New Caucasian Merino

New Caucasian Merino

 

(Novokavkazskii merino), a breed of fine-wooled sheep that was developed in the Northern Caucasus in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by crossing Mazaev ewes with Bal’debukovskii rams. The rams weigh between 60 and 70 kg and yield 6 to 9 kg of wool. The ewes range in weight from 45 to 55 kg and produce between 4.5 and 6 kg of wool. The wool primarily is of 64th quality and measures 7 to 7.5 cm long. The New Caucasian Merino breed has not been kept pure. It has served as the basis for the development of the Soviet merino, Caucasian, Stavropol’, and Sal’skie Steppes breeds.