History

PETALI

Bloodline:

Petali

Number of stud ewes: 600 Poll Merino 150 Merino
Sale Rams: 100 Poll Merino 30 Merino
Ram Sale Date: Thursday 4th February 2010
Average micron: 17.2 (Adult) 15.2 (Hogget)
OJD Status: MN3

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.

In 2005 Petali supplied 1 year old merino wethers for an MLA finishing systems trial.

DUAL PURPOSE MERINOS

Since 2002 it has become increasingly obvious that the demand trends for our 2 main merino products; wool fibre and sheep meat are changing. Previous to then at least 70% of selection pressure was on wool traits. Now the selection has improved for growth, carcase and fertility traits. Petali Merinos’ developing Poll merino influence, plus the use of MERINOSELECT ASBV’s has been very timely. Already 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 stocking rates greater than

16 DSE/Ha.

POLL BREEDING

In 1997 a program of breeding Poll merinos commenced due to client demand. Genetics from many leading flocks have been trialled. Successful introductions include Toland Poll R730 and 1217 “Maverick”, purchased for $20,000 in 2001. Usually 2 outside sires are trialled each year for genetic linkage and possible introduction. It is anticipated that the entire flock will be polled within 5 years.

FERTILITY

872 Stud ewes were mated in 2006, a drought year, tagging 895 lambs or 103% lambing. Petali adult ewes will often conceive with up to 35-45% twins, maidens usually 15%.

PETALI PROPERTY

During 2005 the 1450 hectare Petali property wintered over 16 DSE/Ha. 1400Ha has been sown to deep-rooted perennial tall fescue, legume and herb pastures and is fertilised regularly. 11,000 merinos are usually shorn, including 6,500 breeding ewes. A beef cattle grass backgrounding operation is also conducted, with 600 cattle in 2006.