A comprehensive sire evaluation trial rated as “gold standard” has provided evidence-based data on the Dohne breed’s profitable wool, carcase, reproduction and eating quality traits. Evaluated under the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA), the three-year Dohne trial benchmarked 12 Dohne sires and two Merino link sires across not only wool and carcase traits but also included new traits of udder and teat size, kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe joined, and intramuscular fat as a component of eating quality. Continue reading →

In their 20^th year of breeding Dohnes, the Kelly family of Glen Holme stud at Manoora were recently surprised with a career achievement - one of their rams topped a Merino Superior Sires index. The number one spot was in the Merino Lamb category in both the five-year update, ahead of 392 sires, and the all-time top 50, ahead of 648 sires. According to Sheep Genetics, the ML index is based on a production system where the majority of income is from sheepmeat production, particularly lambs, with some income from adult ewe wool clips. The index also focuses on genetic improvement of fleece weight, growth, lean meat yield, eating quality and reproduction, while reduced wrinkle is also included. Continue reading →

A self-replacing flock of Dohne merinos is playing a key role in a groundbreaking two-year study led by researchers at the University of New England (UNE). The study analyses a seaweed-based feed additive with the potential to reduce methane emissions by more than 50 per cent. Brian Shaw, Saumarez Ponds, near Armidale, runs 1000 Dohne Merino ewes, which produce about 130 per cent lambs from which he keeps 300 hoggets for flock replacements. Continue reading →