The Oxford sheep breed, sometimes known as Oxford Down, is an English breed that originated in Oxford County. The Oxford breed developed from the crossbreeding of Cotswolds and Hampshire. It is indeed important to remember that the Cotswold and Hampshire breeds were not the same as they are now when the Oxford breed was developed. Instead, these were sheep varieties that were in the phase of being upgraded. It has been identified that a small portion of Southdown blood was adopted very early in the creation of the Oxford breed.
The Oxford sheep breed is among the biggest sheep breeds, second only to the Lincoln in terms of body mass. The Oxford is a big mutton sheep breed that has shown to be extremely effective in northern agricultural regions and in Canada. It is a particularly profitable sheep in the development of marketable lambs and thick fleeces in such areas, especially when nourished generously. Although the Oxford does not produce as much wool per pound of live weight as the Shropshire, it does produce a quality commercial fleece of long-staple, light-shrinking wool. The Oxford has the thickest fleece of any Down breed.
Oxford Sheep Advantage
The Oxford sheep breed's primary productivity advantages are rapid early development and lean carcasses. The extra wool output will also lead to higher wool pull figures compared to other Down breeds.
The Oxford sheep breed will have an advantage in terms of growth rate and leanness throughout the slaughter weight range. Oxford carcasses are suitable for the Beta trade due to their accelerated early growth, while the low-fat cover in larger, fully grown lambs will allow for higher slaughter weights than currently available long wool breeds. In comparison to other terminal sires currently offered, the Oxford sheep provide economic benefits of rapid growth and enhanced wool output.
Oxford Sheep Disadvantages
There are no major disadvantages of the Oxford sheep breed except its lambing problems due to its large body size. Moreover, this breed requires a big agricultural area for grazing.
Oxford Sheep weight
Fully grown rams weigh approximately 200 and 300 lbs (90-135 kg) at maturity, while ewes weigh approximately 150 and 200 lbs (68-90 kg).
Oxford sheep Wool
Oxford fleece is dense and consistent in appearance, with a suitable staple length of 1-2”. You will not be able to shut your hand and grab the wool if the locks are dense and tight. The fleece is white with no black fibers and contains enough yolk to keep it in position. It weighs between 10 to 12 lbs for a year's clip.
Oxford Sheep Meat Quality
Oxford sheep meat is ranked as good quality mutton with natural flavor. Large, lean carcasses make it possible to produce larger joints with more meat, making it ideal for the home freezer market.
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