Why use a Southdown:
The Southdown bred pure will produce a fast growing prime lamb in record time. Crossed on any breed of ewe the resulting lamb will have a carcass of fine conformation and high grade if marketed correctly.
The Southdown can:
· Pass on its superb conformation to its offspring
· Thrive and maintain its flesh when other breeds would likely suffer
· Be incredibly docile and easy to handle
· Be an ideal sheep for small or large flocks
DESCRIPTION AND BREED CHARACTERISTICS
A good Southdown should catch the eye with its alertness and balanced appearance, displaying the following characteristics:
Head and face | - Wide, level between the ears with no sign of horn. Not too long from eyes to nose, particularly rams.
- Hair of an even mouse colour.
- Eyes large and bright and clear of wool.
- Ears of medium size and covered with short wool.
- Nose dark, not pink.
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Neck and shoulders | - Neck wide at the base and well set on the shoulder. Shoulders neither too wide nor too narrow and top level with the back.
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Legs and feet | - A leg at each corner, straight and well up on the pasterns. Neither cow-hocked, nor knock-kneed. Horn of hoof black.
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| Chest and ribs | - Deep over the heart, but not too wide. Ribs well sprung.
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| Back and rump | - Long, wide and level, evenly fleshed and firm to handle. Rump not pointed.
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| Tail | - Broad and well set up and level with chine
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| Gigots | - Wide, deep and well filled
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| Wool and skin | - Wool fine and dense and of even colour, not black, covering the whole body down to the hocks and knees. Skin pink.
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