Dohne genetics provide backing for duality

WITH wool prices continuing to plummet, more and more graziers are searching for alternatives to bolster their wool cut and lamb prices.

One solution for an increasing number of Central West graziers are Dohnes, a dual purpose breed.

Initiated in South Africa in the early part of last century, this relatively new breed is sparking the interest of breeders and graziers, drawn to Dohnes for their ability to produce meat and fine-to-medium white wool.

Cam and Julie Maxwell of ‘Hazelwood’ near Longreach have established their own stud, sourcing genetics from South Africa and interstate to set up their business.

"We found out about the Dohnes through different websites and field days," Julie said.

"Previously we were with Merinos, but with the dry conditions we felt like it was time to change. And Dohnes are able to cope with the dry climate.
"We just fell in love with them; they seemed like the safest option to go with."

With trade arrangements prohibiting the exportation of live Dohne sheep or their genetics from the breed’s home in South Africa into Australia, the Maxwells opted for Dohne embryos to start their flock three years ago.

"We couldn’t bring in frozen eggs so we used embryos and implanted them in Merino ewes," Julie said.

"We are selecting the best genetics in the world, placing them in Merinos and then rearing the lambs in our environment."

Three years later the Maxwells are one of four studs in Queensland providing high quality, accredited Dohne rams to a variety of clients in the Central West.

Unique to the breed, Dohnes have documented statistical data for each individual animal, as well as predicted information on its progeny.

EBVs or Estimated Breeding Values describe all the major performance traits, including body weight, fleece weight, fibre diameter, fat depth and muscle size, and are collected by the ram breeder, then weighed up by an accredited Dohne assessor.

"They are the only breed to record EBVs, with records going back more than 70-years," Cam said.

"The information is mainly used by the studs, but as more people get into Dohnes, I think more people will start to access this information," Julie added.

"You get a passion for your animals and for this type of information.
"You can get so into it, because there is so much there."

With agriculture relying on the kind of scientific evidence and accountability which lies beyond the reach of a grazier’s trained eye, the benefits of this sheep breed has proven to be a winner for the Maxwells.

"They have already been trialled for us – they’re an extremely tough animal," Cam said.

"Dohnes have been bred to live in harsh conditions – we don’t mollycoddle our sheep.
"Lambs are being reared in our environment; they have to walk for food and water.
"They become used to this environment and flourish."

Julie can also see the advantages of Dohnes beyond its duality.

"Dohnes have high fertility rates, good lamb percentages and are good mothers.

"As well as a naturally occurring breach, which is a positive because one day you won’t be able to mules your livestock.
"As far as we can tell there are no drawbacks.
"They run like Merinos, you manage them the same and you shear them the same. We haven’t made any big changes to the structure of our place.
"Their wool is as good as any Merino, with a AWEX (Australian Wool Exchange) that is between 18 to 21 micron."

"Beside the Dorper, you still have to shear meat sheep," Cam added.
"Why get 5c for your clip, when you can get 15c with the Dohnes?"

Surrounded by dyed-in-the-wool Merino breeders, it’s not surprising that the Maxwells raised a few eyebrows when they invested in this sheep out of Africa.

However with limited options available for struggling sheep graziers in the Central West, they have no regrets.

"We got a lot of different reactions from people when we decided to get into Dohnes," Cam said.

"A lot of young people in the grazing industry are realising now’s the time to be trying something different.
"But I suppose people are also sitting back and waiting to see how we go."