Merino

The Merino sheep (Short form: the Merino) is a fine wool sheep breed, which probably originally comes from North Africa. In the High Middle Ages came Merino sheep to Spain, where they gained because of their coveted wool of great economic importance. Only in the 19th century there were in other countries, large Merino flocks, now Australia is the main supplier of Merino wool.

The animals are shorn to the skin and give between two and four kilograms wool ( washed ) per year. Up to ten kilograms Merino wool can be gained from top animals.

Origin and Breeding in Spain

The name probably derives from the Berber dynasty of Marinids, penetrated at the time of the Almohads (1150-1300) to Spain. The Berber operated livestock and breeding animals probably brought to Spain. The Merino similar races coming up today in the coastal plains in the west of Morocco before, between the Rif and Oued Bou Regreg.

The word "Merino " in 1307 in a purchase agreement on 29 bags of wool ( lana que appellatur merinus ), which had acquired the Genoese merchant family of Usodimare in Tunisia, mentioned for the first time. Some historians assume that Genoese merchants brought wool Merino sheep to Spain or at least encouraged their further breeding. Spain, especially the Kingdom of Castile, was then developed into the most important suppliers of high-quality wool. Merino sheep put here on the semi- annual migrations between winter and summer pastures ( transhumance ) up to 800 km back. In Castile prevented the Mesta, an association of sheep farmers, the spread of the breed. The export of Merinos was then prohibited by the Spanish royal house under pain of death. This allowed Spain to the 18th century with the so-called " Spanish wool" world trade.

Breeding in other countries

In the 18th century the first merinos to reach Germany (Saxony in 1766, Prussia in 1783, 1786 Württemberg, Bavaria 1802). Here, the Merino sheep were crossed with native breeds. ( † 12 February 1902 in Berlin born November 13, 1831 in Merzien ) grown case, the Merino sheep and since 1860 the Merino ewes by Rudolf Behmer were. The Merino sheep is almost 30 % of the sheep population, the most common breed in Germany. In Bavaria, the proportion is around 70%. The shorn, yet fully coherent wool dress weighs three to five kilograms, with half of the weight are dirt, wool grease, sweat, and plant remains.

Through the importation of Merinos to Australia and New Zealand by European settlers, these countries developed the world's largest wool producer. The proportion of Merino wool on wool sales whole year is about 40 %. Nearly 100 % of this comes from Australian Merino sheep. In particular, the Australian production of Merino wool is confronted by some animal welfare organizations with the charge of cruelty to animals, since there the mulesing method to avoid parasite infestation is applied. A part of the skin is removed around the tail, so that there can not fly infestations occur without anesthesia.

Use

In Spain, the Merino sheep were formerly used only to a limited extent as a meat supplier. They were too valuable for their wool, also stated that the long hikes would make the meat tough.

The German Merino breeds ( Merino sheep Merino ewes, Merino long wool sheep ) can be assigned today actually also the group of meat breeds of sheep; because even with them meat production is emphasized in breeding. However, it acknowledges them due to the fine merino wool a special position.

564769
de