Hampshire Breed Characteristics
current standard set by AHSA

STANDARDS

It is recognized that the appearance of a sheep is important but only as it relates to maximum productivity, profits and breed characteristics. Therefore, the Hampshire Standards are made to include mainly those traits that research has found to make them more productive. Major emphasis, then is put on such traits as multiple births, weight per age, face covering, refinement about the head and shoulders, muscling and freedom from unsoundness. Even more emphasis is placed on production records and Hampshire people are encouraged to use these as most important in selection. Final selection among a group with similar production factors may be made on the basis of appearance. Hampshire's are noted for their rapid growth and efficient feed conversion.

1) GENERAL APPEARANCE

A: Breed Character

The Hampshire is a large, open faced and active sheep with a mild disposition. Mature rams should weigh 275 pounds or more and mature ewes should weigh 200 pounds or more in breeding condition. The ears should be moderate in length, thick, covered with a coarse dark brown or black hair and free from wool. The face should be of good length, dark in color and practically free of wool from the eyes down. An unbroken wool cap should extend from the neck over the forehead. Any wool interfering with vision should be considered serious. Legs below the knee and hock should be relatively free of wool. The Hampshire should show quality without weakness and size without coarseness. Masculinity in the ram and femininity in the ewe should be notable.

B. Body

The body should be relatively deep with a strong level top and the greater length from the last rib to the base of the dock. The back should be strong, well muscled and uniform throughout. It should be covered well with muscle and not fat. Considerable depth and bulge should be displayed in the thigh muscles.

The reproductive organs of both the ram and the ewe should be normal and well developed. The body should produce a carcass with a minimum of 0.4 carcass weight per day of age, have at least 2.5 sq. in. loin eye and have at least 50% of this weight in the hind saddle (cut between the last two ribs). Maximum fat cover should be .25 inches regardless of carcass weight. The yield grade should not exceed 3.

C. Feet and Legs

Both the front and rear should be well placed under the corners of the body with ample elevation off the ground to give it the height to balance with the body size. Short legs are associated with a small short body and early maturity. The legs should be of ample bone as noted by the circumference below the knees. Hocks that are too straight (post legged) or too crooked (sickle hocked) are indicators of unsoundness. The angle of the hock should allow free movement. The pasterns should be strong with toes rather close together.

D. Fleece and Skin

The Fleece of the Hampshire should be of good length: uniform and grade 1/4 to 3/8 blood. Black fibers in the fleece and hairy breeches should be avoided. A pink skin in a healthy animal is preferred. A year's production of wool should weigh approximately 8 pounds.

2. DESIRABLE TRAITS

A. High fertility and sex drive in rams

Regardless of season of year, the ram should breed a large number of ewes which produce a high percentage of multiple births. The sire should transmit livability and ease of lambing to his offspring.

B. Ewes

Ewes should settle on first service regardless of the season of the year. Replacement ewes and prospective sires should be selected from ewes that settle within 42 days after the introduction of the ram to the breeding flock.

C. Easy lambing, multiple births, and mothering ability

Ewes in satisfactory physical condition should need no further assistance when lambing. they should produce, at least, two strong and active lambs. They should also provide adequate milk supply to insure maximum growth. The ewe should exhibit a strong desire to protect her offspring. Ideally a ewe should produce 100 percent or more of her body weight in 120 days. It is not uncommon for a Hampshire ewe to produce 200 pounds and more lamb in 100 days.

D. Resistance to parasites and disease

Breeders are encouraged to select animals that exhibit resistance of diseases of hoof and body.

E. Environmental adaptability

The ability of an animal to adapt to immediate surroundings is reflected in a faster rate of growth and an increased reproductive capacity. Hampshires are quiet and not easily excited.

3. UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Avoid selection of animals that could increase any development of crooked legs and poor feet, inverted eyelids, abnormal sexual organs, black fibers, wool blindness, broken wool cap, horns and abnormal teeth or jaw development.

For more information on Hampshires,
visit www.ohiohampsheep.com