Annagh sheep?

farmerjoe50

Was just told about Annagh sheep breed, meant to be hardy sheep and might suit as only have 3 out of 5 live lambs as couples are just not hardy enough for our land. Any information u may have on them? I hope I spelt them right. assuming they are located at Annagh head in west of ireland

MayoAreMagic

There is an Annagh head in Belmullet, co. Mayo?

I have never heard of them having their own breed of sheep though!

Generally they would have Mayo ewes in that area. What type of sheep do you breed currently?

AnFeirmeoir

I dont have annagh annagh way

farmerjoe50

Currently have Mayo blackface. I just heard that there were hardy sheep in that area, probably a strain of Mayo blackface as there is a huge variation in Mayo Blackface mountain sheep and lowland sheep

MayoAreMagic

farmerjoe50 wrote: »

Currently have Mayo blackface. I just heard that there were hardy sheep in that area, probably a strain of Mayo blackface as there is a huge variation in Mayo Blackface mountain sheep and lowland sheep

Well I have been working with mayos all my life, and I can honestly say I've never heard of these.

However, I agree that the mayo do have a lot of variation in the breed. Generally, I have found you will get the hardier sheep in hill areas where guys actually let them up the hill for most of the year (unsurprisingly enough). The more lowland involved, the less trustworthy they are. Keeping them on the hill takes care of a lot of the natural selection involved, where poorer performers are sold out.

On the topic of the twins, may I ask, what exactly is happening?

farmerjoe50

Goin to cut down on numbers for next year. get ewes in better condition.