East Friesians are the Holsteins of the sheep world—they produce exceptional amount of milk (up to 4-5 times that of “ordinary sheep”) and are quite prolific.   They are generally medium to large sized sheep with good dispositions, relative low hardiness and "bony" bodies (they are 'hard keepers').

Friesian breeders generally emphasize milk production over all other characteristics.  Consequently, purebred Friesians are a poor choice for commercial lamb production. However, when used in a cross-breeding system, the value of Friesians is tremendous.   

In many flocks, the birth of triplets is viewed with skepticism and anxiety - many people feel that if the triplet lives it will probably need to be bottle fed.  Even if it doesn't need to be bottle fed, it will probably be a 'runt'. It need not be this way!  What holds the triplet back?  It is lack of milk.  Traditional ewes only produce around 200-300 lbs of milk per lactation, which is enough for two lambs.  Friesians, on the other hand, produce around 700-1000 lbs of milk per lactation.  Adding only 25% Friesian blood to an ewe can double her milk production - that is the strength of the Friesian to the commercial producer.  

Many people I talk to are concerned about mastitis when it comes to Friesian cross ewes.  It is a legitimate concern, but I have not found any higher incidence of mastitis between my purebred Polypays and Friesian cross ewes.  I believe the controlling factor is how many lambs she has - triplets do stress udders more than twins.  Of course, it always pays to have a mastitis control program in place.  For me, this includes good hygiene (clean pens) and proper weaning provisions.

Performance data of my higher percentage ewes (3/8 Friesian and higher):

• Mature ewes weigh 160 to 200 lbs.

• Mature ewe birth rates are 250% with 92% being weaned by the ewe (2006 -2007 average - my first higher percentage ewes were born in 2005)

• Ewe lambs birth rates are 177%, with 91% being weaned by the ewe (2005 - 2007 average)

• The dam of my current Friesian ram produced 800-900 lbs of milk per lactation.

The bottom line on Friesians is that adding Friesian genetics makes the difference between triplets becoming average-destroying runts or profitable 'extra' lambs. For less prolific flocks, Friesian genetics increase weaning weights by allowing twins to reach their full potential.  If you regularly have bottle lambs, you need to add Friesian genetics to your flock. I can't imagine a time where I don't have Friesian cross ewes in mine. 

50% Friesian ewe, lactating triplets (left).  3/4 Frieisan Stud Ram (right).

3/8 Friesian ewe - all 3 of these triplets had a ADG over 1 lb (left).  1/2 Friesian ewe lamb and Columbia ewe lamb, both days from lambing (right)