[Jacob-list] Re: Lamb Fleeces

[BIDEWEE at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/20/2001 9:06:39 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
jacob-list-request at jacobsheep.com writes:

> If I can have a clue as to what to look for in a lamb fleece, I can be saved 
> some of 
> 

Hi Sharon,
The November 2000 JSBA newsletter (pages 13 & 14) had a great article written 
by Ingrid Painter titled "Lamb Fleece Evaluation in Jacob Sheep Under Six 
Weeks of Age".  I keep a copy of it in my lambing record book at the barn - 
it has photos of each of the fleece types and we've found it to be very 
helpful.

In brief, a lamb born with a Type A fleece (a "top of the line fleece" in 
Ingrid's opinion) has tiny, tight curls with skin easily visible around each 
curl, and the fleece (both black and white) is the same all over the body.  A 
Type B fleece (which we've found to be the most common) has a mixture of Type 
A wool (often found only in the white areas) and a coarser straighter fiber 
in other (usually black) areas.  A Type C fleece is basically the same as 
Type B but has freckling in the white areas.  Type D fleece appears wiry due 
to a lot of kemp fibers and very coarse wool.  A Type fleece is an 
exaggerated Type D and will never be a "top of the line" handspinning fleece.

We take photos of the lambs shortly after birth and make written observations 
of how the fleeces look, including where the britch and belly wool start.  
Then, when we shear the lambs we compare the sheared fleece to our 
observations.  We've been doing this for several years now and it has been a 
great aid in helping us to predict how the adult fleece will turn out.  

Karen Lobb
bide a wee farm ~ registered Jacob & Navajo-Churro Sheep
bideawee at iname.com ~ www.bideaweefarm.com
19562 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR ~ 503-538-7987

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