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The Australian White (AUW) sheep breed, originating from Australia, is known for its coarse wool and specialization in mutton production. This breed combines genetic traits from four distinct sheep breeds: Dorper, Van Rooy, Polled Dorset, and Texel. AUW sheep offer advantages such as strong stress resistance, rapid growth, and are low-maintenance animals. With applications in both meat and wool production, AUW sheep present an opportunity for crossbreeding with local sheep varieties, aiming to enhance meat quality and boost production efficiency [1]
The Australian White is an Australian breed of meat sheep. It derives from selective breeding of White Dorper, Van Rooy, Poll Dorset and Texel sheep, with the aim of creating a large white sheep suited to Australian conditions, and with a self-shedding hair coat. [2]
Three breeders – Baringa, Highveld and Tattykeel - collaborated to create the breed. [2]
In 2011 the Australian White sheep breed was shown at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for the first time.[ citation needed]
In 2019 the breed was introduced into the USA. [3]
In 2022 an Australian White ram was sold for AU$240,000, thought to be a record price for a meat sheep. [4]