Education Research Sheep Booroola Merino

Booroola Merino: Wool Educational Material for the Clothing Industry

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The educational information listed in this section has graciously been provided by the American Sheep Industry Association

The Booroola Merino was developed in Australia from a single commercial Merino Flock selected for reproduction. A single major allele (called FecB) was identified in this flock that has a major influence on prolificacy. In Australia, and New Zealand, the homozygous state (FecBB) results in ovulation rates of five or more, with a heterozygote (FecB+) producing ovulation rates of three or four. The breed has been imported to the U.S. and has been tested widely at U.S. Agricultural Research Stations. The breed is small-sized and slow-growing with a white face and wool extension down the legs. They produce a dense, fine-wool fleece.

MATURE BODY WEIGHT
90-130 lb

AVERAGE fiber DIAMETER
Micron 18-23
USDA Wool Grade NA

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT
9-15 lb

YIELD
55-70%

STAPLE LENGTH
3-4

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