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American Cotswold Record AssociationThe Original Registry Of Purebred Cotswold Sheep
(Background of this page is an actual photo of super-lustrous Cotswold fleece) |
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Due to their wide pelvic structure and funnel-shaped flanks, Cotswold ewes generally have easy births, unless overfed during pregnancy. The lambs have small heads at birth, a determined attitude and are quickly on their feet---all important traits for survival of high-profit lamb crops. The ideal feed for pregnant Cotswold ewes is hay that has a 25% to 30% legume content (clover, vetch, alfalfa, trefoil, etc.), plus water and salt, free-choice. Some Cotswold growers reported their ewes came through when fed only second-cutting grass hay through the winter, plus a standard vitamin/mineral supplement. However, ACRA recommends grass-only rations be supplemented with 0.1 lb. of soybean oil meal daily per ewe, or equivalent. In winter, Cotswold ewes kept outdoors will commonly ignore water troughs for weeks at a time if there is plenty of snow on the ground---even when the water troughs are kept constantly thawed using automatic devices. Despite their ability to adapt to rugged conditions such as these, they still bring forth hardy, happy lambs and yield plenty of shiny, strong wool next spring!
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Last Updated: 05/09/2011
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