> From: "Donald Snyder" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > "The features that > distinguish primitive breeds from the modern breeds are a short, fine, > woolly coat mixed with hair or kemp, a predominance of colored fleeces, > and a tendency to molt annually." >
I thought the term primitive originated in UK and was mainly to distinguish the 'improved' breeds from the ancient 'native' breeds .. Thus includes Shetland, North Ronaldsay, Manx, Boreray, (Soay?) and others of the island breeds around UK plus those from similar origins across in Scandinavia and other points North. Mostly these are small relatively fine boned sheep and yes the do shed fleece annually with a very distinctive rise .. Where the old growth virtually stops and the fibre necks allowing it to break off as this perforation rises on top of the new growth. Selection pressure on many of these breeds ( mostly well before they were designated as breeds) dramatically reduced the double coat and kemp .. Although kemp in unmanaged flocks is common in the britch wool. On moulting this is seen in hill flocks of Scottish Blackface and other breeds .. I was taught to shear on Blackies and trying to cut through the main fibres is tough .. So we all wait till into July or even August to shear them when sometimes the fleeces peel off. Regards Robin -- Robin and Margaret McEwen-King Lanark Scotland Robin and Margaret McEwen-King Lanark Scotland To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
