Seems to me if we let 'nature takes its course', there would be very few species of any domestic animals as we know them. Developing superior strains of anything pays off for everyone, doesn't it? Am enjoying all the opinions on this subject. They are a wonderful breed. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carol J. Elkins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 3:30 PM Subject: [blackbelly] genetic resistence (was midwifery)
> Blackbellies do have a natural resistance and resilience to worms and > disease. They are being used in commercial operations as stock for > cross-breeding to enhance the wooled breeds' resistance and resilience. > Genetics has everything to do with it. The latest issue of the BBSAI > newsletter features an article by David Notter that is but one of many > research papers that discuss this. > > I agree that we have taken the Blackbelly sheep out of its natural > environment. But I also believe that we should select for superior genetics > to help the Blackbelly adapt in areas outside of its natural environment. I > don't have enough sheep right now to risk losing any so, like Lynn says, I > will, when absolutely necessary, manage my flock with appropriate wormers. > But I have only had to worm twice in 5 years. However, Helmut Lang has > spoken many times on this list about his operation and how he is culling > animals who have inferior resilience and resistance to worms and disease. > He is breeding a superior bloodline and will be able to command superior > prices for his sheep when he is through. Those sheep that he sells can be > used to help genetically restore these traits in our Blackbellies and other > breeds of sheep. > > Carol > > At 01:34 PM 11/24/2003 -0700, you wrote: > >The parasites or bacteria probably weren't naturally introduced so why > >would we think that genetics should take care of them? > > Carol Elkins > Critterhaven Estate > Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep > (no shear, no dock, no fuss) > Pueblo, Colorado > http://www.critterhaven.biz > NEW! Christmas ornaments, stickers, calendars, and more at the > Blackbelly Online Store http://www.cafepress.com/blackbellysheep > SAVE $5 off a purchase of $50 or more until November 15! > > =============================================== > This message is from the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep mailing list. > To respond to this message, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe or change your membership options, go to http://lists.coyotenet.net/mailman/listinfo/blackbelly =============================================== This message is from the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep mailing list. To respond to this message, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe or change your membership options, go to http://lists.coyotenet.net/mailman/listinfo/blackbelly
