Sheep: Drysdale

Breed traits

The "friendly sheep".  The charming features of the Drysdale its friendliness and appearance. They have a confident, attractive air, being handsome and strong. They are intelligent, good natured and hardy.

Shorn twice a year, both clips yield a generous fleece. It is white wool without lustre and has plenty of spring. Regarded as a wool breed,, the good robust frame and solidarity of these sheep yields a good carcass having full flavour and a good meaty carcase.

The wool spins beautifully, and is sought after by hand spinners. The wool is believed to be the strongest of all sheep, and wears extra well, giving a lot of service. It is ideal for army berets, blankets, and emergency blankets and strong felt products such as for refugee camps, and adventuring products for mountaineers and Antarctic scientists.

The good robust frame and solidarity of these sheep yields a good carcass too. The wool is medullated, without crimp and about 40 microns to low 40's. Insulation is another use for this wool.

A delightful breed, useful, good-looking and friendly!

History

The history of the Drysdale begins with Dr. Francis Dry of Massey University in New Zealand who had been researching the hairy gene in sheep. He acquired a Romney ram in 1931 for its hairy fleece, and using Romneys and Cheviots he kept the trait dominant. The result was the Drysdale, a breed that needs shearing twice a year and whose long coarse wool is well suited for carpets and upholstery. The wool also proved useful in electrical environments where static electricity was a problem, when developing electronics (computers).

The T gene causing the coarse wool means both genders are horned. The rams have far bigger horns than the ewes.

History in Australia

During the 1970's Drysdales were brought to Australia from New Zealand. After initial popularity, the wool collapse in the 1980's impacted on the breed and the numbers dropped dramatically. 

Breed Organisation

https://www.assba.com.au/members/members_listing.asp?Breeds=DRYSDALE 

Australian population

There is only one registered flock in Australia - http://www.rarebreedproject.com/beersheba

2022 Ewes 30 Rams 4

Photo Courtesy of Beersheba Farm.

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