The Australian White (AUW) sheep breed, originating from Australia, is known for its coarse wool and specialization in mutton production. This breed combines genetic traits from four distinct sheep breeds: Dorper, Van Rooy, Polled Dorset, and Texel. AUW sheep offer advantages such as strong stress resistance, rapid growth, and are low-maintenance animals. With applications in both meat and wool production, AUW sheep present an opportunity for crossbreeding with local sheep varieties, aiming to enhance meat quality and boost production efficiency[1]
The Australian White is an Australian breed of meat sheep. It derives from selective breeding of White Dorper, Van Rooy, Poll Dorset and Texel sheep, with the aim of creating a large white sheep suited to Australian conditions, and with a self-shedding hair coat.[2]
History
Three breeders – Baringa, Highveld and Tattykeel - collaborated to create the breed.[2]
In 2011 the Australian White sheep breed was shown at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for the first time.[citation needed]
In 2019 the breed was introduced into the USA.[3]
In 2022 an Australian White ram was sold for AU$240,000, thought to be a record price for a meat sheep. [4]
References
- ^ Su, Peng; Wu, Hui; Huang, Yangming; Lu, Xiaofang; Yin, Jing; Zhang, Qingfeng; Lan, Xianyong (15 October 2023). "The Hoof Color of Australian White Sheep Is Associated with Genetic Variation of the MITF Gene". Animals. 13 (20): 3218. doi:10.3390/ani13203218. ISSN 2076-2615. PMC 10603658. PMID 37893942.
- ^ a b "The Development of the Australian White Sheep Breed". Highveld International Sheep Breeders. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
- ^ Marlee Moore (28 October 2019). "Lamb Launch: Alabama Farmer Debuts Game-Changing Sheep Breed". alfafarmers.org. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ Cole, Hamish. "Tattykeel Australian white ram sells for $240k, smashing previous record". ABC News. ABC News. ABC News. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
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