South African Meat Merino
The Dohne is a dual purpose breed developed by the South African Department of Agriculture using Peppin strain merino ewes and German mutton merino sire. The progeny were interbred and selected for high fertility, rapid lamb growth and fine wool. The first Dohnes were imported in 1997 and have impressed Australian breeders with their high fertility and ability to produce faster growing prime lambs without compromising wool production. In 2004 there were around 4,300 ewes in the national flock.
Further information is available from:
Prime SAMM Breeders’ Society Australia:
ABRI
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351
www.samm.com.au
