The Booroola Merino sheep is a strain of Merino sheep originated in Australia. It was developed by using the pre-existing Merino Flock of commercial sheep, which were intended for reproduction.
This strain of Merinos is known for it’s high rate of multiple births. And it’s prolificacy was studied extensively by New Zealand researchers, who provided one of the first examples of the practical application of gene mapping in sheep, by mapping the Booroola gene to chromosome 6.
The Booroola Merino sheep breed was actually started by Jack and Dick Seears of Booroola, Cooma. They used ewes from their Egelabra flock that gave multiple-births.
The breed was imported into the United States, and it has undergone extensive tests through U.S. Agricultural Research Stations. Read some more information about this sheep breed below.
Booroola Merino Sheep Characteristics
The Booroola Merino sheep are usually small sized animal. They have dense fleece, and both rams and ewes usually have horns.
They have an imposing appearance due to their horns and dense fleece. They have a white face which is free of dark fibers, and they usually have wool covering their entire body.
The Booroola Merino sheep are different from the usual Merino sheep in two important ways. First, their fertility and high rate of multiple births.
And second, they have the ability to breed at most times of the year (thus extending the breeding season). Photo and info from RaisingSheep.net and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Booroola Merino sheep are used for research and wool production purposes.
Special Notes
The Booroola Merino sheep are strong and hardy animals like the original Merino sheep. They are highly valued for their quality wool production.
They are known throughout the world for producing a thick and fine fleece. And for this reason, the breed is highly sought after for wool production. However, review full breed profile of these sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Booroola Merino |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Research, wool |
| Special Notes | Strong and hardy, highly valued for their quality wool production, produce thick and fine fleece, the breed is known for it’s high rate of multiple births, highly prolific, can breed throughout the year |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | Almost all climates |
| Color | White |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Australia |
