New Zealand Crossbred Sheep: The Backbone of Strong Wool Production

New Zealand is renowned for its sheep farming, particularly its crossbred sheep, which play a vital role in the country’s wool industry. Crossbred sheep, derived from a mix of strong wool and finer-wool breeds, are highly valued for their resilience, adaptability, and ability to produce strong, durable wool. This wool is primarily used for carpets, upholstery, and other high-durability products due to its coarser texture compared to fine Merino wool.

Among the innovators in this industry, Wisewool has emerged as a company that champions the unique strengths of New Zealand’s crossbred wool, refining and enhancing its natural properties for a range of applications. But crossbred sheep are more than just wool producers—they contribute significantly to sustainable farming practices, and their welfare is closely tied to regular wool management, including shearing.

Why New Zealand Crossbred Sheep are Shorn Twice a Year

Shearing is an essential practice in the care of New Zealand’s crossbred sheep. Unlike their wild ancestors, domesticated sheep do not shed their wool naturally. This makes regular shearing critical for the health and well-being of the sheep. In New Zealand, it’s common for crossbred sheep to be shorn twice a year, particularly in areas where the climate is warmer and more humid.

Health and Comfort

Shearing crossbred sheep twice per year—once in early summer and again in late spring or autumn—helps maintain the health of the sheep by preventing excessive wool growth. If wool is left unshorn, it can become heavy and cumbersome, leading to mobility issues and discomfort for the sheep. Overgrown wool can trap moisture and heat, which can lead to skin irritations and parasitic infections, such as flystrike, where flies lay eggs in the wool, causing serious health issues .

Thermoregulation

New Zealand’s varied climate, particularly during the summer months, can cause sheep to overheat if they are left with too much wool. Shearing in early summer helps prevent heat stress, ensuring that the sheep can regulate their body temperature more effectively. Without this relief, sheep can suffer from heat exhaustion, which can lead to serious health complications .

Preventing Wool Rot

In areas with higher rainfall, wet wool can lead to what’s called “wool rot” or “fleece rot.” This condition occurs when moisture gets trapped in the fleece, promoting bacterial growth. Regular shearing reduces the chance of this happening, keeping the sheep’s skin dry and healthy .

Wool Fibre Length: The Balance of Shearing Frequency

The timing of shearing also influences the quality and characteristics of the wool. Crossbred sheep in New Zealand produce wool with an average fibre diameter of 31 to 38 microns, classifying it as strong wool, which is ideal for high-durability products. The average fibre length after six months of growth, which is common between shearing intervals, is typically 100 to 150 millimetres .

By shearing every six months, farmers ensure the wool doesn’t become too long or too short. Longer fibres tend to become tangled and matted, which can decrease the quality of the wool, while shorter fibres reduce the yield and make the wool harder to process efficiently. The twice-yearly shearing schedule optimizes both fibre length and quality .

At Wisewool, this balance of wool fibre length is critical for the development of its innovative wool products. The engineered wool buds, a flagship product of Wisewool, are made possible by carefully managing the wool’s natural properties, which are enhanced through precise fibre processing.

Why Shearing is Good for the Sheep

Regular shearing is not only necessary for wool production but also crucial for the well-being of the sheep. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

1. Prevents Overheating

Shearing in the warmer months prevents overheating, allowing sheep to maintain a stable body temperature. Excessive wool can act like an insulator, which is beneficial during cold months but problematic in the summer. Removing the fleece helps the sheep stay cool, reducing the risk of heatstroke .

2. Reduces Parasite Risks

Overgrown wool can create the perfect environment for parasites like lice, ticks, and flies, which can cause health problems ranging from skin irritations to serious infections like flystrike. Shearing eliminates these risks by removing the environment in which these pests thrive .

3. Improves Mobility and Comfort

As wool grows thicker, it can become a burden for sheep, weighing them down and making it more difficult to move. Shearing ensures that sheep remain agile and comfortable, which is particularly important for grazing and general movement across New Zealand’s varied terrain .

4. Encourages Healthy Wool Growth

Regular shearing stimulates new wool growth, which is beneficial for both the sheep and wool production. After shearing, the wool grows back clean and free from dirt and debris, which improves the overall quality of the fleece.

The Sustainability of Crossbred Sheep Wool

New Zealand crossbred sheep not only produce wool that is ideal for durable products but also contribute to a sustainable farming system. Wool, being a renewable and biodegradable resource, fits perfectly into New Zealand’s focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Crossbred sheep are raised in pasture-based systems, which are certified under the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP). This ensures that all aspects of the sheep’s welfare, from health to biosecurity and environmental impact, are managed to the highest standards.

Companies like Wisewool are at the forefront of leveraging the sustainable qualities of crossbred wool. By transforming raw wool into premium products through innovative processes, Wisewool is part of the movement to revive strong wool and re-establish it as a vital natural resource for the future.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s crossbred sheep are a cornerstone of the country's wool industry, producing strong, durable wool while contributing to sustainable farming practices. The twice-yearly shearing schedule is crucial for maintaining the health of the sheep, ensuring they are comfortable, free from parasites, and able to thrive in New Zealand’s varying climates. For both the farmers and the sheep, this practice ensures the ongoing production of high-quality wool while supporting the ethical and sustainable care of livestock.

With the expertise of companies like Wisewool, this wool is carefully transformed into innovative products, bridging the gap between tradition and modern, eco-conscious consumption.