SINCE ITS inception (South Africa 1939) the aim of the Dohne has been well defined, with the breeding objective to improve meat, wool and reproductive traits.

The initial cross was between a Peppin Merino and the German Mutton Merino. This was a “one off” cross and progeny were interbred and selected for high fertility, rapid lamb growth, mothering abilities and the production of quality Merino wool.

The Dohne presented a very different alternative for Australian sheep producers. The breed was first introduced to Australia in 1998 and the Australian breed society formed in 2000.

With emphasis on both meat and wool traits, it presented the opportunity to have a true dual purpose sheep, which provided an alternative to the fine or medium wool Merinos, and specialist prime lamb breeds or composites that have been traditionally used in sheep enterprises.

The maternal qualities of the Dohne ewe proved perfect for Australian conditions. They are survivors – resilient and fertile. They are natural mothers who produce quality apparel Merino wool and rear high performance lambs.

Full pedigree, modern objective breeding techniques coupled with stringent subjective classing to maintain breed standards have been the foundation of the Dohne’s success.

The following economic traits are recorded:
• Body Weight at weaning and post weaning,
• Wool Weight and Fibre Diameter at post weaning,
• Eye Muscle Depth and Fat Depth at post weaning.

Ethically, as an apparel wool producer the Dohne stands alone with a natural bare breech eliminating the need for mulesing.

The popularity of the breed has seen the Dohne spread to all major sheep producing countries: the South Americas, New Zealand and minor sheep producing countries: Russia, North America, China.

President’s Message

JOHN NADIN ADBA President

OTHER BREEDS have been trying to emulate the Dohne, but the rigid breeding philosophy of nearly 100 years puts the Dohne a long way ahead.

The Dohne is a credible breed recognised and respected throughout the industry. This has come about by members producing a quality product and an active council upholding the founding objectives.

Dohne breeders are to be congratulated on their sale results for 2017 amidst a bullish wool market. Nationally, 2669 rams sold at auction for a 91% clearance and a $1603 average.

Regardless of the current wool market, commercial Dohne breeders realise the importance of the ‘whole’ economic package; their wool achieves the same price as the traditional Merino, they mark and wean 20-30% more lambs and the ‘doing ability’ is second to none.

The Dohne’s maternal, growth, meat and fertility traits make it suited to various self-replacing production systems. This versatility has the Dohne responsible for the improvement in the maternal
characteristics of the Australian sheep flock.

Fertility is the ultimate profit driver. Net Lambs Born (NLB) EBV advantage of Dohne rams that have entered the Merino Superior Sires comparison, averages 22% higher than the Merino.

The Dohne tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Chile is shaping up to be a magnificent event and I have encouraged both stud and commercial Breeders to attend.

The real dual-purpose attributes coupled with fertility and hardiness has seen the Dohne become a major influence globally.