New Romney & Poll Dorset Performance Sheep Breeding

The Australian Poll Dorset breed was first used by the Stewart family at Hiwinui as a terminal sire in the mid 1970’s (see www.polldorset.org.au for more information). This fast maturing breed was well suited to the large prime lamb breeding operation, most lambs being drafted off their mothers for the export and local trade before Christmas. Rapid growth rate, superior fleshing and muscular development, high fertility and the females milking ability are standout traits for this outstanding breed of sheep.

In the mid 1990’s a Poll Dorset stud was established with ewes being purchased from several dispersal sales. The Australian double muscle Carwell gene was artificially inseminated into a large portion of the flock alongside the New Zealand Windermere, Glengary and Ohio bloodlines.

Hiwinui Poll Dorsets are recorded with S.I.L (Sheep Improvement Limited) and are part of the Lower North Island Mega Meat sire reference group. Much use is made of artificial insemination.Rapid genetic gain can be achieved by selecting superior proven sires from progeny trails.

www. nzsheep.co.nz/polldorset