History

PETALI POLL MERINOS

Bloodline:

Petali 

Stud ewes: 650 Poll Merino 
Sale Rams: 150 
Ram Sale Date: Thursday 3rd February 2011
Average micron: 17.2 (Adult) 15.2 (Hogget)
OJD Status: MN3 (8 points)

HISTORY

Established in 1966 with one third of the Mirani Stud (est. 1932), descendants from the Ohio flock (est.1868). Originally Tasmanian blood, recent introductions have been from fine wool bloodlines.

In 1991 Petali commenced a breeding program for Elite wool production. Dr Jim Watts was engaged as consultant from 1991 until 1997. From 1996 until 2001 Dr Paul Swan was engaged as a consultant. Mr Rob Russell of Sheepscope, Ballarat VIC, was engaged as stud classer in 2001.

From 2001 Merino Genetic Services (MGS) run by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), have provided Breeding Values for the following traits; wool, live weight, worm resistance, carcase and fertility. In 2005 MGS became MERINOSELECT, as part of Sheep Genetics Australia (SGA), which is the combination of the leading sheep databases in Australia. Petali was an early collaborator with the MLA Merino Validation Project from 2002-2005.


Since 2007 all lambs have been registered on MerinoSelect as Poll Merino (601279). In 2010 the Merino flock (503054) was discontinued.

DUAL PURPOSE MERINOS

It has become increasingly obvious that the demand trends for our 2 main merino products; wool fibre and sheep meat are changing. In the past at least 70% of selection pressure was on wool traits. Now the selection has improved for growth, carcase and fertility traits. Petali Merinos’ Poll merino influence, plus the use of MERINOSELECT ASBV’s has been very timely. Many young sires, ewes and sale rams at Petali are trait leaders in Australia.

WORM RESISTANCE

In 1993 a program of selecting sheep for genetic resistance to worms commenced to match consumer demand for clean production & less reliance on chemicals. Many outstanding merinos have been identified with a good range for selection. All adult Petali sheep now receive only one broad spectrum drench per year at higher than district average stocking rates.

POLL BREEDING

In 1997 a program of breeding Poll merinos commenced due to client demand. Genetics from leading fine wool poll merino flocks continues to be trialled. Successful introductions include Toland Poll R730 and Toland Poll 1217 “Maverick”, purchased for $20,000 in 2001. Usually 2 outside sires are trialled each year for genetic linkage and possible introduction. 

FERTILITY

Petali is a very fertile flock for fine/superfine merinos. Petali adult ewes will often conceive with up to 35-45% twins, maidens usually 15%.

PETALI PROPERTY

The 1450 hectare Petali property usually carries over 15 DSE/Ha. 1400Ha has been sown to deep-rooted perennial tall fescue, legume and herb pastures and is fertilised regularly. 10,000 merinos are usually shorn, including 6,500 breeding ewes. A beef cattle grass backgrounding operation is also conducted depending on availability of suitable feed.