Hampshire Sheep in Kenya – Breed Info & Price Guide
- BeyondForest
- May 23
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Image of a Hampshire Sheep by Mr Hampshire
Hampshire rams are frequently used in crossbreeding programs with ewes of other breeds like Merino or Dorset to produce high-quality meat lambs.
Image of Hampshire Sheep by Mr Hampshire
The Hampshire sheep breed is one of the most recognized and respected meat sheep breeds in the world. Known for their rapid growth, excellent muscling, and adaptability, Hampshire sheep are favored by both commercial producers and small-scale farmers. Hampshire sheep originated in Hampshire County, southern England, during the early 19th century.
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A Hampshire Sheep Carcass by Mr Hampshire
The breed was developed by crossing Southdowns a small, fine-boned breed known for superior meat quality with local horned breeds such as the Wiltshire Horn and Berkshire Knot. The goal was to create a sheep with the fine quality carcass of the Southdown, but with a larger frame, better growth rate, and increased hardiness.
By focusing on breeding programs that select for desirable traits, we can create livestock populations that are more efficient, resistant to diseases, and better adapted to changing environmental conditions. -Mr Hampshire
The result was a breed that retained the Southdown’s quality meat but had improved size and vigor. Hampshire sheep were first imported to the United States around 1840, and by the early 20th century, the breed had gained a strong foothold in American sheep farming. Today, Hampshire sheep are popular worldwide, especially in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Hampshire sheep are naturally polled, meaning they are hornless.
Hampshire sheep are easily identifiable due to their distinct appearance. They have a white body with a black face, ears, and legs.
Image of Hampshire Sheep Lambs by Mr Hampshire
The black areas are generally free of wool, though some may have light wool cover on the face and legs. Hampshire sheep are large and heavy-boned. Rams typically weigh between 113–160 kg while Ewes weigh between 79–113 kg. Hampshire sheep are primarily raised for meat production. They are considered a terminal sire breed, meaning rams are often used in crossbreeding to improve carcass quality in market lambs.
Terminal crossbreeding In Hampshire Sheep
Terminal crossbreeding involves mating a maternal breed (good for mothering traits and reproduction) with a terminal sire breed (selected for rapid growth, size, and carcass quality) to produce offspring that are optimized for meat production, not further reproduction.
Select a maternal breed – Ewes or female animals with excellent fertility, mothering ability, and milk production.
Mate with a terminal sire – Rams or male animals from breeds known for rapid growth, muscle, and meat yield (e.g., Hampshire, Suffolk).
Offspring (market lambs) – Grow quickly, have excellent meat characteristics, and are not used for breeding.
Image of a Hampshire Sheep by Mr Hampshire
Hampshire Sheep are used in commercial flocks for terminal crossbreeding due to their meat production traits.
Hampshire have white wool with black faces and legs, which are usually free of wool, although a moderate amount of wool on the face is common. The legs are typically black, and strong, providing excellent support for their large frame. Ewes are generally attentive mothers and have good maternal instincts, which contribute to high lamb survival rates. Hampshire Sheep can thrive in a wide range of climates, from cold temperate zones to warmer, more arid regions. Their dense wool and strong constitution enable them to withstand cold winters, while their open face and legs reduce the risk of overheating in warmer conditions.
The price of Hampshire sheep in Kenya varies based on factors such as age, breeding quality, and seller location.
Prices may vary based on breeding quality and seller location.Ensure the sheep are vaccinated and dewormed.Request pedigree and breeding history, especially for breeding stock.
4-month-old Hampshire Sheep lamb | 26,500Ksh |
6-month-old Hampshire Sheep | 31,600Ksh |
8-month-old Hampshire Sheep | 38,750Ksh |
10-month-old Hampshire sheep | 42,000Ksh |
12-month-old Hampshire sheep | 48,000Ksh |
Pure Pedigree Hampshire Down Rams | 35,000Ksh |
Dorper Hampshire Sheep | 40,000Ksh |
In the U.S Hampshire Sheep are one of the most commonly exhibited breeds at livestock shows.
Lambs gain weight quickly and are often market-ready by 3 to 4 months.
They produce lean, well-muscled carcasses with a high dressing percentage.
The meat is flavorful, tender, and contains minimal fat, meeting the demands of both commercial markets and individual consumers.
