Overview
Our Breeding Programs
British Soay: Conservation Breeding
Our collection of registered British Soay breeding stock represents a comprehensive sample of the genetics of the British Soay Sheep on the North American continent.
Having assembled all these ewes and rams into the fold, we of course want to maintain
the broad sampling of genetics that they represent. To this end, we set up each year's
breeding groups according to a strict rotational system. The program accomplishes two
interrelated goals. First, it maintains the existing genetic diversity to the maximum
extent possible by maximizing the likelihood that genes will be transmitted to the next
generation and not be lost. Second, the lambs that result can be put together in groups to
make the most genetically diverse and balanced starter flocks possible. Moreover, since we
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use rams for only one season, for those who wish to increase their holdings gradually over
several years, we can provide lambs unrelated to any they purchased in a prior year.
North American Soay: Exploring Color
Our North American lambs are a visual delight. Over the years, we have bred for the entire color spectrum
and all the genetic combinations represented in color and pattern: dark and light phase,
agouti and self-coloration, white spotting.
The inheritance of coat color is a life-long interest for Steve. Ever since our first
breeding season, we have set up matings designed to produce lambs carrying specific
combinations of coat color genes. In 2009-10 we are breeding for tan lambs.
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