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A Study of Crossbreeding Sheep

University of Minnesota¹

Abstract

1. Shropshires, Columbias, and Hampshires produced 19% more lamb per 100 lbs. of ewe when mated to another breed. The average total productivity was 16% more for the ewes used in crossing. The crossbred lambs were heavier and had higher livability than the purebreds.
   
2. This increase in productivity was likely due to heterosis and difference in breed size.
   
3. The Rambouillet ewe was 27% more productive, when used in crossing, than the Shropshire ewe mated to a Shropshire ram. This greater productivity was due to more wool and faster growing lambs.
   
4. Border Leicester, Hampshire, and Columbia rams sired the fastest growing lambs when mated to Rambouillet ewes. However, the Border Leicester crosses resulted in the largest total productivity and resulted in the greatest advantage over the Purebred and Shropshire matings.
   

¹ North Central Experimental Station, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.