The Polwarth sheep is an Australian domestic sheep variety. This breed was established in Victoria in the year 1880. It is a hybrid between the Lincoln and Merino sheep breeds.
The Lincoln genetics make up 25% of the breed, while Merino genetics make up 75%. This breed was established in an attempt to increase the grazing territory of sheep, as the Merino breed was observed to be lacking in toughness in this regard.
The Polwarth sheep were originally recognized as Dennis Comebacks and were grown by Richard Dennis of Trandwarncoort in southwest Victoria. Outside its country of origin, the breed has been transported to many countries. It was especially popular in South America, where these creatures are recognized as "Ideals."
Polwarth Sheep Origin
When the Lincoln and Merino sheep breeds were combined in Australia in the late 18th century, Polwarth sheep were established. This mixture was intended to try to enhance the Merino's toughness so that they could graze more places. This was a remarkable accomplishment because Polwarths can now grow in a broad range of climates and have been shipped even beyond the Falkland Islands and South America.
They were imported into New Zealand in 1932 and made ideal to the farmers throughout the country by adapting to heat and cold atmospheric conditions, mountainous and lowlands areas.
Polwarth Sheep Facts
The breed is moderate in size with fully grown ewes weigh approximately 50 and 60 kg and adult rams weigh around 66 and 80 kg. Wool can weigh between 6 - 7 kg and have a fiber diameter of 23–25 microns. The wool is completely white, extra long, crimpy, and yieldy, and it is fine and supple enough to wear next to the skin.
Polwarth sheep have a variety of qualities that contribute to their popularity among farmers. Ewes can breed all year, have a relatively high prevalence of twin births than other breeds, and have a good motherhood ability. Lambs with skinny carcasses are famous in the meat export industry. When combined with the high top notch wool produced, the Polwarth sheep is a dual intent animal that generates one of the highest returns of any breed.
Polwarth Sheep Weight
Fully grown adult ewes weigh around 50–60 kg (110–130 pounds), and young healthy rams weigh approximately 66–80 kg (146 -176 pounds).
Polwarth Sheep Meat Quality
Polwarth sheep are dual-purpose animals that can be used for both meat and wool. They produce fine quality lean meat that is regarded as high-quality in the meat industry.
Polwarth Sheep Wool Quality
Polwarth wool possesses several desirable characteristics. The long staple length makes twirling and felting convenient, but also results in a solid, sleek, and velvety yarn with an excellent stitch concept that dyes well and can be knitted into a beautiful fabric. Polwarth fiber can also be mixed with other thin fibers such as angora, baby alpaca, and mohair.
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