If you’ve ever wondered what the biggest sheep breed is you’re not alone, and while many meat sheep breeds grow to an impressive height, length and weight, the Suffolk is considered to be the largest sheep breed in the world.
You may see some large Hampshire or Columbia rams give the Suffolk a challenge as the largest breed of sheep.
But on average Suffolk sheep still come out on top in terms of size and weight. This is one of the reasons this massive breed is valued as a terminal sire. Suffolk rams produce large-framed, fast-gaining lambs in commercial crossbred flocks.
By the Numbers: Breaking Down the Biggest Sheep Breed
The American Sheep Industry Association lists the Suffolk as the largest sheep breed in the world. They report that mature rams reach weights of 400 pounds and mature ewes weigh up to 300 pounds.
For context – a fully grown Suffolk ram can weigh approximately the same amount as a Welsh Pony.
ASI Study Finds that Largest Sheep Breed Makes an Excellent Terminal Sire
In a 2013 American Sheep Industry performed a study of terminal sire sheep breeds for use in western range operations. In this study, researchers compared the rate of growth, feed efficiency, ewe production and lamb survival rate for four terminal sire breeds (Suffolk, Columbia, Texel and crossbred rams) mated to Rambouillet ewes. The study collected data over the span of three years. It found that the Suffolk rams produced the highest performing crossbred lambs in most categories.
Select Texel/Suffolk cross rams could produce lambs with an improved feed efficiency and similar growth rate.
You can read the complete findings of the study HERE.
Photo of KIMM 3019-7012 courtesy of MacCauley Suffolks, Atglen, Pennsylvania – www.maccauleysheep.com
Did not now that
Hi,
I am a livestock farmer in Kenya. I need Suffolk but they are not around. How can I get them to come to Kenya.
Hi, Shadrack. I’d reach out to the South Africa Suffolk Breeder’s Society to see if they can put you in touch with a local breeder in Kenya or arrange an import for you from South Africa. You can visit their website at: suffolk.co.za. Best of luck!
Hi Joe, thanks so much for the advice. I will follow up from South Africa and bring them to Kenya. I am so thankful for your help.
Hi Joe is there any Suffolk society in Asia. I am from Mongolia and trying to find a way to bring Suffolk sheeps to Mongolia.
Require best breed of 100 sheeps
the wicklow cheviot is a much larger sheep than the suffolk
? funny man Michael, the cheviot are only 120-150 pounds for mature ewes and 120-210 for mature rams
Hi,
I have a sheep farm in india. I need Suffolk one male and one female. but they are not around. How can I get them to come to India. +919622974639 also reply me on my whatsapp no please if possible.
Hi I am from India can you please provide me about this sheep I am interested.
Contact [email protected]
Suffolk Sheep Contact. If anyone is interested in Getting Top Quality Genetics from the U. S. (States) please contact me.