Comeback Sheep Characteristics, Origin, Uses

The Comeback sheep is a type of domestic sheep which was originated from Australia. It was first developed by crossing a British long-wool cross back to Merino sheep.

But more recently, the type has been produced by crossing some popular sheep breeds such as the Corriedale and Polwarth with the Merino.

Main aim of the cross was to develop a finer, better style of wool. Wool of the Comeback sheep style is also produced by Cormo, Bond and Polwarth sheep. And these breeds may prove easier to breed than the Comebacks.

Today, Australia has approximately three million sheep of this breed which are mainly concentrated in cool wet areas.

Currently the breed is raised as a dual-purpose animal for producing both meat and wool. Read some more information about this breed below.

Comeback Sheep Characteristics

The Comeback sheep are medium to large sized animals with beautiful appearance. They are mainly white in color, and are similar to the Merino sheep in appearance.

But they don’t have neck folds. Both rams and ewes are either horned or polled. Both ewes and rams weight around 4.5 kg on average at birth.

Average live body weight of the mature Comeback rams is around 90 kg. And the mature ewe’s average live body weight is around 60 kg. Photo and info from ansi.okstate.edu and Wikipedia.

Uses

The Comeback sheep breed was developed mainly as a wool sheep breed. But today, the are raised as a dual-purpose animal and good for both wool and meat production.

Special Notes

The Comeback sheep are very strong and hardy animals. They are even superior than their true bred ancestors.

They are well adapted to the high rainfall districts in Australia. They were developed first mainly for wool production. But today they are also good for meat production.

Wool of the Comeback sheep is of very good quality with a staple length of the bulky wool is 4.3 inches with an average fiber diameter of 21 to 25 microns.

Along with wool production, the breed is also very good for meat production. However, review full breed profile of the Comeback sheep in the following chart.

Breed NameComeback
Other NameNone
Breed PurposeMeat and wool
Special NotesVery hardy and strong animals, well suited to native climates, superior than their ancestors, well adapted to the high rainfall districts in Australia, developed mainly for wool production, but also good for meat production, wool and meat is of good quality
Breed SizeMedium
WeightVary from 60 to 90 kg
HornsEither horned or polled
Climate ToleranceLocal climates
ColorWhite
RarityCommon
Country/Place of OriginAustralia

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