The Merino sheep is one of the oldest and most famous sheep breeds in the world, especially valued for its high-quality wool. Here are some interesting facts about the Merino sheep:
1. Origin and history
The Merino sheep originally comes from North Africa, but was brought to Spain in the Middle Ages, where it was perfected for breeding.
For a long time, Spain had a monopoly on Merino sheep and the export of these animals was strictly prohibited. It was not until the 18th century that Merino sheep were exported to other countries, particularly to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where they are still successfully bred today.
2. High quality wool
Fineness of the wool : Merino wool is known for its exceptionally fine fibers, which are much thinner than the wool of most other sheep breeds. It is usually 17 to 24 microns thick, making it soft and comfort