South African sheep breeds: Merino

SCOPE: This Info-pack provides a brief description of the Merino sheep breed. KEY WORDS: Type, Origin, Description, Production, Products, Distribution, Numbers.

Recommended citation: Snyman, M.A., 2014. South African sheep breeds : Merino sheep. Info-pack ref. 2014/022. Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute.

Type Wool breed.

Photo: Willem Olivier

Origin of the breed The Merino’s history in South Africa can be traced back to 1789, when the Dutch Government donated two Spanish Merino rams and four Spanish Merino ewes to Colonel Jacob Gordon, the military commander at the Cape. Later introductions (1891 onwards) included American Vermont and the Australian Wanganella and Peppin Merinos. It was soon clear that the Australian varieties were more suited to South African conditions and these formed the bulk of the Merino imports in the early years. Selection for adaptive and functional traits over a period of 200 years led to the emergence of the South African Merino – a locally developed breed that is on a par with the best of the world. The SA Merino's locally developed status is supported by the fact that it is the only sheep in the world that can produce 10 to 15% of its own live weight in clean wool.

In 1937 the Merino Breeders’ Society (now Merino S.A.) was founded and serves as the mutual forum for stud and commercial Merino farmers as well as the planner and mouthpiece of all Merino activities in South Africa.

Photo: Willem Olivier

Description The Merino is a medium frame white wool sheep. Different lines or genotypes within the Merino breed exist in South Africa, mainly differing with regard to skin development (pleats) and fibre diameter. Rams usually have horns and ewes usually are polled. However, there is also a polled variety, where both rams and ewes are polled. Merino wool has a uniform crimp, soft handle and is free from deviating or coarse and coloured fibres.

Production norms Production of the Grootfontein Merino ram and ewe lambs

Trait Rams Ewes 12-month weight (kg) 48.7 45.1 16-month weight (kg) 59.8 53.7

Fibre diameter (µm) 18.2 18.3 Greasy fleece weight (kg) 4.2 4.4 Clean fleece weight (kg) 3.3 2.8 Staple length (mm) 108.5 106.1 Clean yield (%) 71.1 62.9

Staple strength (N/Ktex) 34.9 33.6 Production of the Cradock fine wool Merino ram and ewe lambs

Trait Rams Ewes Birth weight (kg) 4.9 4.6

Weaning weight (kg) 29.5 27.4 12-month weight (kg) 63.3 49.9

15-month weight (kg) 69.2 54.2

Greasy fleece weight (kg) 6.4 5.4 Clean fleece weight (kg) 5.0 4.3

Fibre diameter (µm) 18.7 18.5 Staple length (mm) 67.5 69.5

Clean yield (%) 104.1 102.2 Staple strength (N/Ktex) 40.8 43.9

Production of Merino flock ewes at Grootfontein

Trait Average Body weight (kg) 51.0 Greasy fleece weight (kg) 5.4 Clean fleece weight (kg) 3.5 Fibre diameter (µm) 21.6

Clean yield (%) 65.2 Staple length (mm) 87.6

Products In Merino sheep, 60% of the income is generated through meat production and 40% through wool production.

Photo: Flickr.com

• Meat - Lambs do not accumulate fat at an early age and animals can therefore be marketed at a later age and higher body weight. The fine grain allows for meat of a delicate flavour and tender texture after cooking.

• Wool - Wool is used in blending with other fabrics, manufacturing of medical applications, health garments, protective clothing and aerospace products. Merino wool is odourless, price competitive, has natural UV protection, breathability and moisture management. It is machine washable and tumble-dries perfectly.

Role in breed development The Merino contributed to the development of the following local breeds:

• Afrino

• Dohne Merino.

Photo: Merinosa.co.za

Normal production environment The SA Merino is found in the drier Northern Cape Province, on the fertile lands of the winter rainfall areas of the Western Cape and in the Karooveld and Grassveld areas of the Eastern Cape and Free State. Well-known Merino breeders with large top quality flocks are also found in the East Griqualand of KwaZulu-Natal and most parts of Mpumalanga. Breed numbers The Merino is by far the largest sheep breed in South Africa with 11.25 million sheep and that makes up over 50% of the total number of sheep in South Africa. References This info-pack was compiled from various sources of information. The text may contain extracts from the following: www.merinosa.co.za