Merino long wool sheep

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The merino long wool sheep is a productive breed of domestic sheep that is suitable for producing lambs rich in meat and combable semi- fine wool . It is a variant of the merino sheep .

Breeding history

The breeding and distribution area of ​​the medium to large framed merino long wool sheep is currently in Thuringia . The still relatively young breed (breeding started in 1971) is the result of a combination crossing with the following gene proportions: 50% Merino sheep (mother base), 25% North Caucasian beef sheep , 25% Lincoln or Corriedale . The crossbreeding of the North Caucasian meat wool sheep led to an increase in the wool yield and an improvement in the amount of wool on the belly and flanks. The breeding use of Lincoln and Corriedale had a beneficial effect on the framing of the animals, the shape of the meat and the length of the pile .

After 1990, the changed market situation required the breeding measures to be geared towards improving meat performance (in terms of quantity and quality). That is why Merino rams are used to refresh their blood. This increased the proportion of genes in the Merino landscape.

Breeding goal

The adaptable and robust sheep is suitable for year-round forage use on the pasture in combination with night pen keeping .

The merino long wool sheep has a long back, sufficient depth, good muscles and a strong foundation. Ewes are expected to have good suckling performance and excellent maternal characteristics. The first admission is possible at the age of eight to twelve months. Merino long wool sheep are out of season in their heat behavior. High quality slaughter lambs are produced in pure breeding or crossbreeding .

The wool is puckered and balanced in fineness and length. The fleece should be stacked well and tight.

Wool performance and quality

  • Sweat wool
    • Breeding rams: 6.0–8.0 kg
    • Ewes: 4.0–6.0 kg
  • Wool fineness: 28–32 micrometers
  • Yield: 48-55%

Live weight, lambing results and fattening performance results of the lambs

See also

literature

  • Fischer, A. (2003): German sheep breeds. - In: Strittmatter, K .; Fischer, A .; Kaulfuss, K.-H .; Nitter, G .; Puls, H .: sheep breeding. - Stuttgart (Ulmer): 88-118