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The South Dorset Down became a popular fat-lamb sire in the 1950s shortly after the re-introduction
of Dorset Downs. Southdown ewes were mated to Dorset Down rams and the resultant
crossbred became so popular it was registered as a breed in 1956.
The South Dorset Down reaches maturity at a rate second only to the Southdown
and its larger carcase is suited for the prime lamb export trade. There are 200 registered flocks grazing
fertile lowland pastures.
The fine Down-type wool is used for hosiery apparels and hand-knitting yarns. Wool from slaughtered
crossbred prime lambs comprises a large part of New Zealand's "slipe" production. The skins
are chemically treated at the meatworks enabling the wool to be "sloughed" or "sliped"
off.
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Classification:
Meat breed used as a terminal crossing sire.
Found:
Widespread throughout New Zealand.
Description:
Medium-sized sheep with brown face, ears and legs generally covered
with wool.
Numbers:
58,000
Body weight:
50–55 kg
Wool production:
Fibre diameter 25–28 microns
Staple length 50–75
mm
Fleece weight 2–3 kg
Lamb production:
100–120 per cent
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