Corriedale

Corriedale sheep being fed on a Montana ranch

Mustering Corriedales in Patagonia

Corriedale sheep are a dual purpose breed, meaning they are used both in the production of wool and meat. The Corriedale is the oldest of all the crossbred breeds, a Merino-Lincoln cross developed almost simultaneously in Australia and New Zealand^[1] and first brought to the United States in 1914. The Corriedale is internationally farmed, including in Australia, Patagonia and the United States of America.

Appearance and behaviour

Corriedale have a long life span, and are hardy and evenly balanced all over the body. Corriedales are docile, easy care mothers, with high fertility. They adapt well to a wide range of climate conditions. They are large framed and plain bodied, hornless and have a broad body. Corriedales produce a thick stapled, bulky fleece, which is popular with spinners and can be used for a range of handspun garments. Their dense fleece is medium-fine and high yielding, with good length and softness, somewhat between medium wool and long wool. Corriedale lambs produce good quality carcases and have a high pelt value.

The Corriedale produces bulky, high-yielding wool ranging from 31.5 to 24.5 microns. Fleece from a mature ewe will weigh 10 to 17 lb (4.5 to 7.7 kg) with a staple length of 3.5 to 6.0 in (8.9 to 15 cm). After cleaning, a yield of 50 to 60% of the raw fleece weight is common. Mature rams will weigh 175 to 275 lb (79 to 125 kg), ewes can weigh from 130 to 180 lb (59 to 82 kg).^[2]

History

This breed was developed in Australia and New Zealand by extensive breeding and culling as a cross between Merino and Lincoln sheep.^[3] The goal was to develop a breed that would thrive in lower rainfall areas and supply long staple wool. James Little was the original breeder and the name comes from a property in the South Island, where he conducted his work under the encouragement of NZALC superindent, William Soltau Davidson.^[4]

The breed was developed between 1868 and 1910. As a dual purpose breed of sheep (good for meat and wool), the Corriedale breed was gradually distributed to many of the sheep-raising areas in the world. For example, the first Corriedales came to the United States in 1914.^[2] The Corriedale was later used as one of the parents of the U.S.-developed Targhee breed.

References

External links

• Australian Corriedale Association