Australian Merino Sheep Wool
Australia also produces other types of wool suitable for products such as wool bedding and home interiors but its merino wool that is most suited for luxury clothing high performance sportswear and next to skin apparel.
Australian merino sheep wool. In 1797 the first merino sheep derived from the famed royal merino flocks of spain were introduced into australia. Or more of wool and it is not unusual for commercial animals of this breed to produce up to 10 kg. Merino sheep developed in spain and were highly prized for their fine wool.
Australian merino wool fibre top compared to a human hair bottom imaged using scanning electron microscopy merino is an excellent forager and very adaptable. Although these sheep had already evolved a fine fibre further selective breeding by australian farmers soon produced the authentic australian merino with its even finer wool. Funded by the australian wool innovations the woolmark company the merino sisters campaign is aimed at making prestigious merino wool popular in china in an attempt to increase exports of the aussie fibre.
Fine wool sheep do better in cold climates but need intensive management. Four broadly defined types of merino sheep have been developed in australia. The merino sheep introduced into australia soon after settlement were able to produce a creamy fleece of 1 12 2 kg.
Strong wool sheep do better in hotter low rainfall areas and require less intensive management though their wool attracts lower prices. By way of contrast a peppin merino stud ram of today may produce up to 18 kg. Australian merino wool is the worlds finest and softest wool in the world.
Its natural benefits are so great that no other fibre natural or man made can match it.