Delaine Merino Sheep
Alligators
Alligators
Alpacas
Alpacas
HoneyBees
Bees
Bison
Bison
Buffalo
Buffalo
Camels
Camels
Cattle
Cattle
Chickens
Chickens
Deer
Deer
Donkeys
Donkeys
Ducks
Ducks
Emus
Emus
Geese
Geese
Goats
Goats
GuineaFowl
GuineaFowl
Horses
Horses
Llamas
Llamas
MuskOx
Musk Ox
Ostriches
Ostriches
Pheasants
Pheasants
Pigeons
Pigeons
Pigs
Pigs
Emus
Quail
Rabbits
Rabbits
Sheep
Sheep
Snails
Snails
Turkeys
Turkeys
Yaks
Yaks

About Delaine Merino SheepAbout Delaine Merino Sheep



Several strains of Merinos evolved in the United States. The type "A" Merino was developed in Vermont through selection and inbreeding. This Merino carries a very heavy, wrinkly hide. In form, the type A is angular and has little carcass value. It is not advocated for commercial lamb and wool production. The "B" type Merino was developed principally in Ohio, a result of breeders selecting for a heavy fleece on a sheep that has a fair mutton form.  

Its body is fairly free of wrinkles, but it carries heavy neck folds and frequently wrinkles or heavy folds behind the shoulders and on the thighs and rear flanks. The type B is larger and better adapted to everyday conditions than the type A. The type "C" or Delaine Merino is the most practical Merino and is especially adapted to range sheep production in the western and southwestern parts of the U.S.  

Delaine Merino are medium size sheep. Mature ewes with full fleece average from 125 to 180 pounds. Rams are larger ranging in weight from 175 to 235 pounds. The Delaine has a smooth body and is free of wrinkles. In the U.S., over 95 percent of Merinos are smooth or nearly smooth.