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The South Suffolk first appeared in New Zealand during the 1930s in response to overseas demand for
leaner meat. It is a New Zealand breed developed in Canterbury by a Southdown stud breeder, George Gould,
who was also responsible for introducing Suffolks to this country. Gould wanted a specialist breed to
meet the requirements of a price schedule for prime lamb cuts that carried penalties for too much fat.
The breed incorporates the quick maturity and carcase shape of the Southdown
and the high flesh-to-fat ration of the Suffolk.
The South Suffolk became a registered breed in 1958 and is being used increasingly as a terminal
sire for fat-lamb production.
The typically Down wool is used for fine apparels and hand-knitting yarns.
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Classification:
Meat breed used as a terminal crossing sire. Short Down wool
with some pigmented fibres. High yielding carcase, ideal for further processing.
Found:
Throughout New Zealand.
Description:
Medium-sized sheep with dark brown face, ears and legs free from
wool.
Numbers:
94,000
Body weight:
Ewes: 60–75 kg
Rams: 80–100 kg
Wool production:
Fibre diameter 27–33 microns
Staple length 50–75
mm
Fleece weight 2–3 kg
Lamb production:
130–160 per cent
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