Page 6

NEW SHEEP BREEDS.

FRESH NAMES IN AMERICA. Readers of American livestock journals occasionally come across strange names applied to breeds of sheep, and many wonder just what they mean. The two that litave come to the fore rather lately are Panama and Romcldale, and although not very widespread, are said to be gaining in popularity, and filling a niche, in the sheep world of the States. The home of the Panama breed is Idaho, and the cross is the result of putting Rambouillet rams to Lincoln ewes. The original flock last yelar comprised well over 2000 ewes, and a fair standard of uniformity has been obtained. The breed was founded in 1912. The Romedale’s native State is California, where the breed has been developed from a cross of New Zealand Romney rams on Rambouillet ewes. It was founded about 1919, and is the outcome of a desire to obtain a sheep that will do well on wet soil, is grazed on green lucerne and other heavy forage, and has to be shorn twice a year. The parent flock also comprises some 2000 ewes, and it is interesting to note that 48 rams from it averaged over £ll a head at the California ram sales last June. This was the highest average for “ range” rams of the entire sale, so it is evident the breed is in local demand. The rams offered were the seventh generation of the cross.