Merino sheep is a domestic sheep breed which first originated from Spain. These sheep are well known for their wool. Merino sheep are kept at home especially in Australia and New Zealand. In the 13th and 14th century, Merino sheep originated by breeding English sheep with local sheep. The nobility of the church owned most of the flocks of merino sheep. In summer, northern highlands were used for the grazing of merino sheep and in winters, the southern plain of Spain served the purpose. In the current century, these goats are available in most of the countries of the world.
Merino sheep are advantageous goats when we talk about wool production but there are some drawbacks too. The primary drawback of these sheep is the slow growth rate. These sheep take time to grow and become an adult. It ultimately leads to more expenditure on them. These sheep can easily surrender to the extreme climatic conditions. This is another major drawback. The cutting of their wool is not easy. Foot rot is commonly seen in these sheep which makes them less attractive. Plus these sheep are not good at breeding and have low lambing percentages. The fertility rate is slow.
The main advantage of merino sheep is wool production. Their wool once starts growing, it is hard to stop it and regular cutting is required. The primary purpose of keeping this breed is wool production. These sheep are strong and can survive in different climatic conditions. They are good at grazing fields. Meat production is another purpose which they serve. The wool obtained from this breed is of high quality and is sold on high prices. In the textile industry, the word “Merino” is used for the fabric made of their wool. Lean meat production is also commonly seen in this breed.
Merino sheep are beautiful by appearance and are medium sized. These goats are either horned or polled. The polled sheep have no horns at all or have small sized stubs i.e. called scurs. The horny sheep have long length horns that spiral in shape. The horns are close to their head. Their size is usually smaller than the other breeds of sheep. Talking about their weight, the average weight of an adult merino ewe sheep is 50 to 80 kg and the average weight of an adult merino ram is 80 to 105 kg. These sheep are hardy.
Merino sheep are of great importance from a commercial point of view. These sheep are excellent wool producers and lean meat producers. The Merino ewes are priced high and in between the range of $74 to $335. It is almost $178 per head. According to a research, merino ewes of age 1 to 2 years, having weight 60 kg are top priced up-to 2 lines of 200 NSM. The average price of merino wethers is $122/head and the price range is about $46 to $175. According to these prices, merino sheep are worth buying because they can easily pay off their investment.
Merino Sheep Wool Disadvantages
Merino sheep are advantageous goats when we talk about wool production but there are some drawbacks too. The primary drawback of these sheep is the slow growth rate. These sheep take time to grow and become an adult. It ultimately leads to more expenditure on them. These sheep can easily surrender to the extreme climatic conditions. This is another major drawback. The cutting of their wool is not easy. Foot rot is commonly seen in these sheep which makes them less attractive. Plus these sheep are not good at breeding and have low lambing percentages. The fertility rate is slow.
Merino Sheep Wool Advantages
The main advantage of merino sheep is wool production. Their wool once starts growing, it is hard to stop it and regular cutting is required. The primary purpose of keeping this breed is wool production. These sheep are strong and can survive in different climatic conditions. They are good at grazing fields. Meat production is another purpose which they serve. The wool obtained from this breed is of high quality and is sold on high prices. In the textile industry, the word “Merino” is used for the fabric made of their wool. Lean meat production is also commonly seen in this breed.
Merino Sheep Facts
Merino sheep are beautiful by appearance and are medium sized. These goats are either horned or polled. The polled sheep have no horns at all or have small sized stubs i.e. called scurs. The horny sheep have long length horns that spiral in shape. The horns are close to their head. Their size is usually smaller than the other breeds of sheep. Talking about their weight, the average weight of an adult merino ewe sheep is 50 to 80 kg and the average weight of an adult merino ram is 80 to 105 kg. These sheep are hardy.
Merino Sheep Price
Merino sheep are of great importance from a commercial point of view. These sheep are excellent wool producers and lean meat producers. The Merino ewes are priced high and in between the range of $74 to $335. It is almost $178 per head. According to a research, merino ewes of age 1 to 2 years, having weight 60 kg are top priced up-to 2 lines of 200 NSM. The average price of merino wethers is $122/head and the price range is about $46 to $175. According to these prices, merino sheep are worth buying because they can easily pay off their investment.
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