The research flock consists of St. Croix White and Dorper x St. Croix White sheep.
The St. Croix White breed is the most common local breed of sheep and is known for
being prolific, cycles year round and has a high degree of parasite tolerance. Both
males and females reach puberty at about 8-10 months of age and are polled. Mature
ewes weigh 100-120 lbs (45-54 kg) and rams weigh 150-175 lbs (68-79 kg). Ewes average
1.8 lambs/ewe lambing and can lamb at 8-month intervals. The St. Croix White sheep
are selected to be solid white in color and have a slick coat, although the rams tend
to develop a beard as they mature.
The Dorper x St. Croix White sheep are varied in color ranging from solid white to
a preponderance of black or brown hair. They also tend to have a heavier coat with
some clumps of hair along the topline. Rams may have scurs but females tend to be
polled. Mature ewes weigh 110-130 lbs (50-59 kg) and rams weigh 160-180 lbs (73-82
kg).
