6.0 Bibliography Page 9
1.0 Introduction
This report will discuss the background, history, production uses and characteristics of Australia’s dual purpose sheep breed, The Polwarth. Also a recommendation of where the sheep is best suited to the environment.
2.0 The Polwarth
2.1 Background
Australia’s dual purpose wool producing and meat sheep, The Polwarth was first developed in 1880, in Victoria. It was named after Polwarth the region near Colac in Victoria (, 1999). The first breed was 75% Merino and 25% Lincoln bloodlines (, 2010). “They were developed in an attempt to extend the grazing territory of sheep because the Merino was found lacking in hardiness in this respect” (, 2010). Polwarth sheep are large, their wool is quiet fine also they produce a lean quality carcass , 2009).
The Polwarth Sheep breeders Association of Australia was formed in 1918.The studbook was closed in 1948, since the breed was guaranteed to maintain its genetic purity (, 2009).
2.2 History
“Since the original Polwarth’s were imported into Canterbury (New Zealand) in 1932, they are now established in a range of climates throughout the country. They thrive in a mix of hot and cold temperatures, with low to high rainfall, either hill and high country, or lowland environments” (, 2009). The Polwarth is bred mainly in higher rainfall districts of South East Australia as it is suited to that area (, ND). In fact one of the most flexible breeds available (, 2009).
2.3 Production Uses
The Polwarth is a dual purpose sheep which produces both a lean carcass and a high quality fleece. General characteristics of a carcass include reduced fat cover, good eye muscling in width, depth and area, early maturity and a GR rating of 3-6 average (, 2009).The Polwarth produces a high yielding, white, soft fleece. Their fleece measures between 23-25 microns (, 1999). Other characteristics of a fleece include dense, full fleece at 8 months, and low prickle factor (, 2009). (Refer to appendix 2)
2.4 Characteristics
The average weight for a mature ewe is 50 to 60kg and the average mature ram weight is 66 to 80kg.
- Breeding and Lambing
The Polwarth has very good mothering instinct and can be bred at any time of the year and ability to maintain body weights in extreme environment and good mothering with high lamb survival rate (, 2009). (Refer to appendix 4)
3.0 Recommendations
Even though this breed was established in Victoria it is a flexible breed. It can be breed in both hot and cold temperatures and low and high rainfall regions. Suitable areas for this breed would be all over Australia, though the most suitable in subtropical areas.
4.0 Conclusion
I believe the Polwarth is a great sheep to have. Not only does it produce high quality wool but a lean carcass as well and it has good mothering instinct. This breed can be bred all over Australia but most suitable for subtropical areas. The Polwarth is an overall hardy sheep with quality characteristics.
5.0 Appendices
1.
Polwarth
2.
Wool
3.
Labelled diagram of the Polwarth
4.
Polwarth lambs
5.
Australia Map
6.0 Bibliography
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Main Breeds of Sheep found in Coloured Flocks in Australia [Online], ND. Available: {accessed 17 Nov. 2010]
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Polwarth [Online], 15 May, 2009 – last update. Available: [Accessed 3 Nov. 2010]
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Polwarth [Online], 21 October, 1996 – last update. Available: [Accessed 20 Oct. 2010]
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Polwarth Sheep [Online], 1999 – last update. Available: [Accessed 20 Oct. 2010]
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Polwarth Sheep [Online], 2009 – last update. Available: [Accessed 19 Oct. 2010]
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Polwarth (Sheep) [Online], 30 September, 2010 – last update. Available: [Accessed 19 Oct. 2010]
