Gulf Coast sheep may be horned or polled. They usually are white with clean faces, legs, and bellies. There is no unique appearance. The Gulf Coast Sheep is unique in its genetics rather than appearance.
The greater uniqueness is in traits that characterize extreme hardiness and tolerance to hot humid climates, internal parasite resistance, and footrot resistance.
Saves the time and expense of 5 or 6 wormings per year, losses from footrot, and breeding problems related to summer heat.
Research done at Louisiana State Univ. and University of Florida, among other reports indicate a very high level of antibodies to internal parasites-up to 10 times the level of antibodies found in other sheep breeds.
Yes, and the registry is closed with only rare exceptions. Lambs can now be registered only if the sire and dam are registered.
No, although the Association supports use of Gulf Coast rams to improve hardiness of commercial flocks.
The offspring of a Gulf Coast sheep X other cross is almost equally as hardy as in the Gulf Coast parent. However, the second generation is much less hardy, and the following generations tend to lose almost all the advantages of Gulf Coast crossing. This indicates that the use of Gulf Coast rams must occur about every 2 or 3 years..
The Association provides potential buyers with names of breeders in their area. The Newsletter also contains advertisements of stock for sale.
Most breeders shear once a year, usually in the spring. It can be sold through a wool pool, or privately to spinners and weavers. Several members have the wool processed for their own use. There are other uses for the wool, such as mulch, insulation, soaking up oil spills, dusting furniture, or nest material
Ewes will be approximately 100-140 lbs., rams 150-190 lbs. Occasionally more or less.
Pasture: stocking rate varies with climate and rainfall.
Hay: native grass, bermuda, or alfalfa.
Can supplement with grain.
A mineral salt specifically for sheep.
Constant supply of water.
