Tukidale
The Tukidale breed was developed in New Zealand from a mutant Romney ram that showed the dominant medullated (or hairy) gene distinctive of carpet wool sheep. Two Tukidale rams were introduced to Australia in 1975 and mated to Romney ewes.
From this small start, Tukidales have spread from New South Wales to Victoria and South Australia, with small numbers in other states.
The Tukidale is a very robust and hardy sheep that can produce prime lambs in areas of good rainfall and pasture conditions. They are horned, of medium fertility, with chalky white wool that is highly medullated and harsh to handle. Fibre diameter can be more than 35 microns. These characteristics give Carpets resilience, hard wearing qualities and the ability to accept dyes readily. The wool grows at approximately 2.5cm per month and needs shearing every six months.
Further information is available from:
The Secretary
Tukidale Sheep Society of Australia Inc
“Blackwood Park North”
1300 Hopkins Highway
Purnim VIC 3278