Tufts Veterinarian Helps Produce First Purebred Herdwick Sheep Born in U.S.

Dr. Rachael Gately, a Veterinary professor at Tufts University specializing in animal reproduction, works with farmers to improve livestock genetics through assisted reproductive techniques. Partnering with Judith Hooper of Grass Hill Farm in Connecticut, she helped produce the first purebred Herdwick lambs born in the U.S. in 2024. Herdwicks, a hardy British breed, faced a U.S. genetic bottleneck because of strict import rules. When regulations eased, Hooper imported embryos from the U.K., and Gately, one of few U.S. experts in sheep embryo transfer, implanted them with an 85 percent success rate, far above average.

The result: 11 healthy lambs from multiple lineages, creating the foundation for future purebred Herdwick flocks nationwide. Beyond advancing sheep biodiversity and sustainable wool use, Gately’s work trains Tufts Veterinary students in advanced reproduction and field techniques, linking innovation, education, and conservation in livestock breeding.