The Merino makes up numerically the largest sheep breed in South Africa with approximately
18 million country wide. Development of the breed started approximately 200 years
ago and has been accelerated by the introduction of genetics from Australia. The South
African Merino is plainer than the Australian Merino and fold development is moderate
to suit South African conditions. Under extensive conditions ewes have a wool clip
of 6-8 kg (approximately 13-18 lbs) and rams 9-12 kg (approximately 20-26 lbs). These
masses are considerably higher under ideal conditions. Average wool fiber diameter
is 21.7 microns.
References
Select Genes Ltd., PO Box 494, Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa.