Dohne Merino
Breed Overview
Dohne Merino is a dual-purpose sheep breed developed to combine reliable wool production with improved growth and carcase traits. In Australia, the breed is used in commercial and breeding systems where both fleece performance and meat yield are economically relevant. Dohne Merino sheep are recognised for balanced productivity, structural soundness and suitability for large-scale pasture-based systems.
The Dohne Merino was originally developed in South Africa and later introduced into Australia, where it was further adapted through local selection. Australian breeding programs have focused on optimising fleece weight, fibre diameter stability, growth rate and reproductive efficiency. Selection relies on objective performance recording and genetic evaluation, allowing the breed to function effectively within modern data-driven sheep production systems.
Physical Characteristics
Dohne Merino sheep are medium to large-framed animals with a well-proportioned body, good muscling and sound legs. The breed exhibits a plain-bodied type with reduced skin wrinkle compared to traditional Merinos, supporting ease of management and animal welfare outcomes. Animals are typically polled.
The fleece is white, dense and relatively uniform, with fibre diameter positioned between fine-wool Merinos and broader dual-purpose types. Wool management is straightforward, with good fleece shedding characteristics and reduced risk of flystrike associated with lower wrinkle scores.
Production Performance
Dohne Merino is classified as a dual-purpose breed. Key production traits include:
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stable fleece weight with moderate fibre diameter,
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improved growth rates compared to traditional fine-wool Merinos,
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good carcase yield for a Merino-based genotype,
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structural robustness and longevity.
Wool produced by Dohne Merino is suitable for apparel and broader wool markets requiring balance between fibre fineness and fleece weight. Carcase characteristics are superior to fine-wool Merinos, with improved muscling and dressing percentage, though the breed is not positioned as a terminal meat type.
The breed demonstrates reliable reproductive performance, including consistent conception rates, good lamb survival and adequate maternal behaviour. These traits support its use in self-replacing flocks and dual-purpose production systems.
Production Systems and Breeding Use
Dohne Merino sheep are well adapted to extensive and semi-extensive pasture-based systems in temperate environments. They perform reliably under variable nutritional conditions and are suited to large-scale commercial operations prioritising balanced productivity rather than extreme specialisation.
In Australian breeding programs, Dohne Merino is used:
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as a self-replacing dual-purpose breed,
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to moderate fibre diameter while maintaining fleece weight,
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as a stabilising genotype in Merino-based production systems.
The breed is selected using genetic evaluation tools, including ASBVs, to align animals with defined production objectives.
Summary
Dohne Merino represents a genetically balanced dual-purpose breed within Australian sheep production. Its value lies in combining stable wool production with improved growth and carcase traits, making it suitable for commercial systems seeking efficiency and resilience rather than narrow specialisation.
FAQ
Dohne Merino is a dual-purpose breed, selected for balanced wool production and improved meat traits.
Compared to fine-wool Merinos, Dohne Merino shows higher growth rates, better muscling and a plainer body type, with moderately broader fibre.
Yes. The breed is commonly used in self-replacing systems due to its balanced reproduction and longevity.
Yes. Animals are typically polled.
The information provided on this site is general in nature and subject to change without notice. It does not constitute legal, veterinary, or professional advice. All services are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and health standards in the relevant jurisdictions.
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