Composite Breeds
A number of Australian sheep breeds have been based on the Merino. The two main composite breeds are Corriedale and Polwarth, both of which evolved as dual-purpose breeds in the late 1800s. There are three other Merino-based composite breeds: Bond, Comeback and Cormo. The Gromark, and Perendale are composite dual-purpose breeds based on established meat breeds, and have gained only limited popularity. Carpet-wool sheep, the Tukidale, Drysdale and, to a lesser extent the Elliotdale from Tasmania, are creating some farmer interest.