New Zealand Romney

Other namesCountry of originNew ZealandUseTraitsWeightWool colourwhiteFace colourwhiteHorn statuspolled

The New Zealand Romney is a New Zealand breed of sheep. It derives from British Romney Marsh stock imported to New Zealand in the nineteenth century, and was established as a separate breed in 1904.^{[4]: 788 [2]} It is the most numerous sheep breed in New Zealand.^[4]: 870

History

The New Zealand Romney derives from British Romney Marsh stock imported to New Zealand in the nineteenth century. It was established as a separate breed in 1904 with the formation of the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders' Association, and the first flock-book was published in the following year.^{[4]: 788 [2]}

By 1915 it was the most numerous sheep breed in the country.^[5]: 13 In 2000 the Romney constituted almost 60% of the national herd, with some 26.3 million head.^[3]: 20

It has contributed to the development of a number of modern breeds, among them the Coopworth, the Drysdale, the Elliotdale, the Perendale and the Tukidale in New Zealand, and the Romeldale in the United States.^{[3]: 20 [6]}

Characteristics

The New Zealand Romney is a thick-set white-woolled sheep of medium size; ewes weigh some 55–70 kg and rams about 90–110 kg.^[3]: 14 It is a polled breed. The hooves are black. The face is white with a pronounced topknot; there is some kemp on the face and legs. Ewes have good maternal qualities, but low prolificacy compared to some other breeds.^[3]: 14

Use

The New Zealand Romney is reared for both meat and wool. Fleeces weigh about 6 kg; staple length is in the range 180–230 mm, with a fibre diameter of some 32–36 μm (Bradford count 48/46s). The wool is used for clothing, for blankets, for hosiery, and for carpets.^[3]: 14

References