Gromark (sheep)
Encyclopedia
Gromark sheep are a large-framed, plain bodied dual-purpose (meat and wool
) breed of sheep that were under development in 1965 by Arthur C. Godlee at "Marengo", Tamworth, New South Wales
. They were selected for a high growth rate, fertility, wool quality and carcase attributes.
genetics. It is polled
(does not have horns), has a white open face, clean legs. The long white wool
fleece weighs 4-7 kilos, is about 130 mm long and averages about 30 microns in fibre diameter.
Rams average 100 kg, ewes are approximately 75-80 kg (175lb). The rams are typically used as terminal sires for first-cross fat lamb production, but the ewes do produce large lean lambs. The Gromark breed is hardy with a low incidence of fly strike and dystocia
.
Since 1965 Gromark sheep have been selected by objective measurement for good growth, without excessive fat. The results are being used to provide breed-specific parameters to improve the accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values
(EBV) produced by Australia's national performance testing scheme for meat sheep. In 1979 the Australian Gromark Breed Society was formed and is committed to performance recording of the breed.
This breed is mostly found in the high rainfall areas of south-east Australia, in New South Wales and Victoria. The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia has classified the breed as "recommended for investigation" into its stability as a breeding population.
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, vicuña, alpaca, camel from animals in the camel family, and angora from rabbits....
) breed of sheep that were under development in 1965 by Arthur C. Godlee at "Marengo", Tamworth, New South Wales
Tamworth, New South Wales
Tamworth is a city in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia. Straddling the Peel River, Tamworth, which contains an estimated population of 47,595 people, is the major regional centre for southern New England and in the local government area of Tamworth Regional Council. The city...
. They were selected for a high growth rate, fertility, wool quality and carcase attributes.
Characteristics
The Gromark is fixed at approximately 50 percent Corriedale and 50 percent Border LeicesterBorder Leicester
The Border Leicester is a breed of sheep originating in England and raised primarily for meat. Border Leicesters are polled, long-wooled sheep. Though large in size and robust, they are also docile...
genetics. It is polled
Polled livestock
Polled livestock are livestock without horns, of species that normally have them. The term refers both to breeds or strains which are naturally polled through selective breeding and also to naturally horned animals which have been dehorned...
(does not have horns), has a white open face, clean legs. The long white wool
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, vicuña, alpaca, camel from animals in the camel family, and angora from rabbits....
fleece weighs 4-7 kilos, is about 130 mm long and averages about 30 microns in fibre diameter.
Rams average 100 kg, ewes are approximately 75-80 kg (175lb). The rams are typically used as terminal sires for first-cross fat lamb production, but the ewes do produce large lean lambs. The Gromark breed is hardy with a low incidence of fly strike and dystocia
Dystocia
Dystocia is an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour. Approximately one fifth of human labours have dystocia.Dystocia may arise due to incoordinate uterine activity, abnormal fetal lie or presentation, absolute or relative cephalopelvic disproportion, or a massive fetal tumor such as a...
.
Since 1965 Gromark sheep have been selected by objective measurement for good growth, without excessive fat. The results are being used to provide breed-specific parameters to improve the accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values
Animal breeding
Animal breeding is a branch of animal science that addresses the evaluation of the genetic value of domestic livestock...
(EBV) produced by Australia's national performance testing scheme for meat sheep. In 1979 the Australian Gromark Breed Society was formed and is committed to performance recording of the breed.
This breed is mostly found in the high rainfall areas of south-east Australia, in New South Wales and Victoria. The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia has classified the breed as "recommended for investigation" into its stability as a breeding population.