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Developed in New Zealand for the prime meat trade, the South Hampshire is an intermediate between
it parent breeds. Experimental crossing of Southdown and Hampshire
began in the 1950s. Breeders wanted to develop a sheep with a firm handling carcase, more meat and less
fat. They placed emphasis on early maturity, rapid weight gain and fertility. Today there are 32 registered
flocks.
The wool — typically Down-type and free of black fibres — is used in hand-knitting yarns,
fine hosiery and flannels.
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Classification:
Meat breed used as a terminal crossing sire. Short Down wool.
Found:
Lowland areas.
Description:
Medium-to-large sheep, dark brown face, ears and legs with wool
on ears, legs and cheeks.
Numbers:
Under 10,000
Body weight:
50–60 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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