Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which breed of sheep is noted for producing a 200 to 250 percent lamb crop?

1. Merino

2. Dorset

3. Finnsheep

4. Suffolk

The correct answer is: Finnsheep

The Finnsheep breed is renowned for its remarkable reproductive performance, particularly its ability to produce lamb crops ranging from 200 to 250 percent. This high percentage of lamb production is largely due to the breed's prolific nature, which allows ewes to have multiple births more frequently than many other sheep breeds. This trait is particularly advantageous for producers seeking to maximize lamb production for both meat and wool, as it significantly increases the number of offspring over time. In contrast, while other breeds like the Merino, Dorset, and Suffolk are valued for various attributes, including wool quality and meat production, they typically do not match the prolificacy of the Finnsheep. The Merino is primarily recognized for its fine wool, the Dorset is known for its meat production and ability to breed out of season, and the Suffolk is valued for its rapid growth and muscle development, but none achieve the same level of lamb crop efficiency as the Finnsheep.