The genetic relationship between the Döhne- and the Walrich-merino
Osterhoff, D.R.; Groenewald, J.C.; Nürnberger, H.; van Vuuren, C.H.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 59(1): 51-52
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 1019-9128 PMID: 3361562 Document Number: 311159
The Dohne- and the Walrich Sheep breeders' societies amalgamated in 1982 to form an enlarged Dohne Merino Breed Society. Both breeds are dual-purpose, polled breeds with high fertility as well as good wool and mutton characteristics. Apparently they have a similar genetic background, both being developed out of local Merino ewes and dual-purpose Merion-type sheep from Europe. Studies of biochemical polymorphisms in the blood of 224 Dohne and 204 Walrich Merino established a close relationship between these two breeds.