African Pygmy Sheep

A breed re-created from African genetics

African Pygmy sheep at Willowbank (Geoff Trotter photograph.)

In 2005 twin ram lambs were born to a Damara ewe belonging to the Willowbank Stud in Canterbury. The ewes’ breeding went back to the original Damara imports into New Zealand. To keep the flock as pure as possible, the line had been closely bred. This often creates an opportunity for recessive genes to emerge, and this was considered to be the case. The lambs were tiny, a fraction of the size of a normal lamb, but they generated a lot of interest. Research showed the existence of small and pygmy sheep in Africa, and it was considered likely that these genes had been part of the original founder animals that had been imported into Australia and then New Zealand.

Both rams were run on and as they matured they also developed large manes around their shoulders and necks. A group of small ewes were sourced, that were largely Damara and also from a Meatmaster stud whose makeup was Damara and Wiltshire crosses. The progeny were retained and the best bred from, both naturally and through embryo transplants. After five years they were run as a closed flock. Over the generations they stuck to a clearly defined path and developed naturally into their own type, and are now well past the criteria to be considered a breed in their own right.

They have retained their small size with most animals being between 55 and 65 centimetres high. They are usually stocky and solid, with a surprisingly meaty carcase. They are a multi-coloured hair sheep, growing a short coat over the winter which they shed in the spring. They are hardy with little to no foot issues, and tests indicate a strong resistance to parasites. Given the opportunity they prefer to browse, and do well on areas that would be considered to be more suited to goats. As a breed they are quiet to handle, inquisitive, and respond well to shepherding.

Group of African Pygmy sheep.
(Michael Willis photograph.)

African Pygmy ram (left) with Meatmaster ram for size comparison. (Michael Willis photograph.)