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Cross
Bred Damaras
Damaras are unique in bringing any breed of sheep through
cross breeding into quality parameters resulting in
total easy care, replacing wool with a high quality
hair coat.
Because of their pure genetic base, Damara rams can
be mated across various other Australian breeds with
excellent results in growth rates, high fertility, strong
herding instincts and superior mothering; and flavoursome,
tastier, leaner meat. Due to their strong herding instinct
they require less fencing standards than British breeds
of sheep.
First cross (F1) merino lambs usually exhibit strong
Damara instincts and physical tendencies including the
distinctive fat tail with its bare skin underneath,
and the hide colours and patterns that are characteristic
of the Damara.
They are extremely hardy, very fertile and can thrive
in adverse conditions, very good foragers and require
minimal management and maintenance.
Progeny from the first cross merinos have excellent
growth potential and gain weight rapidly. At 12 months,
an average of 2kg of wool has been shorn. They start
losing the wool under the belly, down legs, under neck
and around the head. Butchers report when slaughtering
that there is less contamination because wool has been
shed in these areas and that they are easy to skin.
Meat from Damara crosses has excellent colouring, leanness
and flavour. Fewer odours when cooking meat.
First
cross ewes inherit the superior mothering ability of
the Damara and are extremely protective of their lambs
which they can produce before they are 12 months old.
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