Southdown sheep, mutton breed of sheep originated on the South [1] Downs of Sussex, England, and now raised throughout the world. After establishing a rather impressive flock Dad began to import stud rams (17 in all) from New Zealand to improve size and quality. The Wedel Flock started in 1958. You see, this miniature breed is not really a miniature breed at all; In fact, they are actually the original Southdown breed. The Southdown is generally credited with being one of the oldest breeds of sheep, and are the grand ancestor of the other Down breeds. Its wool is narrow and is one of the best of all British breeds. History: The Southdown Sheep is a medium-hair, dark-skin, antlerless breed originally from the Sussex Hills. 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It originated from the native sheep of the region, which were improved beginning in the late 1700s and continuing through the 1830s. They are one of the oldest of the English breeds and the grand ancestor of the other Down breeds. For more history on the Registry, see “15 Years and 7832 Babydolls Later and Still Growing!” The standard for the Olde English “Babydoll” Southdown Sheep was taken directly from the Southdown Sheep Society in England. It is the oldest of all the British breeds of sheep, with an ideal body conformation for the production of meat. Southdown History AABMGS Babydoll Breed Standard Coloured Babydolls Frequently asked questions Our champion Babydolls Babydoll Semen ForSale For Sale Waiting List Members Only AUSTRALIAN . When people visit our farm they always comment about how the sheep pens look like a fortress. The success of the southdown over the 200 year period illustrated must be credited to a continuum of outstanding Stud masters. Basic Care Requirements for Babydoll Southdown Sheep: The following are some typical requirements for successful sheep raising according to the NABSSAR (registry): A 3-sided shelter to protect sheep and lambs from rain, sleet, snow. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Almost without exception every British meat breed has used the Southdown to Establish or improve their breed. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Southdown is a sheep with an illustrious past and a very bright future 1950 Since the Agricultural Revolution (1700’s) to the present day no breed has contributed more to the advancement to the sheep meat industry than the Southdown. It was developed in southeastern England, specifically in the Chalk Hills or ‘South Downs’ of Sussex. At the time, their wool was second only to the Hereford sheep in fineness and quality. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. developed in France from the 18th century, now also in U.S. originally England, now also N.Z., North America, Australia, mostly raised for mutton; wool used for variety of products, originally England, now also N.Z., Australia, North America. Farmers using the Modern Southdown do not have an over fat problem on their killing Sheets. 4-H/FFA Starter Flocks Win a Ewe Lamb! There are indications the breed was here in the very late 1700’s, so it is not surprising that in 1805, the Reverend Samuel Marsden wrote to Sir Joseph Banks telling of the presence of Southdowns in New South Wales. Key sires are recording ‘eye-muscle’ measurements (EMA) at the 12th rib in excess of 35 cm2. See Article History. They originated in the South Downs of Sussex county, England. Nov 27, 2016 - Babydoll Southdown sheep are tiny — and chock full of personality. The breed originated centuries ago in the hills of Sussex, England, long know as the “Downs.”. Lawrence farmer Don Murray quips he is a novice when it comes to breeding Southdown sheep. Since the Agricultural Revolution (1700’s) to the present day no breed has contributed more to the advancement to the sheep meat industry than the Southdown. The Southdown stud was established by his father in 1930 and the breed was “in the blood”. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Reporter Jenny Ling attends a session and discovers what it's all about. Around 1341 there was and estimate of nearly 110000 Southdown sheep in Sussex and their wool quality came in second to that only of the Hereford sheep breed. Miniature Southdown sheep have round "teddy bear" faces and appear to be smiling, hence the adopted name "babydoll". To meet consumer demand in the early 19th century, farmers in the US and UK began breeding Southdowns that could produce larger cuts of meat. As well as appreciating the value of economies of scale in a large network (and the deep organisation required to … Mr. Howard impressed upon me the importance of protection from predators, and my husband is an electrical engineer, so he kind of went overboard with the electric fencing. "Small in size but great in value" is the description given to the Southdown breed by The Southdown Sheep Breeders Association of England and still holds true today at least for the Babydoll type Southdown. Southdown sheep might be a breed steeped in history — it is the oldest of the terminal sire breeds in the UK — but a group of breeders in New Zealand is firmly focused on positioning it for the future, as Sally Rae reports. From being a small, low-set, blocky, heavy shouldered animal with a short neck in the 1950’s – the Modern Southdown has grown to be a much larger sheep that is longer, leaner, more upstanding, yet retaining a good loin and hindquarter. By the early 1800s, Southdown Sheep had been imported into the United States where they were crossed on domestic sheep to produce a larger animal which are the domestic Southdowns of today. