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| Our Tunis Fall 2008 |
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History
Tunis sheep are one of the oldest breeds in the United States. They came to the states in 1799 as a gift from the ruler of Tunisia off of the African coast with the first small flock located in Pennsylvania. They quickly became very popular for their cream colored wool and meat qualities and were even raised by presidents Washington and Jefferson. They were almost wiped out during the Civil War but the remaining flocks did make a comeback. Their popularity continues today with most flocks of Tunis located in the eastern states.
Breed Characteristics
The Tunis breed are the only true red breed. They are born red or tan and fade out to a cream colored fleece with red highlights( face and legs) as they mature. They are a medium sized breed with ewes ranging in weight from 125-175 pounds and rams from 175-225 pounds. They are naturally polled with long droopy ears and a very inquisitive expression. They have short fat tails and are very docile even during the breeding season. They are more disease resistant than most other breeds and do well on any available pasture land with no ill effects. They acclimate well to both hot and cold regions so will do well anywhere.
Wool
Tunis produce a beautiful dense cream colored fleece averaging 4-6 inches in length. Ewes yield 8-10 pounds and rams 10-15 pounds with a micron count of 24-30.
Meat
Tunis sheep are very efficient in converting feed to weight on mediocre pastures. They are fast gainers and produce a meat with good flavor with mutton tasting as good as the lamb. Because of thier quick gains they have retained thier popularity and are used in flocks to produce hothouse lambs.
Reproduction
Tunis sheep are quite prolific and will bred in either the spring or fall. They usually twin and have been known to still be reproducing at the age of 14. They are heavy milkers with some being used in dairies throughout the United States.
My Flock
At this time my flock is very small consisting of only 3 registered Tunis. I hope to expand this to 6 ewes with 2 rams. They are super easy to work with and a joy to have around.
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