Jacob Sheep - The Perfect Small Farm Stock

Jacob sheep, by their primitive nature, are thrifty and easy to keep. They browse as well as graze, working as excellent fencerow cleaners and weed eaters. They are easy to handle because of their relatively small size, with mature ewes weighing 80-120 pounds and rams weighing 120-180 pounds. Jacobs thrive in hot or cold climates, and many Jacob shepherds find them quite resistant to parasites.

Jacob ewes generally cycle in the cooler months of the fall (cooler weather also restores the potency of the ram) and have one, or two or three lambs in the spring. Ewes will begin to cycle during the first fall following their birth and most often the ewe's first lamb is a single. The Jacob ewe is an excellent protective mother. Because of her primitive nature, she is a very easy lambing ewe. Though a watchful shepherd’s eye is always recommended, most ewes prefer to lamb alone and without interference. Lambs may be weaned at two months of age, but many shepherds do not separate lambs and allow the ewe to wean the lamb at about 4 months of age.

Jacob sheep exhibit a loose herding instinct. They prefer to follow rather than be herded. They have strong family ties. Jacobs are very suspicious of strangers, but are quickly accustomed to their caretaker. They are playful, show a sense of humor and a keen sense of curiosity. They may keep their distance, but they are always watching what is going on. They show personalities and individuality not shown in many other breeds.

The Hand Spinner's Delight

The spotted Jacob fleece is prized by hand spinners and weavers. The white and the black wool, which may fade at the tips to a light brown, may be blended to various shades of grays. The colors may also be separated and used in their pure, natural distinctions. Jacob fleece takes dye beautifully and felts well, too.

Jacobs exhibit a great variation in wool quality and fineness. The Bradford count (or grade of fineness) ranges from 44 to 56. The micron count, which is an entirely different measurement, would correspond with a range from 34.40-36.19 (44) to 26.40-27.84 (56). This is one of the largest recognized ranges of any wool breed. Jacob fleeces part easily to the skin with little grease. Crimp and wool quality vary over the body of the animal, often "running out at the britch" where spinning quality is comparatively less. A spinner’s flock of Jacobs might contain animals with very fine fleeces and also animals with coarser fleeces, each with its own application, for instance, wearable garments or rugs. Fleeces weigh from 3 to 6 pounds and have a staple length of 3 to 7 inches.

The Lean, Flavorful Meat

According to recent analysis, Jacob meat is low in total fat, low in cholesterol and high in quality protein, compared to other red meats. Only rabbit and venison ranked leaner. Jacobs can produce this fine meat while foraging on pasture and minimal grain supplement. Families will appreciate the manageable freezer-sized carcass of Jacobs, which dress out at about 60% of their live weight. Jacobs' hardiness and disease resistance drastically reduce their need for medications and other chemical additives, especially compared to conventional meat sheep raised in conventional feed lot situations. As a shepherd, or customer of a small flock owner, you may be certain what feeds and medications did or did not go into the animals before butchering. And the best thing about Jacob meat--it tastes great!!