Lifetime productivity of Targhee vs. Finn-Dorset-Targhee ewes managed as farm vs. range flock

Number of lambs born and marketed per ewe per year is a major factor in ewe flock productivity. Previous research has shown that this number can be increased by using high prolific sheep such as the Finnsheep. Therefore, the Finnsheep were chosen because of their prolificacy. The Dorset breed was chosen because of its milking ability, whereas the Targhee ewes were chosen because of their wool quality and hardiness. Because information is lacking in the performance of high prolific ewes in various management systems typical to South Dakota, this study was conducted to evaluate the lifetime performance of Targhee and 1/4 Finn-1/4 Dorset-1/2 Targhee ewes managed as a farm or range flock