The Klein Karoo region has proven to be the home for many Merino sheep farmers. This specific sheep type is a domestic sheep breed of South Africa.  This breed was developed by the South African Department of Agriculture in the late 1930’s, by crossbreeding Peppin-style Merino ewes and German Mutton Merino rams. In 1966 the Breed Society was formed and since the 1970’s selection has been done with comprehensive production records.

The Dohne Merino Sheep is one of South Africa’s leading woolled breeds and are also being farmed in Australia and New Zealand.  It is a dual purpose breed providing high quality meat and fine wool.

Dohne Merinos have proven to be quite resilient especially during dry periods and are excellent breeders. They can breed all year around and the ewes usually have consistent and high lambing percentages. The lambs grow relatively fast and can reach roughly 25 kg to 35 kg live weight in their 100 days of age.

At maturity the average Dohne Merino ram weighs 80 to 100 kg and the ewe approximately 50 to 65 kg. Annual fleece production is roughly 3.5 kg to 5 kg.

At Safari Ostrich Farm, apart from our ostriches, we also have a significant amount of Dohne Merinos and the recently born lambs they have currently are just too cute for words.