SUFFOLK
he Suffolk sheep is a superior producer of lean meat due to rapid early growth, heavy muscling, and efficient conversion of forage and other feedstuffs. Suffolks are striking in breed character and unrivaled in beauty, having T S THE SUFFOLK SHEEP
DISCRIMINATIONS
heep showing evidence of the following fail to meet the breed standard: lack of muscle development or ability to grow and thrive, dark or black or colored fleece, unmanageable disposition, underdeveloped genitalia, split
jet black, wool-free heads and legs that sharply contrast their clean white fleeces and pink skin. Suffolk genetics are highly- prized by commercial shepherds to improve the weights and carcass quality of their lamb crops, while the Suffolk head is designed to facilitate ease of lambing. All Suffolk sheep should be structurally and reproductively sound. Rams should be robust and masculine, with significant muscling, body volume, and mass as well as ample fertility and libido. Ewes should be feminine yet thickly-muscled, and demonstrate strong capacity for breeding, lambing ease, mothering instinct and milking ability. In both sexes, preference is given to naturally wide-based, deep bodied, easy fleshing animals free of coarseness or over-refinement. As a meat breed, Suffolk breeding rams and ewes should produce fast-growing lambs that yield carcasses with superior composition and conformation, regardless if purebred or commercial crossbreds. While the mature weights of Suffolk sheep may vary considerably, breed character and general proportionality of body should be simlar across the breed. Appropriate frame size and growth curve should be chosen to match the specific commercial production environment and target carcass weight. The USSA exists to define, register, promote, and improve the Suffolk breed for the entire U.S. sheep industry. The commercial industry is diverse in its geography, production systems, products, and markets. Suffolk sheep are useful in a wide variety of commercial applications, from terminal range rams to farm flock ewes, as part of composite breeds, and as market lambs. Suffolks are also exhibited in various show classes, from fitted and slick sheared breeding sheep to club lambs and wether sires and dams. Nonetheless, the breed standard provides a common identity for all Suffolks and breeders. The breed standard serves as the ideal relative to which Suffolk sheep are to be evaluated and improved, in terms of their own phenotype as well as the genetic potential they offer to the industry.
or asymmetrical testicles, upturned vulva, hernia, over or undershot jaw, prolapse or tendency to prolapse (rectal or vaginal), inverted eyelids, weak udder attachments and teat size or placement that impedes nursing. NOTE: The USSA allows for an appendix registry and upgrading to purebred status. When animals reach 15/16th status (purebred) these animals must adhere to the breed standard as well. Sheep that appear to be black faced crossbreds do not meet the Suffolk breed standard. GENETIC AND PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS available to quantify and measure traits. Genetic testing can reduce and eliminate genetic recessives (spider syndrome, dwarfism, and scrapie susceptibility). The technology more accurately evaluates genotype and expands the ability to select breed improving replacements. Superior performing animals within a flock can be additionally identified through on farm data collection. This can include such things as weighing (60, 90 or 120 day weights) and ultrasound scanning for carcass traits (loin eye size and fat depth). Another potential strategy is the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs). This tool allows for measurable genetic comparison, over time, and across flocks with other performance recorded flocks. Either of these selection methods (as well as others yet to be developed) can be used as additional tools to measure rapid growth, leanness, and superior muscling – all of which reinforce the Suffolk as the preferred terminal sire breed. Further, as the industry moves toward more objective carcass evaluation, there will be premiums paid for market animals that meet more demanding carcass expectations. isual or phenotypic selection has been used for centuries in animal breeding. It does address issues of structural correctness, breed type, sex character, and breed aesthetics. Today, there are additional tools and resources V
SUFFOLK JUDGES AID AVAILABLE AT WWW.SUFFOLKS.ORG!
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