Katahdin sheep primarily raised for meat and wool. The breed is originated in Maine, United States. The breed is the byproduct of St.Croix sheep and the various Virgin Islands breeds like the Suffolk. Katahdin sheep are famous for hardy, adaptable, low maintenance sheep that produce superior lamb crops and lean, meaty carcasses.
Katahdin sheep breed information
The Katahdin sheep come in different colors.
The mature Katahdin ram weighs 100 kg (220 lb) and ewe weighs 72 kg (160 lb).
Ewes and rams reach early puberty and long productive life.
Lambing percentage is around 200 percent.
Ewes show good maternity traits and have enough milk for their lambs.
Rams are a fertile year long.
Lambs produce high quality, a well-muscled carcass that is mild and flavorful. The lambs are sent to the market when they reach a weight of 40 to 50 kg (95 to 115 lb).
No shearing is required in winter, as the Katahdin shed its winter coat.
Katahdins are docile so they are easily handled and show moderate flocking instinct.
Things to know
The name Katahdin comes from Maine’s highest peak Mount Katahdin.
The breed Katahdin was developed by crossing the St.Croix sheep and the various Virgin Islands breeds like the Suffolk.
The meat of Katahdin was the first in the United States to reach the standards of sheep industry carcass quality.
The Katahdin when crossed with wool sheep, the first generation will have wool fleeces with hair intersperse. But only in the third generation the shedding hair coat and other purebred characteristics.
Brief characteristics of Katahdin sheep
| Breed Name | Katahdin sheep |
| Other Name | African Hair Sheep |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |
| Breed Purposeamerica | meat |
| Breed Size | large |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 100 kg (220 lb) |
| Ewe(Female) | 72 kg (160 lb) |
| Kidding | single or twins |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing |
| Climate Tolerance | all conditions |
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You say above, “Katahdin sheep primarily raised for meat and wool,” but Katahdins don’t have wool, they have hair. They are primarily raised for meat and “land managers looking for a low-maintenance small ruminant.” Last quote from https://www.katahdins.org/about-the-breed/