American Sheep Industry Photo

Fine Wool Breeds: Delaine-Merino

The Delaine-Merino was developed from the Spanish Merino and has an unbroken line of breeding for more than 1,200 years. Modern Delaine-Merinos are smooth-bodied, intermediate in size with wool extending down the legs. They are also hardy, long lived with a well-developed flock instinct, forage well in less productive regions and are well suited to hill country locations. They breed year-round and produce very high-quality, fine-wool fleeces.
 

MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ram 190-240 lb
Ewe 125-160 lb

AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
Micron 22-17
USDA Wool Grade 64s-80s
  
GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT
Ewe 9-14 lb

YIELD
45-54%

STAPLE LENGTH
2 1/2 - 4"