Australian White sheep explained

The Australian White (AUW) sheep breed, originating from Australia, is known for its coarse wool and specialization in mutton production. This breed combines genetic traits from four distinct sheep breeds: Dorper, Van Rooy, Polled Dorset, and Texel. AUW sheep offer advantages such as strong stress resistance, rapid growth, and are low-maintenance animals. With applications in both meat and wool production, AUW sheep present an opportunity for crossbreeding with local sheep varieties, aiming to enhance meat quality and boost production efficiency[1]

The Australian White is an Australian breed of meat sheep. It derives from selective breeding of White Dorper, Van Rooy, Poll Dorset and Texel sheep, with the aim of creating a large white sheep suited to Australian conditions, and with a self-shedding hair coat.[2]

History

Three breeders – Baringa, Highveld and Tattykeel - collaborated to create the breed.

In 2011 the Australian White sheep breed was shown at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for the first time.

In 2019 the breed was introduced into the USA.[3]

In 2022 an Australian White ram was sold for AU$240,000, thought to be a record price for a meat sheep. [4]

Notes and References

  1. Su . Peng . Wu . Hui . Huang . Yangming . Lu . Xiaofang . Yin . Jing . Zhang . Qingfeng . Lan . Xianyong . 2023-10-15 . The Hoof Color of Australian White Sheep Is Associated with Genetic Variation of the MITF Gene . Animals . en . 13 . 20 . 3218 . 10.3390/ani13203218 . free . 2076-2615 . 10603658 . 37893942.
  2. Web site: The Development of the Australian White Sheep Breed. Highveld International Sheep Breeders. 28 January 2020.
  3. Web site: Lamb Launch: Alabama Farmer Debuts Game-Changing Sheep Breed . 28 October 2019 . 13 February 2020 . Marlee Moore . alfafarmers.org.
  4. News: Cole . Hamish . Tattykeel Australian white ram sells for $240k, smashing previous record . 13 April 2023 . ABC News . ABC News . ABC News.