BREEDS OF SHEEP FOR COMMERCIAL MILK PRODUCTION

Any producer contemplating the prospect of sheep dairying will face the problem of breeds: which breeds or what type of animals to purchase (or develop) in order to have the most economical commercial milk production? The problem is not an easy one to solve because there is not a single breed that combines all favorable traits. Some breeds are better than others in producing milk and others are better in milk components (fat, protein, solids). Some breeds are more efficient feed converters and others give their milk more easily. Some breeds are more sensitive to the environment and others are more resistant to diseases. “What is the best breed, though?” many insist on asking. There is no best breed; there is only a breed that fits best the personal preferences of the owner and a breed that will produce reasonably well with the resources of a particular environment.