NZ Meat Merino Group SAMMs have been bred from stock, embryos and semen imported from Australia beginning in 1999 and 2000. In 2004 the Hurunui purebred flock scanned 185%. In New Zealand dryland farming conditions lambs display growth rates in excess of 400 g/day, weaning at 35-45 kgs after 100 days. The ewe flock shears on average 3.5 kgs of 24 micron wool, ideal for Smart Wool contracts.
The NZ Meat Merino Group sells two-tooth stud rams and ewes, commercial rams, semen and embryos.
SAMMs?
South African Meat Merinos (SAMMs) were originally known as the German Mutton Merino, when first imported into South Africa in 1932. Selection for better wool quality and conformation resulted in the South African sheep changing direction as a breed and then a breed name change. The first SAMMs were imported into Australia in 1996 and since then flocks have expanded rapidly. In 2000, when quarantine regulations changed, the New Zealand Meat Merino Group was formed and the partners travelled extensively in Australia to source the best possible animals to launch the breed in New Zealand.
Performance?
The Hurunui Stud Flock
| Scanning % | |
| Purebred Ewes (2004) (50% of these ewes were first-lambing two tooths) | 185% |
|---|---|
| Commercial flocks on the same property | |
| 1st Cross SAMM 1/4 bred two-tooths (2003) | 172% |
| Base flock 1/4 bred two-tooths (2003) | 148% |
Lambs have reached growth rates in excess of 400 grams/day (singles) and in excess of 300 grams/day (multiples) to weaning at 100 days. Weaning weights fall in the range 35-45 kg.
In 2004, cull ewe lambs were slaughtered in late July. The average carcase weight was 20.9 kg. 65% of the lambs were graded YX and 12% were graded PH.
In 2001, prime SAMM rams were used across ¼ bred ewes and the resulting 36 ram lambs were slaughtered in late February 2002. The average carcase weight was 20.9 kg. Fifteen of the lambs were graded YX1, carcase weight 19.6-21.2, and a further 14 were graded YX (17.6-19.0 kg), or YX2 (21.3-23.0 kg) with GR less than 9 mm. The other seven were graded PX or PH (GR 9-12 mm). Some SAMM/Merino rams slaughtered later produced similar results.
As hoggets, the 2002 born ewes shore an average clean fleece weight of 2.5 kg, with an average fibre diameter of 23.3 microns. As two-tooths, the clean fleece weight was 3.5 kg and fibre diameter was 23.9 microns.
Typical ewe production figures (based on Australian and South African data):
- 150% lambing, up to 4.8 litres milk/day.
- Lamb weight gains more than 350 g/day in extensive conditions, producing lean, heavy, prime grade carcases.
- Outstanding feed converters - feed:liveweight gain of 3.9:1.
- 4 kg fleeces of 22 micron wool (similar in micron, yield and comfort to medium Merino wools).
Scientific Comparisons:
The University of Western Australia has carried out scientific comparisons of SAMM sired progeny with Border Leicester, East Friesian, Merino and Poll Dorset sired lambs, out of Merino ewes. After a 22 day controlled feed experiment:
- SAMM sired lambs had the highest weight gain (359 g/day) and best feed efficiency (5.36:1), requiring 690 g less pellets for each kg of liveweight gain than the next best sire breed.
- When comparing the expected fertility, fecundity, rearing ability, growth rates, carcase quality and wool production for these breeds over the next 3 years, the SAMM sired progeny were predicted to come out well on top.
Other characteristics:
- Adaptability and hardiness - exceptional in dry conditions, non-selective grazers.
- Excellent dual purpose breed - early maturing, 60:40 meat to wool sheep.
- Highly fertile, good mothering qualities.
- Non-seasonal breeders
What is the New Zealand Meat Merino Group offering?
Longfield, Braeburn and Elgin Studs of the NZ Meat Merino Group offer two-tooth commercial rams, stud rams and ewes, semen and embryos. We continue to source top genetics from leading studs in Western Australia, Southern Australia, Victoria and New South Wales and, in doing so, ensure we source animals for embryos and semen with the best quality wool and conformation available. Our selections also involve close scrutiny of breeding records, and SIL breeding values are available on all the stock, semen and embryos.
The Studs are using the most modern methods of advanced reproductive technology, genetic evaluation and mate selection, including SIL, to optimise the breeding programme and provide high quality genetics to the New Zealand sheep farming industry. We have continued to imported semen and embryos from leading Australian studs to give some new blood lines with improved wool qualities, while maintaining or improving growth, conformation and reproduction.
Braeburn stud has also offered SAMMx Merino rams in response to a request for a higher ratio of wool to meat to supply Smart Wool contracts.
Progeny from the three flocks will be available at our on-farm sale in January 2010. The NZ Meat Merino Group studs can be regarded as your one stop shop for SAMM genetics in NZ.