U.S. Sheep Experiment Station
The U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) is an
domestic sheep (Ovis aries) which is run by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. Its stated mission is "...to develop integrated methods for increasing production efficiency of sheep and to simultaneously improve the sustainability of rangeland ecosystems".[1]
Geography and facilities
The station is located roughly six miles north of
Caribou-Targhee National Forest, as well being within two hours of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.[2]
It also holds roughly 16,600 acres (67.2 km2) within Montana's
desert shrubland. The station is the second largest employer in Clark County, Idaho.[2]
Research
The U.S. Sheep Experiment Station conducts research in the areas of
ovine reproductive efficiency, genetic improvement (especially of breeds), nutrient intake and use, ovine growth and development, range/grazing management, and product quality (i.e. meat and wool). In addition to lambs and other attendant sheep, the station has a base flock of 3,000 mature sheep.[2]
Breeds developed at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station include:
- The dual-purpose breed and one of the first originating in the U.S. Early crosses were made in Wyoming, but the originating flock was moved to the USSES in 1918.
- The Polypay, developed in the 1960s. Known for its white wool and a high lambing rate.
- The Targhee, a dual-purpose rangelandbreed, named after the adjacent national forest.
One of the few areas of conflict when it comes to the station's research is its overlap with
Yellowstone area.[4]
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to U.S. Sheep Experiment Station.
- Sheep husbandry
- Sheep station
References
- ^ "About Us". USDA Agricultural Research Service. 2008-07-17. Retrieved 2008-07-19.
- ^ a b c "Dubois, Idaho". USDA Agricultural Research Service. 2006-05-05. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
- ^ "Idaho sheep station halts grazing in bear habitat", Billings Gazette, April 2010
- The Missoulian, Associated Press, May 18, 2013
External links
44°15′07″N 112°13′21″W / 44.251839°N 112.222595°W
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