Wool from Hampshire sheep is used for blankets, tweed, and other durable woolen goods. However, it is less sought after for fine garments due to its coarseness.
Feature | Hampshire Sheep | Dorper Sheep |
Origin | England | South Africa |
Size | Large-framed, heavy-bodied | Medium to large, compact body |
Growth Rate | Very fast – reaches market weight quickly | Fast – good for meat production |
Maturity | 8–10 months | 6–8 months |
Weight at 12 Months | 70–90 kg (rams) | 80–100 kg (rams) |
Lambing Rate | Average (1–2 lambs per birth) | High – often twins or triplets |
Market Price in Kenya | 25,000Ksh –48,000Ksh | 18,000Ksh–40,000Ksh |
Feed Conversion | High-quality feed required | Efficient grazer, does well on pasture |
Choose Hampshire if
You're in a cooler highland region like Molo, Timau, or Nyandarua.
You want heavier carcasses for commercial meat markets.
You're targeting crossbreeding to improve meat yield.
Choose Dorper if
Image of a Dorper Sheep
You're in a dry, hot, or semi-arid area like Machakos, Kitui, Narok, or Kajiado.
You prefer low maintenance, hardy animals.
You're starting with limited feed resources.
You want better lambing frequency and faster breeding cycles
FAQ About Hampshire
Image of Hampshire Sheep by Mr Hampshire
Hampshire sheep are known for their excellent meat production, especially their rapid growth rate, muscular build, and high-quality carcasses. They are widely used as terminal sires in crossbreeding programs to produce market lambs.
Hampshire Down sheep offer several advantages that make them a popular breed for meat production. They are known for their rapid growth rate, allowing lambs to reach market weight quickly. Their large frame and muscular build result in high-quality, lean carcasses with excellent meat yield.
What is the difference between Dorper and Hampshire
The main difference between Dorper and Hampshire sheep lies in their origin, appearance, and primary traits. Dorper sheep are a South African breed, developed for hardiness and adaptability to arid conditions, with a hair coat that sheds naturally—making them low-maintenance and ideal for meat in hot climates. In contrast, Hampshire sheep are a British breed known for their woolly white bodies with black faces and legs, and are favored for rapid growth, high-quality meat, and good mothering ability in cooler climates.
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What is the lifespan of a Hampshire sheep?
The lifespan of a Hampshire sheep typically ranges from 10 to 12 years under good care and proper management. However, in commercial meat production, most Hampshire sheep are culled or sold much earlier—often by 5 to 6 years—as their peak productivity declines.
Hampshire sheep have a pregnancy (gestation) period of about 145 to 152 days, with the average being approximately 147 days. This period is similar to most sheep breeds. During gestation, proper nutrition and care are crucial to support healthy fetal development and prepare the ewe for lambing.
Where To By Hampshire Sheep
Image of Mr Hampshire Feeding his Flock
Mr. Hampshire is a seasoned livestock farmer renowned for breeding high-quality Hampshire Sheep in Kenya. With years of experience and a passion for genetics, he focuses on hardy, fast-growing stock ideal for arid and semi-arid regions. His Hampshire Sheep are well-managed, dewormed, and vaccinated, ensuring healthy, productive animals. Mr. Hampshire shares regular updates, photos, and customer success stories on his active Facebook page, where clients can inquire about available stock, prices, and farm visits. His commitment to quality and honest farming practices has earned him a loyal following among goat farmers, breeders, and investors across the country.
Hampshire Sheep Disadvantages
Hampshire sheep produce medium to coarse wool, which is less valuable in the textile industry. Their wool is not suitable for fine garments and is often used for carpets or industrial products.
As a large-bodied breed, Hampshire sheep consume more feed than smaller or more compact breeds. This increases feeding costs, especially in intensive systems or in areas with limited grazing.
Because of their rapid growth and feed efficiency, Hampshire sheep can become overweight if not managed carefully. Over conditioning can lead to breeding and lambing complications in ewes.
With their thick wool and larger size, Hampshire sheep can struggle in hot, humid climates. They may require extra shade, water, and ventilation, especially in tropical regions.
They are best used as terminal sires in crossbreeding systems. This means they are not typically used for producing future breeders, making flock renewal more complex and reliant on outside sources for replacement ewes.
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