Australian Merino

Australian Merino
Head of a ram
Conservation status
Country of originAustralia
Distribution
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
Use
  • meat
  • wool
Traits
Horn status
Champion ram, 1913
Merino hoggets being drenched near Walcha, New South Wales

The Australian Merino is an Australian breed or group of breeds of sheep, forming a significant part of the Merino group of breeds. Its origins lie in Merino sheep imported to Australia from South Africa in about 1796. By about 1830 there were almost two million Merinos in the country.[3]: 746 

Using the skills of breeding and selection, the Australian Merino developed inline with Australia’s large variations in climatic conditions, management and husbandry techniques.[4] The Australian Merino produces a wool that is the world’s finest and softest.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference barb was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference dad was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference cabi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Evolution of the Australian Merino". Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  5. ^ "What is Merino wool & how is it made?". The Woolmark Company. Retrieved 20 September 2023.