Awassi sheep, new to the US., are third, with twin ewe lambs born March 2012 via embryo transfer from Australia. Turkey, About Us Tunis carcasses are noted for having high yields also. Yearlings or mature animals may be exhibited slick shorn or with no more than 1" of unblocked wool at the owner's discretion. They consistently produce twins and make attentive mothers. Tunis Sheep -A Breed Apart The first, and most striking thing noticed about Tunis sheep is the beautiful red color set on an attractive sheep with long pendulous ears and a calm disposition. They are well known and valued for very high quality meat production. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They produce medium-grade wool, which turns white during processing. A uniquely American sheep breed was created from this stock gradually. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Cow They are very good to thrive in forage based production systems. Tunis sheep should be shown or exhibited in breeding condition with a body condition score of 2.5 to 3.0 rather than being shown or exhibited in an underfed or a too fat condition. Tunis Also Known By: American Tunis The Tunis is one of the oldest breeds indigenous to the United States. And it was well adapted to the heat and humidity of these regions. Advertise A non-dairy ewe can have lactation periods from 90-150 days. But today they are raised mainly for meat production. American Sheep Industry Association List of Breed Associations & Standards. And the lambs weight 3 to 5 kg at birth. It is one of the oldest breeds of sheep, having descended from ancient fat-tailed sheep referred to in The Bible. This breed is the natural or basic breed of sheep for production in these areas and a logical choice as the native or basic breed for any genetic improvement because of its apparent adaptation. The lambs are robust at birth and are warmed by a double coat, which is a darker shade of red on the surface. Photo and info from The Livestock Conservancy and Wikipedia. At full maturity, Tunis sheep can weigh anything up to 100kgs, with rams slightly heavier. Monticello.org) If you haven’t liked lamb in the past, Tunis meat will be worth trying. Chicken They have long red colored legs that are the same red as their faces. Duck Fish And it is one of the oldest breeds of livestock developed in America. It is a medium-sized meat-type sheep characterized by creamy wool, copper-red colored faces & legs, pendulous ears, and minor fat deposits over the dock area. The Tunis is an American breed of sheep that are primarily bred for its meat. Tunis sheep excel as extremely feed-efficient, productive meat animals capable of thriving on poorer pastures and in hot, dry conditions. The Tunis sheep were a recognizable breed by the late 18th century to early 19th century. Most dairy sheep farmers will milk each ewe for about 6 months which is about 180 days of lactation. Sheep Milk Production: The average lactation period for a dairy breed of sheep can be up to 240 or around 8 months. Your email address will not be published. Tunis sheep is a large breed with slender head and pendulous ears. The ewes are excellent milkers, and are very fertile and prolific. They Tunis Ewe can breed out of season and have been known to produce fall lambs, Usually, around 150 to 155 days but most gestation is 152 days, 1 is the normal amount but Tunis ewes are well known for having twins, Usually, around 150 to 240 day but most are milked for 180 days, They Tunis sheep have been bred as a meat producing sheep for generations, The Tunis sheep have an average USDA wool grade of 50’s to 58’s. Privacy Policy The meat is tender and mild; touted by Thomas Jefferson as being “…the ‘most delicious’ lamb he had ever tasted”. Their fine skin is used in many leather goods. Tunis sheep have a slender head, very expressive eyes and long pendulous ears. White spots on the tip of the tail and on the top of the head are common. Animals have been a part of The Inn at Honey Run since we opened in the 1980s — after all Tunis sheep are sec-ond, but with much smaller fat sacks four to fiive nches. Sheep Milk Production: The average lactation period for a dairy breed of sheep can be up to 240 or around 8 months.