Polypay (sheep)

The Polypay sheep breed is a white, medium sized sheep which was developed in the 1960s at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho. [ [http://www.albertasheep.com/ASBA/polypay.htm Alberta Sheep Breeders' Association - Polypay] ] In general, Polypay sheep are noted for being a highly prolific, dual-purpose breed. [ [http://www.sheep101.info/breedsO-P.html Sheep 101 - Sheep Breeds - Polypay] ]

Breed goals

Dr. C. V. Hulet created five main goals for the new breed. [ [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/polypay/ Oklahoma State University - Polypay] ]

* High lifetime prolificacy
* Large lamb crop at one year of age
* Ability to lamb more frequently than once per year
* Rapid growth rate of lambs
* Desirable carcass quality

The original breeding stock were taken from the Finnsheep for their high prolificacy, early puberty and short gestation, Dorset for their superior mothering ability, carcass quality, early puberty and long breeding season, Targhee for their large body size, long breeding season and quality fleeces, and Rambouilet for their adaptability, hardiness, productivity and quality fleeces.

History

In 1968, the first cross breeding was performed. In 1970, the resulting bred sheep were produced. The Polypay name was created in 1975 from poly, meaning multiple, and pay, meaning return on investment. The American Polypay Sheep Association was formed in 1980.

References

See also

*Sheep shearing
*Wool

External links

* [http://www.countrylovin.com/polypay/index.html American Polypay Association]