Importation of Finn sheep now unlikely

Press, 10 December 1982, Page 21

Importation of Finn sheep now unlikely

The importation of Finnish Landrace sheep to try and lift the fertility of the New Zealand flock now looks less likely following a meeting of the maximum security quarantine advisory committee. The committee met in Wellington last week and decided to reserve its decision on the importation of Finnish Landrace sheep until the M.A.F. reports on the feasibility of introducing other breeds better known for their lean meat production qualities. The meeting agreed on a quarantine protocol which would allow the safe importation of Finnish Landrace from the U.S.D.A. Meat Animal Research Centre flock at Clay Centre in Nebraska. But the assistant director (laboratory services) of M.A.F.’s Animal Health Division, Dr Peter O’Hara, said that the committee was of

the opinion that the needs of the industry would not be satisfied by the importation of Finnish Landrace. “The committee felt that carcase quality and lean meat production were the top priorities for New Zealand, and the Finn did not have any special advantage in that area,” Dr O’Hara said. He said M.A.F. had been asked to look at Texels and East Friesians in particular. Dr O’Hara said it was generally accepted by the committee that the sheep gene pool in New Zealand should be expanded to give farmers management and production alternatives. “The committee will probably be convened again when the ministry is able to report on the feasibility of importing other breeds,” he said. The committee will, report to the Minister of Agriculture on its decision.