The benefits of polled Merinos for SA’s sheep industry
The recently formed Nu Poll Merino Group, based in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, is the first of its kind in South Africa’s Merino stud breeding industry. According to member Tinus du Plessis, the decision to focus on these animals was based on hard-nosed economics: polled weaners realise a premium of R1,50 to R1,80 more per kilogram from certain feedlots.
There are a host of reasons for this. Polled sheep are easier to handle and manage, and there is no need to regularly dehorn weaners, which reduces the on-farm workload. Injuries caused by fights between rams are also largely eliminated. In addition, polled Merinos are easier to shear, and there are no horns to become entangled in fences or in the horns of other sheep.
