Targa sheep are a breed of domesticated sheep from the United States. It was developed in the early 20th century by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
It was named after the Targa National Forest. The Turgi National Forest surrounds the US Sheep Experiment Station in Idaho.
It is actually a dual-purpose breed that is suitable for both meat and wool production. But the breed is specially bred for wool production.
These animals are very hardy and are particularly adapted to the western regions where they were raised.
Currently, targa sheep are especially popular in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, where raising them with fine, long hair is popular with western ranchers.
The ancestors of these animals were the Corriedale, Lincoln and Rambouillet sheep. The targa sheep herdbook was closed in 1966, meaning only offspring of registered targis could be registered. However, read more about this breed below.
Characteristics of the Targa Sheep
Targa sheep belong to medium and large breeds of sheep. It is light brown or pure white. These animals are very good at producing quality wool.
Each sheep yields an average of 4.5 to 6.3 kg of wool. The fiber diameter is 21 to 25 micrometers and the number of strands is 64 to 58.
The average fleece fiber length is 3-5 inches with a yield of 50-55%.
The average live weight of sexually mature targa sheep ranges from 56 to 90 kg. And adult rams are slightly larger than ewes.
And the average live weight of sexually mature rams ranges from 90 to 135 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Advantages
Targa sheep are dual purpose animals. They are suitable for both meat production and the production of quality wool.
Special Notes
Targa sheep are very strong and hardy animals. They are well suited to western ranges, where they were indeed developed.
The breed is currently popular in its native region and is especially popular in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.
Currently, the breed is grown primarily for wool production. But it is also very good for meat production. However, check out the complete breed profile of the Targa sheep in the following table.
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| Breed name | Targhee |
| another name | everything |
| Purpose of the breed | meat, wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and hardy, dual purpose, suitable for both meat and wool production, well adapted to the natural climate, highly valued in its region of origin. |
| Breed size | medium to large |
| The weight | The average live weight of sexually mature ewes ranges from 56 to 90 kg, and the average live weight of a sheep ranges from 90 to 135 kg. |
| horns | Not |
| climatic tolerance | native climate |
| Color | White, light brown |
| scarcity | general |
| Country/place of origin | UNITED STATES |
