Frequently Asked Questions
Q: [What does CVM stand for?]
A: [California Variegated Mutant]
Q: [What's a Romeldale?]
A: [The basis for what would become a
Romeldale was developed in the late 1800's. They were originally
derived from range bred Rambouillet and Corriedale sheep. In the
early 1900's they were further bred to New Zealand Marsh Romneys
that were imported to the 1915 Pan Am Games to improve staple length
and gain better carcass quality]
Q: [How is a Romeldale different than a
CVM?]
A: [A CVM is a Romeldale first by
breed. CVM designates the badgerface pattern that is exhibited in
the Romeldale breed. Romeldales come in solid colors and patterns
but only the badgerface is referred to as a CVM. Natural colored
Romeldales break down into two categories: those with at least five
of any visible parts of the traditional badger markings listed below
are deemed to be CVM's, while all other animals, solid and
patterned, fall into the random patterned and solid natural colored
category. Natural colored Romeldales can be solid, have spots, and
sometimes have transverse stripes.
At least five of the following marking have to appear on a
Romeldale for it to be identified as a CVM:
1. Badger markings on face: dark eyes
2. Badger markings on face: dark muzzle
3. Badger markings on face: striping down sides of face
4. Dark underbelly
5. Dark legs: either black or brown, or both (can have white
spotting in this area also)
6. Dark chest (from the chin all the way down to the underbelly)
7. Dark area under the tail
Another common pattern in this breed includes a Reverse Badger where
the above described areas are light instead of the traditional black
or brown and the rest of the animal's body is dark wool. This
pattern can also have random light/dark spotting.]
Q: [What is the size of this sheep?]
A: [Mature
rams will weigh from 225-275 pounds while mature ewes range from
140-175 pounds. ]
Q: [How long do these animals live and
reproduce?]
A: [Under good conditions, these sheep
will live and reproduce well into their mid teen years.]
Q: [Are these hardy sheep...are they good
mothers?]
A: [These sheep are hardy, easy keepers,
and wonderful mothers.]
Q: [Do these sheep breed out of season?]
A: [These sheep will breed all year
long. Ewes are known to breed with lambs at their sides if exposed
to a ram. It's not unusual to have a ewe lamb in January with twins
and then deliver another set in the fall while keeping her body
condition.]
Q: [What is the fleece yield?]
A: [Each sheep grows an average of 6 to 12 pounds of wool annually.
Average yield would be about 65%.]
Q: [What are the qualities of the wool?]
A: [Staple length averages anywhere from 3 to 6 inches with a
Bradford count of 60 to 64. The wool is very soft and can be worn
next to the skin. The wool
has a well defined crimp with lots of memory.]