Sandy, Domestication, in and of itself, is not a genetic trait, it is a learned behavior. (Rick's point about cutting off a mouse's tail..) The problems that come of 'domestication' could result, however, in genetic changes over the long run. I have some real doubts about letting an animal die from a treatable disease; and that the action will actually serve to strengthen the breed. I think that's voodoo genetics. Plague comes to mind, as based on that hypothesis it should have been genetically eliminated over the past few hundred years. I believe you have to have a solid genetic basis for making that kind of decision. A birthing problem in the wild would probably kill the baby and in some instances the mother. But with the complexity of birth, assuming that the cause was genetic is just that; an assumption. In the wild, as in domestication (or humans), a miscarry is not predictive. Sure it can be in some cases. Modern science gives you the opportunity to maximize your yield, which if you are a pure farmer is a good thing. The goal of trying to strengthen the breed may run counter to that though. To me it comes down to just using your head.
Mike > Just a thought and would be very interested in what others say on this > list; > One of the reasons we chose BB's, was the easy no special care aspects of > the breed. No worming or handle needed. Birthing was basically left for > the animal in the field. No foot disease, no shearing. > > I've been reading on this list since we have subscribed to it, the > birthing problems, and worming problems, problems with aggressive rams, > and so on. > > Do you think these sheep are being domesticated to much? and once they > are domesticated wont they have the same problems the woollies have > I'm wondering if to many people are raising this breed of sheep to be > domestic pets, not let them eat, birth and graze like they did in the > wild, with the exception or being watched ~ monitored or what ever you > want to call our maintenance of the animals. > > Just a thought and look forward to different opinions. > And by no means do I intend to offend anyone. > > Elda'rwen of Dorthonion > Sandy > > =============================================== This message is from the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep mailing list (http://www.awrittenword.com/listserv/index.html). 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 To search the archives, go to http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
