Perendale (sheep)

The Perendale is a breed of sheep developed in New Zealand by Massey Agricultural College (now Massey University) for use in steep hill situations. The breed is named after Sir Geoffrey Peren and it achieves its aims by being the offspring of Romney ewes and Cheviot rams with sturdy legs. It is a dual-purpose animal (meat and wool).

History

Since the early 1980s the flock numbers of this sheep has reduced mainly because hill-country farming has lessened, there has been a lower demand for medium-coarse wool, and because modern Romneys are more adaptable to the terrain.

Description

The adult ewe achieves a body weight of about 50 kg, its fleece is about 4.5 kg of around 32 micrometers with a staple length from 100 to 150 mm.