Sheep: Afrino

Country of Origin

South Africa

Australian Status

Uses

Meat and Wool

Breed Characteristics

The Afrino is a smooth bodied, bare breeched breed bred for both meat and wool.  They are valued for meat quality with uniform fat distribution, reaching a marketable weight of 37-42kg in 8 months.  They also produce a fine wool similar to Merino, with a micro count of 16-22 microns.  Although the smooth body and bare breeches reduces wool yield by about 20% per shearing, it comes with the advantages of quicker and easier shearing, and no need for mulesing.  Afrinos with their bare breech are able to apply for a 'non-mulsed' wool accreditation.  With both consumers and brands showing an interest in animal welfare, wool with this accreditation is attracting a premium price. The ewes have high productivity and excellent mothering skills.

History

The breed was developed at the Carnarvon Experimental Station in the Northwestern Karoo of South Africa in 1969 by the Department of Agriculture.   Merino, Ronderib Afrikaner, and South African Mutton Merino were used in their development.  The final selection of 25% Merino, 25% Ronderib Afrikaner, and 50% South African Mutton Merino was determined to best fulfil the objectives set out for the new breed.

History in Australia

In 2006 John Bennier introduced an Afrino ram over his Merino ewes.  He was so impressed with the results, he transitioned his flock over to 100% Afrino.  He selected the best stud rams and ewes from his pure Afrino flock to form his new stud Bailup Downs Afrinos at Wooroloo in the Perth hills. [Bailupdownsafrinos]  John's attention throughout his breeding program has not only been on the prime lamb aspect of the flock, but the quality of the fine white wool they produce.

Breed Organisation

None in Australia. 

South Africa: Afrino Sheep Breeders Association of South Africa

More information can be found at Bailup Downs Afrinos webpage.

Australian Population

2025: 550 Ewes, 4 Flocks

Photo Credits

Top:  A group of Afrino sheep courtesy Bailup Downs Afrinos

Bottom: Non-mulesed naturally bare breeched Afrino ewe shorn courtesy Bailup Downs Afrinos

References

https://agtr.ilri.org/afrino.html

https://bailupdownsafrinos.com

Page by C. Wormald, Feb 2026

Back to Sheep