Meat Sheep Breeds
While each of the meat sheep breeds listed below produces some wool, these types of sheep are primarily valued and raised for their meat production.
These individual types of meat sheep are selected and bred for their ability to gain weight rapidly. Each lamb produces a lean, muscular high-yield carcass which is desirable for chefs eager to prepare lamb dishes.
Many of these breeds are an excellent choice for a 4-H project. They trim up beautifully for the show ring, and if you have a small flock these breeds offer you flexibility. Some of the lambs can serve as breeding and show stock. Others make terrific market or club lamb projects.
In the show ring judges emphasize size, muscle tone, and conformation. Adherence to the breed characteristic defined by that particular meat sheep breeder’s organization is also important.
Information about Popular Breeds of Meat Sheep
Click on any of the links below to learn information, a short history and fun facts about these popular meat sheep breeds:
Blue Texel Sheep
The Blue Texel sheep breed was first recognized and recorded as a distinct breed during the early 1970s in the Netherlands. Natural colored “blue” Texel
Cheviot Sheep
The Cheviot sheep breed is an alert, active breed that features a white face and compact body. This breed is most popular in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Dorset Sheep
Dorset sheep are famous for their lambing abilities since they are a breed which can lamb up to two times each year. It is also
Hampshire Sheep
The Hampshire sheep breed is primarily raised for meat production, though the breed has also emerged as a popular choice for youngsters in 4-H and
Montadale Sheep
The Montadale sheep breed is one of the youngest breeds of sheep in existence, originating in the United States as a cross between the large
North Country Cheviot Sheep
The North Country Cheviot sheep originated in the north of Scotland and was first brought over to the U.S. in 1944. They are known as
Oxford Sheep
The Oxford sheep breed was developed in Oxford County in England. A mix between Hampshires and Cotwolds, it has also been suggested that in the
Shropshire Sheep
The Shropshire sheep breed originated in England. Farmers developed the breed by crossbreeding Leicester, Southdown, Cotswold and native sheep. In 1855 the Shropshire sheep breed
Southdown Sheep
The Southdown sheep breed is one of the most popular and oldest breeds of sheep. The breed was originally developed in England and were brought
Suffolk Sheep
Suffolk sheep can be found around the world and are a popular choice in countries which value commercial sheep production. The Suffolk sheep breed is
Texel Sheep
The Texel sheep breed originated in the Netherlands more than 150 years ago on the Isle of Texel. The breed was introduced to sheep producers
Tunis Sheep
The Tunis sheep breed originated in the country of Tunisia in Northern Africa. This unique-looking breed was first introduced to the United States in 1799