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Our
introduction to SRS sheep came with
an invitation to the Parkdale SRS
Merino Stud Field Day, held by Dr
Jim Watts and the Mudford family,
some 6 years ago. The idea of
producing “low maintenance”,
highly productive wool sheep, really
came to light after purchasing
Parkdale rams and joining them to
the “thinner skin” ewes,
about 30-40% of our flock. This
breeding strategy suggested by Don
Mudford after classing our ewes was
a real eye opener. The following
generations were cutting more wool
with finer micron. As well as faster
growing and long white softer
staples. We were getting “bare
breech”, clear faces and bare legs
on an increasing number of the
progeny; this enabled us to cease
mulesing in 2006. This low
maintenance and highly productive
animal has allowed us to shear every
9 months and moving towards 6 months
in the near future. Wool growth of
17mm per month is quite impressive
and achievable with these large
framed, plain bodied sheep. Shearing
is much easier than in the past.
M
& A Day, Trangie |