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. An estimated 110,000 sheep were in Sussex as early as 1341. The Modern Southdown produces a high yielding lamb carcass with an excellent meat to bone, fat and tissue ratio. New research has unearthed information scientists say will help increase the yield of important food crops such as cowpea, soybean and cassava.A team of scientists has measured the relative importance […], Working Equitation is a relatively new equestrian discipline that's gaining popularity in New Zealand. Again Ultra-sonic scanning has shown the Southdown to be more than equal to his counterparts in other breeds. Southland Southdown Breeders Club chairman Rob Hall believed the breed was in good heart in New Zealand. In 200 years the Southdown has changed. The Modern Southdown is a lean sheep. Southdown, breed of medium-wool, dark-faced, hornless sheep … Babydoll Southdown sheep are tiny — and chock full of personality. We will highlight the capabilities of the Modern Southdown and illustrate how ideally suited it is as terminal sire to produce lambs that conform to today’s market requirements. developed in England, now also widespread in U.S. originally Central Asia, now also Africa, Europe, U.S. coats of very young lambs called Persian lamb, originally England, now U.K., North America, originally England, now also Australia, N.Z., North and South America, coarse, long wool is used chiefly for carpets, originally Spain, now also Australia, North America, South Africa. Looking to purchase Babydoll Southdown sheep? The Southdown is one of the oldest purebred sheep breeds in the world. The Southdown breed is the oldest of the "down" sheep. Home / Posts Tagged: Sheep Care Tips from 1871. FOR SALE. The Southdown breed of sheep originated in the South "Downs" of Sussex County, England, and is one of the oldest of the Down breeds. Twins are often born and sometimes triplets. We have always selected for length, muscle, and good Southdown breed type. This New Zealand influence was an incredible success not only for us but for many of our customers. Crossbred Southdown lamb . Today they weigh 120-170kgs. The Southdown is one of the oldest purebred sheep breeds in the world. He won champion Southdown ram at the Royal Melbourne Show last year. However in December 2018, the fantastic opportunity to actually purchase the whole historic Hillgrove Southdown Stud near Kyneton, Victoria arose. The breed originated centuries ago in the hills of Sussex, England, long know as the “Downs.”. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Sheep for further information. or wind; The obstacles […], A government-funded collaboration between Northland iwi aims to stop the spread of kauri dieback and create up to 30 jobs. It is a small sheep, the most thickset of all breeds, and it is valued for the meatiness of the lamb carcasses. The breed was standardized around 1780 by John Ellman who realized the breed potential … There is little written history or description of the Southdown dating earlier than two hundred fifty years ago. Babydoll Sheep for Sale Stud Rams Sheep for Sale Babydoll Sheep for Sale Hampshire Sheep for Sale Southdown Sheep for Sale Thank You to Our Customers! Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan announced the initiative, which is part […], SPONSORED: A heavy soil underlain with ironstone can make spring calving a muddy, tough task […], The 16MW solar farm will be able to power 2750 Northland homes and provide a green alternative to intensive horticulture, the company behind it says. The Southdown sheep has been present in Australia since the early colonists. The breed is historically one of the most important British sheep breeds. SOUTHDOWN SHEEP SOCIETY(THE) - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return, officers, charges, business activity Southdown History. Men who were able to read the market signals of their day and tailor make a sheep to suit. Ultra sonic scanning has shown that Ram Hoggets weighing in excess of 100kgs can have GR measurements as low as 10-12mm – 40 – 100% leaner than other terminal sires and comparable with a Texel. The zinc & iron content of Southdown meat is good news for the health conscious. Care for miniature Southdown's is similar to that of other sheep, including sheering, vaccinating, foot trimming, and worming. SOUTHDOWN SHEEP SOCIETY(THE) - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return, officers, charges, business