Merino Sheep Characteristics, Origin, Uses

The Merino sheep is a very important and popular breed of domestic sheep. It was originated in Spain and it is highly prized for it’s wool.

The modern Merino sheep were domesticated in Australia and New Zealand. Sheep were introduced by the Phoenicians from Asia Minor into North Africa.

And the foundation stocks of the Merino might have been introduced by the Marinids, a tribe of Berbers in Spain as late as the twelve century.

Although there were reports of the breed in the Iberian peninsula before the arrival of the Marinids; perhaps these came from the Merinos or tax collectors of the Kingdom of León, who charged the tenth in wool, beef jerky and cheese.

The Spanish breeders introduced English sheep breeds, which they used and bred with the local sheep breeds for developing the Merino sheep in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

This influence was openly documented by the Spanish writers at the time. Most of the flocks of these animals were owned by nobility or the church. And the flock grazed the southern plains of Spain in winter and the northern highlands in summer.

The Merino sheep is the foundation stock of many well known and modern sheep breeds. And today, they are available in many countries, almost throughout the world. Read some more information about this sheep breed below.

Merino Sheep Full Breed Information

Here we are listing full breed information about this popular sheep breed including characteristics, uses etc.

Physical Characteristics

Merino sheep are medium sized animals with very beautiful appearance. They can be either polled or horned. The polled version has no horns, or has a very small stubs, known as scurs.

And the horned version has long and spiral horns, which grow close to the head. Carcass size of these animals is usually smaller than that of the meat sheep breeds.

As a medium sized animal, average live body weight of the mature rams is around 80-105 kg. And the mature ewes on average weight around 55-80 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.

Uses

Merino sheep are wool sheep breed. They are raised primarily for wool production. But they are also good for meat production.

Special Notes

The Merino sheep are strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to almost all climates and they are excellent forager.

They need to be shorn at least once a year because their wool does not stop growing. If the coat is allowed to grow, it can cause heat stress, mobility issues and blindness.

Wool of these animals is of very good quality, and the term ‘merino’ is widely used in the textile industries. Along with wool production, the breed is also pretty good for the production of lean meat.

However, review full breed profile of the Merino sheep in the following chart.

Breed Name	Merino
Other Name	None
Breed Purpose	Meat and wool
Special Notes	Very hardy and strong animals, well adapted to almost all climates, excellent foragers, need to be shorn at least once a year, wool is of very good quality, pretty good for meat production
Breed Size	Medium
Weight	Ewes weight around 55-80 kg, and mature ram’s weight can vary from 80 to 105 kg
Horns	Yes or polled
Climate Tolerance	Native climates
Color	White
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	Spain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Merino is a breed or group of breeds of domestic sheep found in many countries around the world. It is an ancient breed which was developed in the 12th Century. It is easily characterized by it’s very fine and soft wool. Recently, some people have started asking more about this breed of sheep. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What is Merino sheep known for?

Merino sheep is known mainly for it’s excellent wool quality.

When the Merino breed developed?

This sheep breed was developed near the beginning of the 12ty Century.

From where the Merino breed originated?

The Merino breed was originated from Spain.

Can Merino sheep live in the US?

Yes, there are some varieties of Merino available which are found in the United States.

Why are Merino sheep the best?

The Merinos are best mainly for their longevity and strong flocking instinct.

Are Merino sheep used for meat?

The Merinos are mainly kept and used for producing high quality wool, but they are also good for producing meat.

Can you eat Merino sheep?

YES, but the Merinos are mainly raised for their very high quality wool.

Why do farmers keep Merino sheep?

For fine quality wool.

Are the Merino breed easy to raise?

YES, the Merinos are very easy to raise. They are very friendly and easy to handle.

What do you feed Merino sheep?

The Merinos are mainly fed on grasses and other similar plants.

Are the Merinos heat tolerant?

YES, they have a high heat tolerance.

What are the disadvantages of Merino wool?

Even though Merino is a fantastic temperature-managing fabric, it tends to be delicate. Much of the ultralight apparel (140 – 180 GSM) is especially weak since it is thin. And, with excessive use and over-washing, holes can sometimes form.

Is Merino wool itchy?

NO! They don’t irritate or itch.

Which country has the most Merinos?

Australia. Australia developed the modern Merino. And Australia has the most advanced wool industry in the world.

Do Merino sheep taste good?

YES, the Merino lam has come out tops in a trial testing the eating quality of sheep breeds.

How many lambs do Merino sheep have?

A female Merino may have 1-3 lambs per kidding.

How much wool does a Merino sheep produce?

A Saxon Merino can produce around 3–6 kg of greasy wool a year.

Do female Merinos have horns?

In most strains of the Merinos, the males have horns while the females are horn- less.

What is the Merino sheep color?

White.

What are the uses of Merino breed of sheep?

The Merinos are mainly raised for their fine wool production. They are also good for producing high quality meat.