GENERAL | HISTORY | BREED CHARACTERISTICS | CROSS BREEDING | FUTURE

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

The Wiltipoll is a meat breed that is hardy and adaptable. Lambs are suited to domestic or heavy export trade. The heavier weights are achieved with little fat being laid down. The Wiltipoll has no horn which is a great advantage in the production of prime lamb - animals are less aggressive, easy to handle, less likely to get caught in fencing and carcase bruising is minimised. Wool shedding is the feature which makes the Wiltipoll breed easy care and chemical free. Wiltipolls are not crawlers and will readily remain in their allocated paddock.

Reproduction.. The Wiltipoll is a seasonal breeder- ewes normally come into season in Autumn and lambs are born in Spring. Ewes do not cycle during Summer months. Lambing percentages are usually 150% or better in a good season. Ewes lamb easily, milk abundantly and have vigorous lambs with a high percentage of multiple births. Ewes may be joined at 6 or 7 months of age but success will depend on the maturity and condition of the ewe at joining. Better feed results in more multiple births, but twins come consistently from older ewes even on poorer pasture. Rams will breed all year round and can be crossed with other sheep breeds to produce a prime lamb.

Wool - shedding.. Lambs are born with a wool coat and hair undercoat. The wool coat typically reaches only half way down the flanks and chest (belly and crutch are entirely clear of wool). Lambs will start to shed in spring. Wool loss depends on date of birth, warmth of Summer nutrition and genetic factors. Wool grows back in Autumn, covering a hairy summer coat and from then on the sheep will lose and gain wool regularly every Spring and Autumn. During shedding the wools falls to the ground and is of no commercial value.