The Breeding Aim for Nolana Meat-Sheep
The aim is to have a medium to large framed sheep with a narrow head. In the long run, polled animals are desired. The trunk has broad shoulders, a long and broad back and loin, good rib curvature, broad and deep breast, good flank depths and a long, broad pelvis. The shoulders, back and outer and inner leg chumps should show a well developed shape. These sheep should produce first class lean carcasses.
The legs should be strong and of correct position.
A special emphasis is placed on good mothering and milking ability, high fertility, easy lambing, prematurity and a long breeding season.
The coat colour is predominantly white. Claws, mouth and nose should be darkly pigmented. Dark pigmentation on the body are possible and welcomed, as well as other colours.
The Nolana sheep is especially suited for keeping in paddocks.
Body weights of Nolana Meat-Sheep
Adult rams: 115 – 130 kg
Yearling rams: 90 – 110 kg
Adult ewes: 75 – 90 kg
Birth weights: 4 – 5 kg
Young breeding ewes: 55 – 65 kg (8 months at first mating)
The daily gains (100 days) in-field should vary from 300-400 g. There are very few exceptions where higher daily gains are achieved. The dressing percentage varies from 50-51% with a commercial life weight of 42-44 kg.