Hair sheep make up a little over 10% of the world's sheep population. They are raised for meat production and don't need to be sheared because they don't have wool. Hair sheep are hardy and can tolerate heat, humidity, and cold environments.

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Hair sheep are well-suited to New Mexico's climate because they are more resistant to heat and humidity than wool breeds: 

• Climate

  New Mexico has a continental climate with a large temperature range, low humidity, and lots of sunshine. The climate varies across the state, with the north and east being colder and alpine, and the west and south being warmer and arid. 

• Hair sheep adaptations

  Hair sheep have several adaptations that help them regulate their body temperature, including: 

  • Thermo-tolerance genes: Hair sheep have genes that help them tolerate heat. 

  • Skin and hair: Hair sheep can dissipate body heat through their skin and hair more efficiently than wool breeds. 

  • Metabolic adjustments: Hair sheep can make metabolic adjustments to reduce their body heat load. 

Sheep are generally well-suited to extreme environments and can convert the natural forage of these habitats into protein. They are also very agile and can graze in rugged mountain terrain.