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For
2005 we have introduced CVM/Romeldales to our flock. TheRomeldale is a breed
of sheep developed by A.T. Spencer. He purchased several New Zealand Romney
rams in 1915 that were brought to the Pan-American exposition in San Francisco
in hopes of improving the staple, length , and carcass quality of his Rambouillet
flock. Through many years of selection, the Romeldale breed was developed, with
fleece properties of 60-64's, extremely high yield, and uniformity in clubbing
carcass cutability superior to the other whiteface breeds. During the 1960's
Glen Eidman, a partner of J.K. Sexton, found in his purebred Romeldale flock
a multicolored ewe lamb. Two years later a ram lamb of the same barred pattern
was born and when crossed with the ewe, the resulting offspring were of the
same color pattern. Through subsequent breeding and further mutants from the
Romeldale flock, the C.V.M. breed was born. The C.V.M. face is generally free
of wool and covered with soft hair, although sometimes wool is found on the
forehead. The body is sturdy and well boned with a long straight back. Mature
rams weigh from 175-200 pounds, are aggressive and virile breeders. Ewes weigh
from 120-150 pounds, are protective, dedicated mothers, prolific and long-lived.
Twining and lambing ease are part of the breed emphasis. C.V.M. color patterns
vary widely, especially in the darkness of body wool. Unlike many sheep, the
C.V.M. will not fade with age, but rather darkens from birth to their first
year. Their fleece color varies widely including dark gray, black, brown, moorit,
and spotted. Fleece should be bright, uniform and dense, of high yielding, long
staple, fine wool. Sheep will average about 8 pounds of wool yearly with spinning
counts from 60's to 62's quality. A 12 month staple length averages 4-6 inches,
with a well defined crimp from base to tip. |
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