- Corriedale (sheep)
Corriedale sheep are a dual purpose breed, meaning they are used both in the production of
wool and meat. The Corriedale is the oldest of all the crossbred breeds, aMerino -Lincoln cross developed almost simultaneously inAustralia andNew Zealand [Stock Types, The Land, North Richmond, c.1988] and first brought to theUnited States in 1914. The Corriedale is internationally farmed, including in Australia,Patagonia and the United States of America.Appearance and behaviour
Corriedale have a long life span, and are hardy and evenly balanced all over the body. Corriedales are docile, easy care mothers, with high fertility. They adapt well to a wide range of climate conditions. They are large framed and plain bodied, hornless and broad body. Corriedales produce a thick stapled, bulky fleece, which is popular with spinners and can be used for a range of handspun garments. Their dense fleece is medium-fine and high yielding, with good length and softness, somewhat between medium wool and long wool. Corriedale lambs produce good quality carcases and have a high pelt value.
History
This breed was developed in Australia and New Zealand by extensive breeding and culling as a cross between
Merino with Lincoln or Leicester rams. The goal was to develop a breed that would thrive in lower rainfall areas and supply long staple wool.James Little was the original breeder and the name comes from a property in theSouth Island , where he conducted his work under the encouragement of NZALC superindent,William Soltau Davidson . [http://www.nzsheep.co.nz/corriedale/index.htm]The breed was developed between 1868 and 1910. As a dual purpose breed of sheep (good for meat and wool), the Corriedale breed was gradually distributed to many of the sheep-raising areas in the world. For example, the first Corriedales came to the
United States in 1914. [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/corriedale/index.htm] The Corriedale was later used as one of the parents of the U.S.-developed Targhee breed.References
External links
* [http://www.corriedale.org.au/ Australian Corriedale Association]
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