21 YEARS AGO According to this article, the Hampshire Down breed’s most important economic attributes are its outstanding hindquarters and rapid growth to maturity.
The greatest value of the purebred Hampshire Down lies in its ability to produce award-winning slaughter lambs when top-crossed with other breeds.
Because of the outstanding hybrid vigour of such crossbreds, they invariably surpass purebreds in both rate of growth and excellence of carcass.
As its name implies, the breed originated in the rich agricultural country of Hampshire in southern England during the 19th century.
Farmers resorted to a three-way cross, each breed being selected for a different economic trait. The cross was composed of the Wiltshire Horn for hardiness, Southdown for muscling, and Berkshire Knot for prolifigacy. The new breed thrived exceptionally well in the region, known to this day for its many low hills called ‘downs’. Further improved by judicious selection, the final product proved considerably larger than the Southdown, although fairly similar in conformation.
Hampshire Downs first arrived in South Africa in 1942, when Danie Erasmus of Tarkastad imported two rams and 13 ewes from England. Six years later, Noel Levey, also of Tarkastad, imported a consignment, followed in 1960 by a parcel brought in by the Arnolds family of Cookhouse.
Since then there have, from time to time, been more imports from Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin March 1, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin March 1, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
