Merino Sheep

Ovis aries

Originating in Spain and refined over centuries as the world's premier fine-wool breed, Merino is a heavy, white-coated sheep (rams up to ~100kg, ewes ~60kg) prized for its dense, uniform fleece.

Species: Ovine
Family: Bovidae
Climate requirements: Well adapted to semi-arid climates and cooler medium-to-high altitude zones, and in Kenya is mainly kept in highland ranching areas such as Molo, Timau and Rumuruti under sub-humid to semi-arid rainfall regimes.

Husbandry

Care & Economics

Husbandry guide: Requires access to open grazing land with rotational paddocks to protect pasture and fleece quality, plus supplementary feeding (hay, mineral licks) during dry spells since wool growth is nutrition-sensitive. Shearing is needed once or twice a year, yielding roughly 4-5kg of fine wool per fleece; skirting and clean, dry shelter help maintain wool quality. Lambing rates average around 100-130%, and lambs are typically weaned by 3-4 months; footrot and fleece-related fly strike are the main health concerns requiring regular hoof checks and crutching. Adult sheep need around 4-6 liters of water daily and benefit from stocking rates of roughly 3-5 per hectare on ranchland pasture.
Economic importance: Merino underpins Kenya's small but established wool industry, supplying fiber to local processors and cottage wool crafts, while also serving ranchers as a dual-purpose (wool and mutton) breed in highland livestock economies.

Genetics

Breeds

No breeds recorded yet.

Animal health

Diseases

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Nutrition

Feeds

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Veterinary

Drugs & Medication

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Value chain

Products from this Animal

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