U.K. sheep shipment surprises officials

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33096, 11 December 1972, Page 16

U.K. sheep shipment surprises officials

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 10. The first shipment of exotic sheep to come from Britain since the turn of the century landed safely at Somes Island today—and amazed Agriculture Department officials with their size.

The 110 animals are worth about $25,000, and represent the Finnish Landrace, Oxford Down, East Friesian and German White-headed mutton breeds. i They will be introduced to the New Zealand national, ; flock to produce a new na- ( tional breed. The Oxford Downs were! the greatest surprise to the! agricultural experts who un-| loaded the sheep. Their average live weight is well over 2001 b. From nose to tail they measure! (five feet.

This breed is expected to provide a faster early growth in our national flock, and more efficient lean meat production to a greater weight.

The Finnish Landrace arej the most prolific breed of: sheep, with an average litter! size of three lambs a year to mature ewes. ■> East Friesians are noted! for high fertility, good milk; and wool production, carcases of high quality, and ability to thrive-under a wide range; of climates and feeding con-i ditions. The German white-headed mutton closely resembles the Romney, and is noted for its large size and breeding ability. Ewe hoggets of the

breed usually lamb successfully. . The sheep, are mostly inlamb ewes, with a few rams. After quarantine on Somes Island, they will be kept on Mana Island for four years, and bred there into small flocks with the New Zealand flock.