There are many homesteaders today that enjoy hand
spinning their own wool from sheep and goats, as well using them for meat
and milk. Because of this, it’s a great idea to study what breeds
would work the best on your homestead. Heritage sheep-breeds, like
the Icelandic and Wenslydale, are select choices for spinners and knitters
alike.
Alpha Omega Ranch,
located in the Bitterroot Mountains of Eastern Idaho, raises Icelandic,
Wenslydale, California Red and the endangered Navajo-Churro breed to meet
demands for quality fiber and meat production.
Black Welsh Mountain Sheep are also a heritage breed.
These sheep offer a dense, durable black fleece as well as a fine, mild
mutton for meat purposes.
Goats
are also noted for heritage breeds that offer the homesteader a great
selection to meet the needs of their homestead. Nigerian Dwarfs are
small goats that produce one to two quarts of high-butterfat milk per day.
Their smaller size means less land requirements when compared with the
larger dairy breeds, while still giving an adequate milk supply.
Tennessee Fainting Goats are an easy-to-keep breed
that offers a good meat product as well a minor entertainment value for
spectators. They are named for a peculiar breed characteristic known
as myotonia congenital, a condition in which the muscle cells experience
prolonged contraction when the goat is startled. In short, they fall
over and stiffen into a locked position when scared or nervous. It
might not be pleasant for the goat, but any visitors to your homestead
will surely be entertained!
Other heritage breeds that are also popular with
homesteaders today are the Spanish, San Clamente, and Oberhalsi breeds.
Study your homestead plans and what breeds best meet the requirements you
have then select your best match.
There are heritage breeds in all types of livestock,
including all sizes and species - from draft horses to rabbits. No
matter what type of livestock you are looking for, be sure to investigate
heritage breeds. By doing so, you are helping ensure genetic
diversity among livestock and assisting to preserve breeds from
extinction, as well as ensuring the true heritage of homesteading.
Remember, to truly be a heritage animal it needs to be raised on a
sustainable farm - the original homestead.