activity The oldest of all British breeds of sheep, it has an ideal body conformation for meat production. Almost without exception every British meat breed has used the Southdown to Establish or improve their breed. The breed was originally standardized by John Ellman of Glynd, England around 1780 in the South Downs of Sussex county. There is little written history or description of the Southdown dating earlier than two hundred fifty years ago. But the meat we eat is changing. The Southdown is the oldest of the terminal sire breeds in the UK and as the name suggests originates from the native sheep which have roamed the South Downs … Length has also increased and today a Southdown can measure a meter along the back. The Southdown is undoubtedly the oldest of the English down breeds, famed for its Mutton derived from flocks that grazed on the South Down plains of Sussex County England. Find more fun facts about these gentle, sweet pets. English farms kept these sheep for their flavorful meat and fine fleece. The Olde English 'Babydoll' Southdown is a breed of sheep developed in the United States to reflect the original type of Southdown brought over to North America. Southdown sheep were known as hardy and quick growing, and the quality of their meat was celebrated. History of Babydoll Sheep Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep originated on the South Down hills of Sussex County, England. The body measurements more than compare with other breeds. It was published in 1991 by the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum in the South Downs of England. Originated from native sheep, Southdown’s have roamed the South Downs in the South of England for many hundreds of years Developed by flockmaster’s into a fixed type in the 18th Century, the breed has been responsible for the development of many native terminal sire breeds such as Suffolk and Hampshire Down. Omissions? Olde English Babydoll Southdown History. Under the pelt there have been some significant changes too:-. Southdowns are popular in many parts of the world, especially in The Commonwealth and the United States. Alfred Mackenzie had started out as a transport enthusiast and trainspotter, and this seems to have helped him develop an appreciation of the railway companies' management of their networks, locomotives, rolling stock, and timetables that meant that he was already trained in the disciplines necessary for the construction of a large transport network before Southdown started. I was fortunate enough to find a book on eBay that is out of print called “The Southdown Sheep” by Valerie Porter. Southdown sheep, mutton breed of sheep originated on the South [1] Downs of Sussex, England, and now raised throughout the world. Babydoll Southdown Sheep . The Southdown sheep is a dual purpose breed of domestic sheep from United Kingdom. Southdown, breed of medium-wool, dark-faced, hornless sheep originating in the Sussex hills of England. Tag Archives: History. Southdown is the oldest of the terminal sire breeds in the UK. […], By international standards, we're mega carnivores. Jul 24, 2019 - Babydoll Southdown sheep are tiny — and chock full of personality. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/animal/Southdown, Black-Faced Highland, also called Scottish Blackface, originally Scotland, now also U.S., Italy, Argentina, developed in N.Z., now also in U.S., Australia, developed in England, now in U.K., U.S., Australia, small wool yield; out-of-season lambs; horned and hornless varieties. Babydoll Southdown sheep are joined in the Autumn and lamb in the Spring. The Southdown is the oldest of the terminal sire breeds in the UK and as the name suggests originates from the native sheep which have roamed the South Downs in the South of England for many hundreds of years. Corrections? The colour of its face and legs is brown to light brown or gray. Its fleece is close and is the finest of the British breeds; but, though white and of good quality, the wool is short and the fleeces relatively light in weight. The ewes are good mothers and like any mother, take good care of their babies. We first started to breed Babydoll Southdown sheep, purchased from Hillgrove Stud at Greenhill, near Kyneton, Victoria, in 2016. It was developed during the late 1700 and early 1800s. Southdown meat is more tender, more tasty and has better eye appeal than other sheep meats. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. History: A true British native, the Southdown breed hails from the Downs, or hills, of Sussex, England, where it has probably lived for centuries. - Stuff.co.nz, Young farmers inject new life into the Peak District - https://farmweek.com/about-us/. Updates? The breed – thought to be one of the oldest purebred sheep in the world — was further developed during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Stud sires in the 50’s would weigh around 80-85kgs. HISTORY. It is the standard for the original sheep changed only to allow for colors.