The Booroola Merino originated in Australia by using the pre-existing Merino Flock of commercial sheep, which were intended for reproduction. This distinguished breed is a unique strain of Merinos known for typically producing multiple births.
Multiple Births in Booroola Merinos
The Merino flock that developed into the Booroola Merino was identified to have a prominent allele known as FecB – a gene which has been discovered to produce multiple births.
In Booroola Merinos (or any other breed of sheep for that matter) which exhibit a homozygous genotype of this allele, ewes experience rates of ovulation which can quadruple (or more).
The Booroola Merino sheep breed in Australia and New Zealand often have this homozygous genotype and as a result the ewes are highly sought after in flocks that value production.
The United States imported the breed and the Booroola Merino has undergone extensive tests through U.S. Agricultural Research Stations.
More About the Booroola Merino Breed
Though this breed is typically small in size and lambs are known to develop slowly, their prolific nature and ultra-fine fleece make them a desirable breed.
Due to their horns and dense fleece Booroola Merino rams are quite striking when mature, offering an imposing appearance.
The Booroola Merino typically has wool covering its entire body and has a white face which is free of dark fibers. The merino is known around the world for producing a thick, fine fleece and as a result this breed is highly sought after for wool production.
Booroola Merino Sheep Breed Info.
| MATURE BODY WEIGHT | 90-130 lbs. |
| AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER | Micron: 18-23 USDA Wool Grade: N/A |
| GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT | 9-15 lbs. |
| YIELD | 55-70% |
| STAPLE LENGTH | 3-4” |
For more information about Merinos, visit the World Federation of Merino Breeders website.