- Focus on breeding and maintaining the genetic purity of specific sheep breeds.
- Select and breed sheep based on desired traits such as conformation, wool quality, meat production, or specific breed characteristics.
- Provide breeding stock to commercial producers and other purebred breeders to improve their flocks.
- Maintain detailed pedigree records and participate in breed associations to preserve the breed's integrity and genetic diversity.
- Participate in shows, competitions, and exhibitions to showcase their animals and promote the breed.
Commercial sheep producers:
- Focus on raising sheep for meat, wool, or both, rather than preserving breed purity.
- May use purebred rams or semen to introduce specific traits into their flocks, but typically crossbreed different breeds to achieve desired characteristics.
- Aim for high production efficiency and profitability by selecting animals with good growth rates, carcass quality, and resistance to diseases.
- Manage larger flocks and focus on efficient production practices, including pasture management, nutrition, health care, and marketing.
- Supply lamb and wool to the meat and textile industries, as well as breeding stock to other commercial producers.