A hogget is a young sheep, typically a male or female, that is between the ages of approximately 12 and 24 months. During this period, the sheep has shed its milk teeth and grown a permanent set but has not yet reached the age of maturity where it would be classified as a fully grown adult sheep, referred to as a 'ewe' for females and a 'ram' for males. Hoggets are raised for their meat (hogget meat), wool, and for breeding purposes. Their age makes them the perfect balance in yield of these elements. The term is most commonly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Hogget meaning with examples
- The farmer carefully monitored the hoggets, ensuring they had enough grazing pasture to fatten up before the winter. He planned to sell a portion of the hoggets for their meat, as hogget meat is tender and popular. Several of the healthiest hoggets were selected to be retained for breeding, aiming to improve the quality of his flock.
- During the annual sheep shearing, the wool from the hoggets was particularly prized for its fineness and length. The texture was exceptional, far better than the wool produced by older animals. The shearers worked diligently on the hoggets, knowing that the quality of the wool would significantly impact the price and quality of the material.
- The young shepherds took responsibility for the day-to-day care of the hoggets, including moving them between paddocks and checking for signs of illness. They learned valuable skills in animal husbandry. They ensured the hoggets had access to fresh water and provided supplemental feed as needed to foster health and growth.
- A local agricultural show included a class for the best hoggets, attracting many farmers eager to display their livestock. The judges carefully examined the hoggets, assessing their conformation, health, and wool quality. The winners of the hogget competition were awarded rosettes and cash prizes.
- The research team studied the nutritional needs of hoggets to optimize their growth rate and wool production. They experimented with different feed supplements and grazing strategies, observing the effects on the hoggets' weight and health. Their findings had potential benefits for the farming industry.
Hogget Crossword Answers
3 Letters
HOG
4 Letters
HOGG