Dohne Merino

The Dohne Merino is a synthetic, dual-purpose Merino developed by the South African Department of Agriculture using Peppin-style Merino ewes and German Mutton Merino sires. The progeny were interbred and selected for high fertility, rapid lamb growth rate, and fine Merino wool under commercial rangeland conditions.

The breeding program was initiated in 1939 and the Breed Society was formed in 1966. Selection since 1970 has been done with the aid of performance and progeny testing and comprehensive production records. All recorded animals are maintained in a computerised flock recording scheme. The Dohne Merino is one of the leading woolled breeds in South Africa.

Breed categories: dual-purpose, fine wool / Distribution: South Africa, Australia, New Zealand