A Complete Guide to Caring for Merino Sheep

Merino sheep are renowned worldwide for their incredibly fine wool, making them one of the most valuable sheep breeds in the textile industry. Originating from Spain, Merino sheep are now raised across the globe for their soft, luxurious fleece. They are an excellent choice for smallholders and hobby farmers interested in producing high-quality wool, but they do require specific care to keep them healthy and productive.

If you’re considering keeping Merino sheep, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including housing, feeding, shearing, health care, and breeding.

A Brief History of Merino Sheep

The Merino breed originated in Spain, where it was developed over centuries for its high-quality fleece. In the 18th century, the Spanish monarchy began exporting Merino sheep to other countries, and the breed quickly gained popularity for its wool.

Today, Merino sheep are bred in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where they are prized for their fine, soft wool, which is used to produce premium garments and fabrics.

Key Characteristics of Merino Sheep

Merino sheep are best known for their wool production, but they also have several other traits that make them a unique breed.

• Size: Medium-sized breed. Mature ewes weigh between 50-70kg, while rams can weigh up to 90-100kg.
• Coat: Dense, fine fleece that grows continuously and needs to be shorn at least once a year.
• Temperament: Generally calm and docile, making them relatively easy to handle.
• Wool Quality: Merino wool is incredibly fine, with fibres measuring between 15-24 microns in diameter. It is soft, breathable, and highly valued in the textile industry.
• Adaptability: Merino sheep can thrive in a variety of climates but require more management than hardier breeds.

Housing for Merino Sheep

Merino sheep are well-suited to both indoor and outdoor systems, but they require appropriate shelter to protect them from extreme weather conditions and maintain the quality of their fleece.

Shelter Requirements:

• Natural Shelter: In mild climates, Merino sheep can benefit from natural shelter such as trees and hedgerows.
• Man-Made Shelter: In harsher climates or during lambing season, provide a field shelter or barn. The shelter should be well-ventilated, dry, and spacious enough to accommodate the flock.
• Protection from Rain: Merino sheep’s dense fleece can retain moisture, increasing the risk of fleece rot. Ensure they have access to shelter during prolonged wet weather.

Fencing:

• Secure Fencing: Merino sheep are not particularly prone to escaping, but secure fencing is essential to protect them from predators and keep them safe. Use post-and-rail fencing or electric fencing for added security.

Feeding Merino Sheep

A balanced diet is essential to keep your Merino sheep healthy and ensure high-quality wool production.

Diet:

• Pasture: The majority of a Merino sheep’s diet should come from good-quality pasture. They are efficient grazers and can thrive on a range of grasses and forage.
• Hay or Silage: Provide hay or silage during the winter months or when pasture is limited.
• Concentrates: Pregnant, lactating ewes, and growing lambs may need additional concentrates to meet their nutritional needs.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Provide a mineral block or loose minerals specifically formulated for sheep to ensure they receive essential nutrients.

Water:

• Ensure your sheep have constant access to fresh, clean water. Sheep can drink between 4-6 litres of water per day, depending on their diet and weather conditions.

Shearing Merino Sheep

Shearing is one of the most important aspects of caring for Merino sheep. Their fleece grows continuously, and failure to shear them regularly can lead to health issues.

Shearing Schedule:

• Once a Year: Merino sheep should be shorn at least once a year, typically in the spring.
• Professional Shearing: Due to the density and fineness of their fleece, it’s recommended to hire a professional shearer to ensure the wool is harvested correctly and the sheep are not injured.

Fleece Care:

• After shearing, inspect the fleece for any signs of damage or contamination.
• Store the fleece in a clean, dry place to prevent it from becoming damp or infested with pests.

Breeding Merino Sheep

Merino sheep are known for their strong maternal instincts and high wool production, making them a good choice for breeding.

Breeding Tips:

• Age to Breed: Ewes can be bred from around 18 months of age, once they have reached a suitable weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for sheep is approximately 147 days (about 5 months).
• Lambing: Merino ewes are attentive mothers, but you should still monitor them closely during lambing to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Care of Lambs:

• Ensure lambs receive colostrum within the first few hours after birth to boost their immune system.
• Keep the lambing area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infections.

Health Care for Merino Sheep

Merino sheep require regular health checks to ensure they remain healthy and productive. Their dense fleece can make them more susceptible to certain health issues, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

Vaccinations:

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule for your flock. Core vaccinations typically include:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, pulpy kidney, blackleg)
• Pasteurellosis (a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia)

Deworming:

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites such as roundworms and liver fluke. Use faecal egg counts to determine the parasite burden and avoid overusing dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care:

• Trimming: Regularly check and trim your sheep’s hooves to prevent overgrowth and lameness.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep housing areas clean and dry to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues:

• Flystrike: Merino sheep are particularly vulnerable to flystrike due to their dense fleece. Check your sheep regularly and apply preventative treatments during the warmer months.
• Fleece Rot: Ensure your sheep are kept dry to prevent fleece rot, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to damp conditions.
• Bloat: Ensure your sheep have a consistent diet and avoid sudden changes in feed to reduce the risk of bloat.

Behaviour and Handling

Merino sheep are known for their calm and docile temperament, making them relatively easy to handle.

• Calm Handling: Approach your sheep calmly and avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use feed as a positive reinforcement to encourage your sheep to come to you.
• Training: Sheep can be trained to follow basic commands and routines, particularly if handled from a young age.

Why Choose Merino Sheep?

There are several reasons why Merino sheep are a popular choice for smallholders and farmers interested in wool production:

• High-Quality Wool: Merino wool is highly valued in the textile industry for its softness, breathability, and durability.
• Adaptability: Merinos can thrive in a variety of climates, from temperate to more extreme conditions.
• Friendly Temperament: Their calm nature makes them easy to handle, even for beginners.
• Dual-Purpose: In addition to wool production, Merino sheep can also be raised for meat, making them a versatile breed.

Final Thoughts

Merino sheep are an excellent choice for new sheep owners interested in producing high-quality wool. Their fine fleece, calm temperament, and adaptability make them a rewarding breed to keep.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and timely shearing, you can ensure your Merino sheep remain healthy and productive. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan, and enjoy the experience of raising this iconic and valuable breed.