The
Wiltipoll is well suited for crossing with other breeds to
produce heavy domestic and export lamb. Wiltipoll cross lambs
have been sold through the Gepps Cross and Ouyen lamb markets,
to T & R Holdings and to Tatiara Meats for export to the
United States.
Wiltipoll/Merino
1st
cross
1.
Carcase
Lamb
weights @ 4.5 months - 50 kg dressed - off dry
paddock feed.
Top weights @ 10 months lambs have weighed to 60 kg live
(dry paddock feed).
2.
Wool
Wool is shed from the head, legs, belly and point of
neck.
Generally lambs wool measures 26 microns (at first shearing)
and 32 microns at subsequent shearings.
1st
cross
ewe's fleece weighs approx 3 kgs.
3. Reproduction
1st
cross ewes make excellent prime lamb mothers with high lambing
percentages.
Mothering instincts is very strong. 1st
cross
ewes will rear their lambs despite poor seasons have plenty of
milk.
1st
cross
ewes can breed all year round.
Wiltipoll/Merino 2nd
cross
1.
Carcase
A 2nd
cross
Wiltipoll/Merino carries more meat on its carcase than does a 1st
cross.
2.
Wool
The partial fleece produced is shorter than the 1st
cross
fleece.
Wool is shed from the neck, belly, legs and half way up the
body.
50% or more ewes shed on the breach - crutching is not
necessary.
Some
ewes need whole or partial shearing annually, others need none.
Mulesing and tail stripping is unnecessary.
3. Reproduction
Lambing percentages are equal to or better than those of the
1st
cross.
The breeding cycle of the 2nd
cross
is similar to the Wiltipoll, ie: seasonal - cycle in autumn, and
lamb in spring.
Versatility
The
breed lends itself to organic meat and lamb production due to
its total free nature.
Ease of management makes it am attractive choice for meat and
lamb production and grass control on smaller land holdings - it
is grass seed resistant, ie: silvergrass, speargrass.
Pastoral low rainfall country is also well suited to the
Wiltipoll - in dry times, it remains in good condition as it
puts no energy into wool growing.
Lamb feed - lotters are interested in the easy care aspect of
the Wiltipoll as well as its ability to achieve heavy weights
with less fat under feedlot or supplementary feeding conditions.
