Debouillet sheep
{{Short description|Breed of sheep}}
The Debouillet is a breed of domestic sheep originating from Tatum, New Mexico. It was developed in the 1920s through crossing Rambouillet and Delaine Merino sheep and the breed's name is a portmanteau of these two ancestors.{{cite book |title=Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep |last=Simmons |first=Paula |author2=Carol Ekarius |year=2001 |publisher=Storey Publishing LLC |location=North Adams, MA |isbn=978-1-58017-262-2}} This breed is primarily raised for its wool.
{{cite web
|url=http://dad.fao.org/
|title=Debouillet/United States of America
|work=Breed Data Sheet
|publisher=Domestic Animal Diversity Information System
|accessdate=2009-08-28}}
Characteristics
Specifically adapted to the arid ranges of the Southwestern U.S., the breed is a medium–size sheep with long, fine wool. Ewes are polled and rams may or may not have horns.
Mature ewes will weigh from 125 lb (57 kg) to 160 lb (73 kg) and rams will weigh from 175 lb (79 kg) to 250 lb (113 kg).
The fleece from mature ewes will weigh 10 to 18 lb (4.5 to 8.1 kg) with a 35% to 50% yield. The staple length of the fleece is from 3 to 5 in (7.5 to 12.5 cm) with a numerical count of 62 to 80, which is 18.5 to 23.5 microns in diameter.
{{cite web
|url = http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/debouillet/index.htm
|work = Breeds of Livestock
|title = Debouillet
|publisher = Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Animal Science
|accessdate = 2009-04-09
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20091224195455/http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/debouillet/index.htm
|archivedate = 2009-12-24
}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.sheepusa.org/index.phtml?page=site/text&nav_id=55b3d9b37dc0cdd7164a99cce299fb90 Debouillet sheep] at the American Sheep Industry Association website
{{Sheep breeds of Canada and the United States}}
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