St. Croix Sheep Facts: Origin, Physical Characteristics, Size, Pros, and Cons

As a breed of domestic sheep, the St. Croix sheep (Saint ‘Croy’) is also known as the White Virgin Islander and the Virgin Islands White. This species is native to the U.S. Virgin Islands and is named after Saint Croix. Originally imported into North America, they were selected for their white coloration and named ‘Virgin Island White.’

This tropical breed is known for its resistance to parasites. Currently, the breed is primarily raised for meat production. Breeders have crossbred St. Croix sheep with other breeds to endow them with these valuable characteristics.

St. Croix Sheep Facts

History and Origin of St. Croix Sheep

St. Croix sheep are found in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands Caribbean islands. Some say it is a cross between the Wiltshire Horn and the native Criollo. It descends from the hair sheep of West Africa. Since they were selected for white coloration when imported into North America, they are also called Virgin Island Whites.

St. Croix has three shades brown, white, and black. The Caribbean hair sheep, including the St. Croix, are prolific and breed year-round, so they interest the U.S. sheep industry. Despite being a rare breed, St. Croix has been gaining popularity in the United States.

Characteristics of St. Croix Sheep

St Croix sheep are active, vigorous, and do not tend to be wild.
They have a smooth hair coat in summer, a thicker coat with mixed hair, and a downy undercoat in winter. Shearing is never necessary since their coat sheds naturally.
They do not require docking of their slender hair-covered tails.
St. Croix rams have lion-like manes that may fall to the ground as they mature.
Ewes and rams are usually polled, meaning they do not have horns. There is a large ruff on the throat of the Rams.
St. Croix sheep typically weigh between 2.7 and 3.1 kg at birth. A mature ram weighs around 90 kilograms live. On average, mature ewes weigh 68 kilograms.
Sheep can breed one month again after lambing, producing two lambs per year. Lambing rates vary between 150-200%, with most ewes bearing twins, occasionally triplets, and occasionally quadruplets.
In a given year, ewes are capable of producing two lamb crops. There are usually twins, a few singles, and sometimes triplets among lambs.
Due to smaller bones and less fat, St Croix has a 23% higher carcass yield than Rambouillet. The meat is tender and mildly flavored.
Superior inherent resistance to internal parasites, good health, and few hoof problems make them a good choice. They are known as ‘Parasitic Pasture Vacuums’ because they eliminate parasites from pastures, reducing the need for frequent worming.
Compared to meat breeds selected for rapid growth and large body sizes, the St Croix has a slower growth rate. Nevertheless, St. Croix is an ideal size for many ethnic markets.
The animals are active grazers. Commercial butcher lamb production has increased demand for St. Croix ewes crossbred with white Dorper. The St. Croix breed is increasingly used for crossbreeding with wool breeds.

Feed management St. Croix Sheep Breed

Throughout the sheep production process, feed is the single largest cost. The cost of inadequate and excessive nutrition is the same. Producers must be aware of changing nutritional needs of their flock to avoid these costly extremes. In the production stage, it is important to consider the quality of the available feedstuffs and the age, size, and condition of the animals.

A reliable and economical feed source is essential when developing a feeding program. Produced hay must include high-quality pastures and take advantage of available pastures. The most important thing is to work out a forage program accommodating your situation. Each program is affected by various factors, including lambing dates, types of lambs, and pasture availability.

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A high-percentage lamb crop cannot be produced, flock replacements cannot be developed, wool production cannot be optimized, and feeder and market lambs cannot be grown without proper nutrition. An ideal sheep nutrition program supports optimal production, is efficient and economical, and minimizes associated problems.

Vaccinations and Worming St. Croix Sheep Breed

Approximately 30 days before lambing, ewes should be wormed and vaccinated with Ivermectin injectable and Clostridium Perfringens Type C and D Tetanus Toxoid. Worming and vaccinating lambs at 6-8 weeks, ten days later, and again at six months is recommended. Clostridium needs to be boosted annually for adults.

Swan Ranch solved a summer pneumonia problem with a nasal spray containing the Bovine Rhino vaccine. Other worming and vaccination schedules may be required in other areas. Wet Western Oregon uses Ivermectin Plus for the endemic liver flukes and Covexin 8 for vaccinations. For local conditions, consult your veterinarian.

Advantages of Rearing St. Croix Sheep Breed

This sheep breed does not require shearing
These are resistant to Parasites
This breed exhibits better resistance to foot rot.
These sheep produce Fine-grained, low-fat meat
This sheep breed can withstand heat and cold up to some extent but not much
They have good temperament and flocking instinct.
They have excellent lamb production. They also have
Early puberty
High lambing percentage
Year-round breeding
Lamb at 12 months
Good mothers
Good milk production
High survivability

Disadvantages of Rearing St. Croix Sheep Breed

Raising a lamb from birth to market weight takes longer, even though the meat-to-bone ratio is better. This process can be sped up by breeding with heavier hair sheep breeds.
They reproduce like rabbits. Triplets are not uncommon, and they can be born twice a year. If you need lots of sheep quickly and have a lot of ground swell, this breed is unsuitable.

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Conclusion

St. Croix Lambs finish without excessive fat, and the carcass conformation is similar to Ramboulliets, except that the St. Croix has a higher slaughter yield due to smaller bone and fat. Grazing is an active part of their lifestyle. The St. Croix Hair Sheep are adaptable to a variety of climates. They grow a thick winter coat in cold weather, which they shed in warm weather. Commercial butcher lamb production has increased demand for St. Croix ewes crossed with white Dorper. Increasingly, St. Croix is being used for crossbreeding with wool breeds.

St. Croix Sheep Facts: Origin, Physical Characteristics, Size, Pros, and Cons