Merino Sheep

The Merino is by far the most important sheep breed in South Africa. According to official estimates there are presently about 30,5 million sheep in the Republic and National States of which 24,2 mil. or 79,4% are woolled sheep. Although no exact figures are available, it can be accepted that the vast majority of the latter are Merinos and Merino derivates.

The Merino is of great importance to South Africa’s prosperity, earning more than US $ 200 million annually in foreign exchange from wool exports, granting employment opportunities to thousands of inhabitants and clothing and feeding millions. South Africa is not richly endowed with agricultural resources but, by the utilization of genetic resources such as the Merino, a livestock industry comparable to the best in the world has been established.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

There are more than 27 000 wool producers (mostly Merino) in South Africa producing a total of just over 100 mil. kg of wool. Production per producer varies considerably with the 290;0 bigger growers producing more than 80% of the entire wool clip. The average production per sheep is roughly 4,5 kg. The number of annual slaughterings comprises about one-third of the total sheep population giving a meat yield of just over 6 kg per sheep.

The majority of Merino sheep are found in the semi-arid summer rainfall areas which are characterised by times of plenty and times of extreme scarcity. Although relatively small, the winter rainfall area with its established pastures is renowned for Merino sheep production because of the very high yields achieved.