The Polwarth is a dual-purpose sheep, developed in Victoria in 1880. It is 75 percent Merino and 25 percent Lincoln. Polwarths are well suited to areas with improved pastures and are mainly found in the higher rainfall districts of southern Australia. The breed has been successfully exported to many countries, particularly South America where they are know as "Ideals".

 

The Polwarth breed contains both polled and horned sheep with the polled types predominating. It is large framed, robust, and produces a high-yielding, soft-handling fleece of 22-25 micron fiber diameter. Much of the emphasis within the breed has been directed towards developing and improving the wool aspects.

 

The Polwarth yields a uniformly lean carcass suitable to a number of export markets. Mated to selected meat-breed rams, Polwarth ewes make good prime-lamb dams.

 

 

References

Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation, 1989, 3rd Edition