The Targhee sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from United States. It was developed in the early twentieth century by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.
It was named after the Targhee National Forest. The Turghee National Forest surrounds the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Idaho.
It is actually a dual purpose breed and good for both meat and wool production. But the breed is especially raised for wool production.
These animals are very hardy and they are especially suited to the ranges of the West where they were developed.
Currently the Targhee sheep is especially popular in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana where their ¾ fine wool and ¼ long wool breeding is favored by western ranchers.
Ancestors of these animals were Corriedale, Lincoln and Rambouillet sheep. The flock book for the Targhee sheep breed was closed in 1966, meaning that only the offspring of registered Targhees could be registered. However, read more information about this breed below.
Targhee Sheep Characteristics
The Targhee sheep is among the medium to large sheep breeds. It is light brown or pure white in color. These animals are very good for quality wool production.
Each ewe on average will produce about 4.5 to 6.3 kg fleece. The fibre diameter is about 21 to 25 micrometers and spinning count of 64 to 58.
Average staple length of the fleece is about 3 to 5 inches with a yield of 50 to 55 percent.
Average live body weight of the mature Targhee ewes is between 56 and 90 kg. And the mature rams are slightly larger than the ewes.
And average live body weight of the mature rams vary from 90 to 135 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Targhee sheep are dual purpose animals. They are good for both meat and quality wool production.
Special Notes
The Targhee sheep are very strong and hardy animals. They are well suited to the ranges of the West where they were actually developed.
Currently the breed is popular in it’s native area, and especially popular in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.
Currently the breed is raised mainly for wool production. But it is also very good for the production of meat. However, review full breed profile of the Targhee sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Targhee |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong, dual purpose, good for both meat and wool production, well suited to native climates, very popular in it’s native area |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Weight | Average live body weight of the mature ewes vary from 56 to 90 kg, and average body weight of the rams is between 90 and 135 kg. |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | White, light brown |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |
