The Polypay sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from United States. It was actually developed in the 1960s at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho.
The first cross breeding was performed in the year of 1968. And the resulting bred sheep were produced in the year of 1970.
Name of the breed was created in 1975 from poly, which means multiple, and the pay means return on investment.
Main aim of the production of the Polypay sheep breed was to produce a more productive sheep for making more profit.
Primary goals for the breed were to produce a breed with desirable carcass quality, rapid growth rate of lambs, ability to lamb more frequently than once per year, large lamb crop at one year of age and high lifetime prolificacy.
Some popular sheep breeds were used for producing this breed. Those popular breeds were Finnsheep, Rambouillet, Targhee and Dorset.
The Dorset breed was used for it’s superior mothering ability, carcass quality, long breeding season and early puberty.
The Targhee breed was used for it’s long breeding season, large body size and quality fleece.
The Rambouillet breed was used for it’s hardiness, adaptability, productivity and quality fleece.
And the Finnsheep was used for it’s early puberty, short gestation and high prolificacy.
The American Polypay Sheep Association was formed in 1980. Today breeders of this sheep breed are available throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, read more information about this breed below.
Polypay Sheep Characteristics
Polypay sheep are medium sized animals with white coloration. They produce lambs with acceptable growth and carcass quality. Photo and info from American Polypay Association and Wikipedia.
Uses
Polypay sheep is a dual-purpose animal. It is raised for both meat and wool production.
Special Notes
The Polypay sheep is a synthetic breed which is noted for being a highly prolific, dual purpose animal.
The ewes produce lambs with rapid growth rate and desirable carcass quality. The ewes have the ability to lamb more frequently than once per year.
Today the breed is available in some other countries outside it’s native country. However, review full breed profile of the Polypay sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Polypay |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Special Notes | Strong and hardy, noted for being highly prolific, dual-purpose animals, good for both milk and wool production, rapid growth rate, good carcass quality, available in some other countries outside it’s native country |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | White |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |
