K Bar K Farm
Imported English Genetics
In October, 2007 we artificially inseminated (AI) our Dorset ewes to Dorset semen imported from England, the 'motherland' of Dorset sheep. We decided to import these genetics due to the outstanding breed type and production records of the British Dorset.
During a trip to England in 2005, Kathy visited the Blackdown flock, a progressive Dorset flock that is one of the highest indexing flocks in the country as well as one of the most genetically linked. In addition, their sheep management and flock goals were similar to ours. It was a perfect match for our next genetic move.
We are currently sold out of English-sired rams. More rams (F1 and F2 generation) with 25%-75% UK genetics will be available in 2011-2012. Contact us to get on a notification list if you're interested in the UK genetics.
Dec 2010- 83 of the 111 inseminated ewes were confirmed pregnant by ultrasound. It should be a wild and wooly mid-March when all those lambs arrive!
Oct 2010-We inseminated 111 ewes, a few with the leftover Blackdown F26 semen and the rest with a new ram (from the same UK flock), Blackdown Luther. Some of the offspring could be 75% UK genetics.
Nov 2009-We have used several of the first generation (F1) rams on our ewes and will have offspring from this joining available in 2010. We are currently having another ram from the Blackdown flock collected for additional AI work in fall 2010.
May 2009-We just finished lambing out the F1 UK-sired ewe lambs at 13-14 months of age. These 'teenage' moms are outstanding mothers, acting as though this was their third or fourth lambing. We are super-impressed with the maternal traits these genetics have brought to our flock.
May 2008- 60 days old F1 ram lambs
All-forage diet for lambs and dams
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Click here for more information on the AI procedure.
