Lamb and Wool Production as Influenced by Breed of Ewe and Management System (Progress Report)

The number of lambs marketed per ewe per year has been shown in a number of studies to be the most important single factor in determining total productivity of the ewe flock. Crossbred ewes are reported to have higher reproductive performance and superior maternal characteristics. Combining ewe breeds that have specific desirable strengths should result in a more productive crossbred ewe. Three breeds were chosen for their respective breed strengths: the Dorset for its long breeding season and milking ability, the Finn for its prolificacy, and the Targhee for its hardiness and wool quality. The combination used in this study resulted in ewes that are 1 /4 Finn-1 /4 Dorset x 1 /2 Targhee (FDT). This combination results in a white-faced ewe of moderate frame size with a medium quality fleece. This study was designed to evaluate lifetime productivity of the FDT ewe compared to the straightbred Targhee ewe under range and farm flock conditions found in South Dakota