Meatmaster Sheep

WILLOWBANK FARM STUD

Following the success of this breed overseas, Willowbank Stud developed a breeding group in 2007. They were based primarily on Damara Sheep crossed with Wiltshire, and in 2009 a Dorper stud was also used to provide some additional qualities. The resulting animals have combined the best traits of all breeds, and are upstanding, vigorous, easy care animals, that are very efficient meat factories. They breed true to type, and we see a great commercial future for them.

WHAT ARE THEY?

Meat master sheep are a breed that was developed in South Africa. Its key component is Damara genetics, and they are usually mixed with White Dorper or Wiltshire breeds to create the base flock. The result is a clean shedding hair sheep, that is hardy, easy care, and has a very meaty carcase. They are now also found in the United States and Australia, where they are highly suited to conditions over there.

In New Zealand there are a small number of breeders who have developed such flocks, and are working together to secure their future.

WHY HAVE THEM?

They are a self shedding hair sheep, that grow a short woolly coat in the winter to provide protection against the weather. They should require no crutching or dagging, and are normally never tailed.
They are bred for meat and taste, and rank highly in any competitions.
They are very early maturing, and ewes are expected to lamb by 13 months.
The lambs are very active, and ewes should never require lambing assistance.
They are a relatively small breed, and so more can be stocked to the hectare. The lambs are fast growing, and can reach about 35 kilograms live weight at 12 weeks. It is not uncommon for a ewe at weaning to produce two lambs weighing more than herself.
They do well in dry conditions, and flourish on rough pasture and browse where other sheep will not.
They have a strong flocking or herding instinct, and are easy to handle.

For enquiries about stock: mike@willowbank.co.nz

Meatmaster Sheep