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Through associate William Marshall (Kangaroo Island Rare Breeds Farm) it was found that several more colour variants could be found in the dry regions of the Karoo. While this deviation from the true colour type was frowned upon by the establishment some breeders had been selecting for different colours for a number of years. When a colour deviation came up in Karoo flocks known to Genelink & Marshall the breeders were asked to keep the animals for a future embryo collection. In 2004 breeders were visited and arrangement made to purchase a range of donor animals. The embryos collected at RAMSEM Bloemfontein were very good quality resulting in 14 ewe lambs and 8 ram lambs born in October 2005 with the full range of Persian colours and representatives from each donor family. Colour variants are Black Skilder, Doberman (tri colour), Blue, Brown Skilder, Red Head, Black Head, Red Skilder In 2006 the young Blue ram was put into the existing Blackhead and White Persian flock at Parilla and the first Skilder sired lambs were born in July 2006. The young import Skilder ewes were given the opportunity from 6 mths old and lambing was well under way before most of them were 12 mths old - a few did not mate up in the time allowed and were obviously not quite as mature. Some new colour variants have shown up in the mating to Blackhead x White ewes including red roan and Blue head. Why Persian? The Persian sheep is an ideal small farm option with a great temperament and small size for handling, and high stocking rate. With a low metabolic rate it takes very little feed to keep them fat and shiny and breeding regularly. While twins are not common the mothering ability is very good and with strong constitution most lambs born are raised. The breed is kept in South Africa and in north African tribal areas and is used for fat production. The fat does not set like other breeds and remains somewhat oily making it suited to smallgoods production and cosmetic use. The meat is tender and the small lamb carcass is suited to the spit roast trade and home slaughter. There is a significant interest from the pet trade. The breed is often used for crossbreeding in South Africa in arid areas where existing meat breeds become too lean which affects eating quality and ability to finish for market. The Persian is often mated with these breeds to produce a hybrid that finishes early and provides a female crossbred suited to mating back to bigger meat breeds. It is the Persian ability to utilize low grade forage in desert conditions and convert to meat and milk that makes their hybrids very functional in harsh dry grazing conditions. The Persian is considered the hardiest breed for those African regions and in the very driest conditions only the Persian can survive and bring in an income
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