Australian White sheep

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]

Young flock of ewe lambs

Flock in Mudgegonga, Victoria, Australia

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

1. 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.
2. "The Development of the Australian White Sheep Breed". Highveld International Sheep Breeders. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
3. Marlee Moore (28 October 2019). "Lamb Launch: Alabama Farmer Debuts Game-Changing Sheep Breed". alfafarmers.org. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
4. Cole, Hamish. "Tattykeel Australian white ram sells for $240k, smashing previous record". ABC News. ABC News. ABC News. Retrieved 13 April 2023.