St.
Croix/Virgin Island White
The St. Croix or Virgin Island White is found primarily on the U.S. and British
Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. They were brought to Maine in the 1960's for
crossbreeding purposes; the St. Croix is one of the foundation breeds of the Katahdin.
Utah State University imported 22 ewes and 2 rams from St. Croix in 1975, and
other universities have since obtained St. Croix for study. In the U.S. the St.
Croix is listed as a "rare breed" by the American
Minor Breeds Conservancy. Most St. Croix sheep are white in color. Both sexes
are polled. They are a docile calm breed, noted for their resistance to internal
parasites. St. Croix ewes reach puberty at an early age, produce a high percentage
of multiple births and have an extended breeding season. They produce a lean,
mild flavored meat. St. Croix are ideally suited to tropical climates, but will
adapt to colder weather by growing a thicker hair coat and shedding it in the
spring.
Image Gallery
Two St. Croix lambs - British Virgin Islands (37 K)
St. Croix ewe with twin lambs - British Virgin Islands (54 K)
Young St. Croix lambs - British Virgin Islands (49 K)
St. Croix ewe and lamb - National Hair Sheep Symposium, Timonium, MD (35 K)
St. Croix ewes (2000) - Virginia State University
(52 K)
St. Croix ewes (2000) - Virginia State University
(52 K)
St. Croix ewes (2001) - Virginia
State University (107 K)
St. Croix ewes (2003) - Virginia
State University (73 K)
St. Croix ewe and lamb - Virginia
State University (66 K)
St. Croix ram - Trinidad and Tobago (45 K)
Links
St. Croix Sheep Breeders Association
Oklahoma State University Breeds of Livestock
Rising Sun Farm
St. Croix sheep vs. parasites
Hair breed crosses make good commercial ewes
Hair Sheep Home