Merino

Merino is a breed of sheep renowned for producing fine, soft wool, widely considered among the finest natural fibers for clothing. The breed originated in Spain, where it was developed for high-quality wool in the medieval and early modern periods. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Merino-type sheep were exported to other parts of the world, where breeders refined them further. In the 19th and 20th centuries Australia and South Africa became major centers of Merino production, shaping a global wool industry.

Merino sheep are medium-sized with white, clean fleece. The wool they produce is typically very fine, with micron counts commonly ranging from the 18 to 24 microns for fine Merino lines; finer grades are used for next-to-skin garments, while heavier lines are used for coarser apparel. Merino wool fibers have a high crimp, excellent elasticity, and good warmth-to-weight, along with natural moisture management and odor resistance.

Management and production: Merino adapt well to a range of climates, notably arid and semi-arid regions. They are typically shorn annually; wool production is affected by nutrition, health, and parasite control. Flystrike prevention and, in some regions, practices such as mulesing have been used, though alternatives and welfare concerns have led to changes in management.

Uses and industry: Merino wool is the backbone of the high-quality wool industry. It is used for clothing such as suits, base layers, and socks, as well as blankets and technical fabrics. Breeding programs continue to improve fleece quality, yield, and meat traits in dual-purpose lines.