Production And Reproduction:
In Afrino sheep 80 % of income is generated through meat production and 20 % through wool production. The main selection objective is therefore to increase lifetime weight of lamb produced per ewe.
Reproduction
In the selection programme, emphasis is placed not only on the quantity of lambs produced, but also on their quality. Therefore, lifetime total weight of lamb produced per ewe is the main selection objective. Afrino ewes have outstanding mothering abilities and even in flocks where 500 - 600 ewes are lambing, bottle-fed lambs will rarely be found. Lambing difficulties are extremely rare.
Meat
The breed is known for its high quality meat with an even fat distribution over the carcass. Lambs do not accumulate fat at an early age and can therefore be marketed at a later stage and a higher body weight. Average marketing age is 7 - 8 months under extensive conditions. Under feedlot or favourable conditions, lambs reach marketing weight as early as three months of age.
Wool
The Afrino produces Merino type wool, with a fibre diameter ranging from 19 to 22 micron. During selection, much emphasis is placed on wool quality (fibre diameter, crimp definition, clean yield), while care is taken not to decrease the amount of wool produced.
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