Why Wiltipolls

The Wiltipoll breed was developed in Australia from Wiltshire Horn sheep with the infusion of Border Leicester, Perendale, Poll Dorset, and Poll Merino genetics and are raised for their high quality meat. 

Wiltipolls must have at least 96.87% Wiltshire Horn genetics, completely shed their fleece annually, and be polled (no horns).  The breed was developed to produce a polled, shedding, easy-care sheep with heavy lamb production and quality meat. In 1996, the breed association was formed, and it has expanded rapidly. 

The Wiltipoll’s short white fleece completely sheds each year and they produce quality meat at lower cost, less work, is lean and is excellent tasting.  Shedding their wool annually in spring to summer, they produce heavy lambs and the energy of the sheep is directed into meat and milk, not wool.  

Wiltipolls have had huge success producing prime lamb in marginal areas or pastoral country, as they browse on a wide range of feed.  Wiltipolls excel in both wet and dry country, adapting to conditions and can survive on rough, scrubby feed as well as well as lush pastures.  Wiltipoll sheep may weigh up to 125 kg (276 lb) under reasonable conditions.  

Wiltipolls are also ideally suited to small acreages and those farmers who want to reduce their workload associated with wool breeds.  They do not require crutching or shearing and do not suffer readily from fly strike, which makes them a useful breed for small holdings without shearing sheds.

Ewes are seasonal breeders, very good mothers, have excellent fertility with a high percentage of multiple births.  They have a high lambing percentage of 130-180% and good maternal instincts.  They are renowned for twins and triplets.  This requires fewer ewes to manage and feed with more prime lamb production. They produce prime lambs without laying down fat, thus producing a very lean, high-quality meat.