The Barbados sheep are considered as African sheep but its exact origin is still under study. Most of the studies show it is African. It is also believed that Barbados Blackbelly sheep have ancestry from Africa. There is also some evidence that says Barbados sheep originated from an island named Barbados. So these are named after that island. In 1627, English people colonized Barbados sheep. Each colony of Barbados sheep has different factors and characteristics that other colonies may not have. These are available in yellow, brown, or tan color but their underpants are of only black color.
Barbados Sheep Pros
Barbados Blackbelly sheep are beneficial in many ways. Barbados sheep have very good internal parasite resistance. These do not allow the parasites to attack them and reside in them. As they are resistant to parasites, they do not get sick. They also do not spread diseases. There are very low rates of them getting infected with any parasite. In almost every season, these sheep have a good survival rate. Barbado sheep are well known for their reproductive efficiency. These sheep reproduce fast and become double in count within a year. These sheep become mature in a short time. They are good breeding sheep.
Their breeding efficiency is appreciable. Farmers usually keep them for commercial purposes. These sheep breed and produce offspring’s irrespective of the season. Unlike other breeds of sheep, Barbado sheep breed in a season as well as out season. These sheep have very good prolificacy. In addition to their good breeding capability, these sheep have outstanding mothering abilities. They take care of their young ones very interestingly. They keep an eye on their kids and protect them from surrounding negativity. It is considered as an outstanding maternal breed. It produces milk and meat as well which is important from a commercial point of view.
Barbado Sheep Cons
Contrary to the benefits of Barbado sheep, it has more disadvantages. Barbado sheep have a very small carcass size. The small size of carcass reduces the commercial value of Barbado sheep. Its carcass size is even smaller than most other wool breeds. Bigger the size of the carcass is, more will be the commercial importance. Another disadvantage associated with carcass quality is, it has a high-fat content. Barbado sheep has internal carcass fat. The amount of fat is considered even higher than most wool breeds. The carcass fat drops their worth commercially. So there is no high demand for Barbado sheep’s carcass.
Considering the muscle content of the carcass, it is low. The less muscular content on carcass affects its market value as well. These sheep are drawbacks due to the quality of their carcass. The muscle content of Barbado sheep carcass is even lower than other wool breeds of sheep. Another main disadvantage associated with Barbado sheep is its slow growth. They reach puberty at the initial phase of their life and start breeding but the overall growth of their body is slow. Farmers keeping Barbado sheep have to wait longer for them to become adults and then they trade them for profit.
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