Merino Sheep
Ovis aries
Originating in Spain and refined over centuries as the world's premier fine-wool breed, Merino is a heavy, white-coated sheep (rams up to ~100kg, ewes ~60kg) prized for its dense, uniform fleece.
Species
Ovine
Family
Bovidae
Climate requirements
Well adapted to semi-arid climates and cooler medium-to-high altitude zones, and in Kenya is mainly kept in highland ranching areas such as Molo, Timau and Rumuruti under sub-humid to semi-arid rainfall regimes.
Husbandry guide
Requires access to open grazing land with rotational paddocks to protect pasture and fleece quality, plus supplementary feeding (hay, mineral licks) during dry spells since wool growth is nutrition-sensitive. Shearing is needed once or twice a year, yielding roughly 4-5kg of fine wool per fleece; skirting and clean, dry shelter help maintain wool quality. Lambing rates average around 100-130%, and lambs are typically weaned by 3-4 months; footrot and fleece-related fly strike are the main health concerns requiring regular hoof checks and crutching. Adult sheep need around 4-6 liters of water daily and benefit from stocking rates of roughly 3-5 per hectare on ranchland pasture.
Economic importance
Merino underpins Kenya's small but established wool industry, supplying fiber to local processors and cottage wool crafts, while also serving ranchers as a dual-purpose (wool and mutton) breed in highland livestock economies.