Merino Sheep primarily raised for wool. The breed is originated from Spain later refined in New Zealand and Australia. Merino wool is the softest and finest wool in the world.
Merino Sheep breed information
Merino sheep are known for their softest and finest wool.
The adult Merino ram weighs 90 kg (200 lb) and ewe weighs 70 kg (155 lb).
The Peppin Merino produces around 18 kg of wool with 24 microns fiber diameter.
Merino is a very adaptable and excellent forager.
Merino is not a meat breed, they are smaller than any meat breed.
The lack of Shearing will result in mobility issues, blindness and heat stress.
The textile industries use majorly merino wool.
The Poll Merinos are polled(no horns). The Horned Merino rams have spiral and longhorns.
Merino breed is excellent forager and adaptable to all climates.
The Merinos that are bred for meat, will not produce good wool.
Things to know
The origin of the word merino is believed to be from two sources, according to wikipedia –
- The name of Leonese official inspector(merino) over a merindad and also inspected sheep pastures. The word maiorinus – is head of the village also means greater.
- It may also from the “Imazighen tribe – the Marini” who intervened in the Iberian peninsula during the 12th and 13th centuries.
The meat and wool balanced breeds are German Merinofleischscha, South African Meat Merino and American Rambouillet
Merino sheep require regular shearing, else the sheep can’t survive. Once a year shearing is mandatory.
Merino Sheep characteristics
| Breed Name | Merino Sheep |
| Other Name | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Spain |
| Breed Purposeamerica | wool |
| Breed Size | medium |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 90 kg (200 lb) |
| Ewe(Female) | 70 kg (155 lb) |
| Kidding | single |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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