Interest in hair sheep production in the U.S. has been increasing with a declining return on wool production, an increased acceptance of smaller carcasses in nontraditional markets, and a shift towards forage-based production. Scientists at AFSRC and Virginia State University are collaborating to evaluate forage intake and utilization by hair sheep breeds, such as these Katahdin sheep.

Further details about the research can be found at

Wildeus, S., K. E. Turner, and J. R. Collins. 2007. Growth, Intake, Diet Digestibility, and Nitrogen Use in Three Hair Sheep Breeds Fed Alfalfa Hay. Small Ruminant Research, 69(1-3):221-227.