Merino Sheep

Description

Description
Merino Sheep
Merino, breed of fine-wool sheep originating in Spain; it was known as early as the 12th century and may have been a Moorish importation. It was particularly well adapted to semiarid climates and to nomadic pasturing. The breed has become prominent in many countries worldwide. Merinos vary considerably in size, conformation, and extent of skin , but the prevailing trend in breeding is to develop sheep of medium size, with fair mutton conformation and a minimum of skin folds. The colour of their faces and legs is white.
Merino Sheep
Although they have a considerable growth of wool on their faces, it is seldom extensive enough to cause wool blindness. The fine wool fibres of Merino fleeces are beautifully crimped. Characteristics The Merino is an excellent forager and very adaptable. It is bred predominantly for its wool, and its carcass size is generally smaller than that of sheep bred for meat. South African Meat Merino (SAMM), American Rambouillet and German Merino fleisch schaf have been bred to balance wool production and carcass quality.
Dorper Sheep
The life expectancy of sheep is similar to large breeds of dogs, about 10 to 12 years. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the oldest sheep lived to be 23.
What is the best sheep to farm in South Africa?
This resulted in a hardy, fast-growing meat breed suitable for low-rainfall regions. The Dorper is a large and strongly-built meat sheep with a white body and black head. This fast-growing fertile breed produces lambs that are slaughter-ready at four months.
Are Merino sheep easy to maintain?
Poll Merino wethers and rams are less prone to poll strike than horned Merinos and are easier to handle at shearing and crutching time. They are generally large framed, plain bodied sheep that mature quickly. These characteristics make the breed highly fertile, and easy to handle and care for..