Location: Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research
Project Number: 2056-31610-007-019-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2025
End Date: Oct 31, 2029
Objective:
1) Compare the carcass characteristics and value of hair-type and wool-type crossbred lambs produced in an extensive rangeland environment.
2) Evaluate the eating quality and flavor profiles of hair-type and wool-type crossbred lambs.
3) Provide graduate training opportunities for persons interested in pursuing advanced degrees in science to be applied towards promoting the sheep industry.
Approach:
The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Wyoming (UW) are collaborating to provide a comprehensive evaluation of carcass characteristics, cutout value, and flavor profile of hair-type and wool-type crossbred lambs. In order to advise stakeholders interested in raising Katahdin sheep (a hair-type sheep breed) in an extensive rangeland environment, a comprehensive lifetime evaluation of Katahdin and Rambouillet (wool-type) ewes and their crossbred progeny is underway. A key component of the crossbred progeny evaluation is to quantify the value of the carcass to the producer and the consumer, which is the focus of this agreement. Crossbred lambs resulting from 2025 matings will be shipped to a commercial packing plant in fall 2026 for harvest and data collection. Carcass evaluations will include determination of actual red meat yield and carcass imaging (Objective 1). Loins will be retained from each lamb for further flavor profile and taste panel evaluation at UW (Objective 2). Graduate students from the UW will be recruited to assist with and learn from accomplishing the objectives. Opportunities will be provided for students to interact with sheep industry stakeholders, present findings at scientist meetings, and collaborate in generating new projects enhancing the work accomplished under this agreement (Objective 3).