Columbia sheep was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture as a true breeding type to replace cross breeding on the range. In 1912, rams of the long wool breeds were crossed with high quality Rambouillet ewes to produce large ewes yielding more pounds of wool and more pounds of lamb. The first cross Lincoln-Rambouillet line was the most promising of all crosses. The Bureau of Animal Industry maintained this line and by intensive breeding and selection produced a true breeding strain with characteristics of the superior crossbred line.

 

The original cross was made at Laramie, Wyoming, and the Foundation of the government Columbia flock was moved to the Sheep Experiment Station at Dubois, Idaho, in 1918.

 

The outstanding record made by them on the western ranges has created an interest among sheep breeders of other areas. While they were originally developed for range conditions, they have proved admirably adaptable to the lush grasses and farm flock management of the middle west, east, north and south.

 

The mature Columbia rams weight between 225-300 pounds (100-135 kg) and the females weight 150-225 pounds (68-102 kg). The average fleece weight of the ewes ranges from 10-16 pounds (4.5-7.3 kg) with a yield of 45-55%. The staple length of the wool ranges from 3.5-5 inches (9-13 cm). the wool is classified as medium wool with a numeric count of 50's-60's. The wool varies from 31.0-24.0 microns.

 

 

References

Columbia Sheep Breeders Assn. of America, P.O. Box 272, State Route 182 East, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351

 

Who's Who in U.S. Sheep Breeds poster), American Sheep Industry Ass., Inc.; 6911 S. Yosemite St. Suite 200; Englewood, CO 80112-1414

Phone: (303) 771-3500

Fax: (303) 771-8200