Sheep : PERENDALE

Origin: New Zealand

Australian Status:

International Status:

Arrived in Australia:

Australian Population: Ewes: 586     Rams: 23 (2018)

Distribution:

History: The Perendale was developed in New Zealand during the 1940's at Massey University by Sir Geoffrey Peren, by crossing hardy Cheviot rams over Romney ewes. The breed is still one of the most popular in New Zealand today and with a goal that states, "The least input to achieve the highest return", why wouldn't they be? As a purebred, its hardiness makes it ideally suited to colder, higher rainfall areas and crossed with the Merino; its high fertility has great potential to produce a prime lamb dam. The Perendale is easy to care for, extremely hardy, naturally worm tolerant, and has good early growth rates. All Perendales have flinty black hooves and have no need for footwork to be undertaken. The ewes have little trouble lambing and are fiercely protective of their lambs, even against foxes.

The Perendale was accepted as an established breed in Australia in 1975 and there are currently seven flocks in the Flock Register.

Breed traits: The Perendale is a dual purpose breed and is the classic easy-care meat and wool sheep. A good Perendale fleece will look bouncy with low lustre and will feel crisp. An average fleece weight is between 3.0-4.5kg, the staple length is around 100-150mm and the fibre diameter around 30-37 microns, depending on the age of the sheep. The fleece produces a light-weight, bulky yarn.

The meat is classed as quality lean prime lamb.

Uses: Meat, Wool

Breed Organisation: Australian Perendale Association, Secretary: Mrs Antoinette Bovill, E-mail: bovill@aussiebb.com.au

Additional Notes:

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