New Zealand Sheep 2

The Drysdale Sheep was named after Dr F W Dry of Massey University, New Zealand and is prized for the hairs which are present in its fleece. Dr Dry isolated the relevant genetic factor and it was believed he intended to breed it out. Instead he developed a new breed which became valuable for carpet wool.

The Corriedale breed of sheep originated in Canterbury by interbreeding the half-bred type of sheep resulting from crossing Lincoln and English Leicester rams with merino ewes. The breed was named by an early breeder, James Little because he carried out his experiments on the Corriedale Station in North Otago, New Zealand. The breed was recognised by the Sheepbreeders Assocation in 1903, and was given full flock book status in 1911. The Corriedale also achieved international recognition and a regular trade developed in the export of Canterbury sheep to many parts of the world. The Corriedale is noted for the quality of both its meat and its wool.