Katahdin Sheep
Katahdin Sheep originated in the United States on a farm in Maine during the 1950’s. They are hair sheep meaning they do not produce wool and are primarily used for meat. Katahdin Sheep are well known for being resistant to parasites and their ability to reproduce at a rate of over 200% per year.
At Swarts Farm, our ewes are fed a combination of grass on pasture and/or hay during winter months. One month before lambing ewes are fed 1 lb of grain per day to meet their increased calcium and protein needs until two weeks before weening. When necessary, feed is increased based on the number of nursing lambs and body condition scores. Routine care includes trimming hooves four to six times per year and monitoring for parasites using the FAMACHA© system and body condition scores. Sheep are treated for parasites on an individual as-needed basis. Katahdin are parasite resistant so the need for deworming is rare. Ewes are vaccinated with BarVac Clostridium Perfringens Type C & D and Tetanus (CD&T) annually six to eight weeks before lambing, which allows lambs to benefit from the vaccine.
After lambing, ewes and lambs are put in lambing jugs for about 3 days for bonding and then are moved to larger pens with other nursing ewes. At birth, lambs umbilical cords are dipped in iodine, they are weighed, and ear-tagged. Lambs are creep-fed, and water, hay, and minerals are available at all times. Orphan lambs are given Colostrum during their first four to six hours and are either bottle-fed milk replacers or are fostered if nursing ewes are available. Lambs are weaned when the youngest reaches 60 days of age. Before weaning lambs are given their first dose of the CD&T vaccine and are treated to prevent coccidiosis. Based on weaning weight and confirmation the best ewe lambs are kept and ram lambs are sold for breeding. Lambs that will be used for breeding are given an additional CD&T booster vaccination. Lambs not kept or sold for breeding are sold for meat. Detailed records are kept including all vital statistics, genealogy, and medications administered. Upon request, lambs will be registered with the Katahdin Hair Sheep International (KHSI).
Note: There is a 21-day withdrawal required for the BarVac Clostridium Perfringens Type C & D and Tetanus vaccine, lambs cannot be sold or butchered for meat until after the withdrawal period.
Swarts Farm participates in the USDA National Scrapie Eradication Program and is a member of the Katahdin Hair Sheep International (KHSI), the Tennessee Sheep Producers Association (TSPA), the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), and the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdin's. We have also completed The University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture's Master Small Ruminant Program.