Comeback (sheep)

The Comeback is a type of domestic sheep originating in Australia.[1] This type of sheep results from crossbreds produced by British Longwool sheep and a Merinos being mated back to Merinos. This cross is made in order to achieve a finer, better style of wool.[2] Comeback style wool is also produced by Bond, Cormo and Polwarth sheep.[3] The Comeback sheep are raised for meat and wool.[4]

Characteristics

The staple length of the bulky wool is 11 cm (4.3 in) with an average diameter of 21 to 25 microns.[5][4]

The Comeback is well adapted to high rainfall districts in Australia. Though they are similar to Merino, this breed does not have neck folds. Both sexes are either horned or polled (hornless). The average weight of mature rams is 90 kg (200 lb) and of ewes is 60 kg (130 lb). At birth, ewes and rams both weigh 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) on average.[6]

References

  1. ^ The Land Stock Types, Rural Press, North Richmond, NSW
  2. ^ Running a small flock of sheep retrieved 2010-2-15
  3. ^ Sheep breed compendium, Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX), 2010
  4. ^ a b "Comeback". Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Animal Science. http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/comeback/index.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-19. 
  5. ^ Preparation of Australian Wool Clips, Code of Practice 2010-2012, Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX), 2010
  6. ^ "Comeback/Australia". Breed data sheet. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. http://dad.fao.org/. Retrieved 2009-06-19.