ABSTRACT
Sheep flocks of the Virgin Islands are usually small, cared for by family members, and serve as a source of supplemental income. Poor nutrition is one of the main factors limiting sheep production. Tethering and extensive management practices are used, with sheep often raised along with goats. Sheep range freely, or graze fenced pastures with no systematic rotational grazing. The White Hair sheep is a small breed with fairly good mutton characteristics. “Pure” sheep have a white head and body, light short hair that is longer over the back and rump, and pink skin with occasional dark spots; occasionally they have some wool on the hind quarters. Some sheep are solid tan, brown, black, or white with brown or black spots. The Virgin Islands White Hair Sheep are of modest size, with ewe and ram weights of approximately 35 and 45 kg, respectively, under typical commercial conditions.
