Marino Wool Fiber

The Merino is the most economically influential breed of sheep in the world, prized for its wool. Super fine Merinos are regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Recently the low price of wool has led to more emphasis on the market and sale of the animal's meat. Poll Merinos have no horns (or very small stubs, known as scurs), and horned Merino rams have long, spiral horns which grow close to the head.

Characteristics of Marino Wool Fiber

The Merino is an excellent forager and very adaptable. It is bred predominantly for its wool, and its carcase size is generally smaller than that of sheep bred for meat. The South African Meat Merino (SAMM) and merinofleischschaf have been bred to balance wool production and carcase quality. Merino wool is finely crimped and soft. Staples are commonly 2.5-4 inches (65-100 mm) long. A Saxon Merino produces 3 to 6 kg of greasy wool a year while a good quality Peppin Merino ram produces up to 18 kg. Merino wool is generally less than 24 micron (µm) in diameter. Basic Merino types include: strong (broad) wool 23-24.5 µm, medium wool is 19.6-22.9 µm, fine 18.6-19.5 µm, superfine 15-18.5 µm and ultra fine 11.5-15 µm. Ultra fine wool is suitable for blending with other exclusive fibres such as silk and cashmere. New Zealand retails luxury, lightweight knits made from Merino wool and possum fur.

The term merino is widely used in the textile industries with very varied meanings. Originally it denoted the wool of Merino sheep reared in Spain, but due to the superiority of Australian and New Zealand wools the term now has broader use. In the dress-goods and knitting trades the term "Merino" still implies an article made from the very best soft wool.

Regions of Merino Husbandry

In Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the western United States where sheep are bred for their wool rather than their mutton, Merino sheep dominate. Australia produces about 80% of the world's Merino wool. In Australia and New Zealand Merino ewes are crossed with Border Leicesters and other English long wool breeds to produce first cross prime lamb mothers and prime lamb wethers. The prime lamb mothers are crossed again with Poll Dorsets and other short wool breeds and the resultant second cross lambs slaughtered as prime lambs.