St. Croix sheep

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St Croix Sheep are a breed of Hair Sheep from the Virgin Islands.

They are often also called Virgin Island White because those that were imported into North America were selected for white coloration. On the Island of St. Croix, they come in shades of brown, white and black. The breed is believed to be descended from African sheep that were brought to the Caribbean on Slave ships. The St Croix is a hardy tropical breed known for its parasite resistance, and excellent tasting meat. Breeders have crossbred the St Croix with other breeds to impart these important traits into their bloodlines. The St Croix breed is the foundation breed for Katahdin and Royal White breeds. The St Croix Sheep Breeders Association is the largest and oldest association of St Croix breeders.

[edit] References

• St Croix sheep, Breeds of Livestock, Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science