bide a wee Mia  #531
 
 
(Click photos to enlarge)
Born: 2-18-14
2 Horns - Twin - Eyes: L1/R3*
60% white / 40% black  

Photo taken 9-5-15
*Note: Jacob sheep are 'polycerates' which means they carry genetics
for multiple horns. The genes which cause the horns to spit into multiple
horns can also cause the split to run down to the eye socket, creating
a split in the upper eyelid.  The term for this is Split Upper Eyelid Deformity (SUED).  The numbers 1 through 4 are used to describe the severity of the
split.  Type 1 = normal eyelid, Type 2 = a slight break or notch in the eyelid,
Type 3 = a split eyelid, often tufted, Type 4 = a severe split, often with a cloudy/opaque eye.  It's an individual breeder's decision whether or not
to use an animal with SUED.  On our farm we're willing to use a EWE with
a #2 or #3 split provided we like everything else about her.  We would not
however be likely use a RAM with a #3 split since he has the ability to
produce a lot more lambs over his lifetime than a ewe does. 
  Using a TRUE 2 horn ram (NOT a 2 horn who is actually a 4 horn with the
tell tale seam running the length of his horns) on ewes with SUED can help
reduce the incidence of SUED in her lambs.
  SUED should be monitored in a flock but total suppression could cause a decrease in the number of 4 horn Jacob sheep.  For example, in England,
breeding against SUED eliminated much of the 4 horn Jacob population.