High Quality Meat Traits
High ASBV Meat Traits in Rams & Ewe Flock
Built on a strong foundation of Collinsville genetics Karradale ewes are strong in their frames and in their wool quality. Ewes have a 19.5 micron average and annual fleece yields of over 6kg. We have gradually introduced Multipurpose merino (MPM) rams into our flock to add stronger meat and fertility traits. Our Ram team has been selected over time using ASBV's for quality meat traits whilst preserving wool quality. We have now built high ASBV averages for our Ram team in growth rates, eye muscle depth, fat and fleece weight. So now we are able to see real movement in the averages of our large commercial ewe flock also. To read more about the Ram Stud Hill Padua see here. For our recent ASBV benchmarking data for our ewe flock see here. For our Ram Team Average benchmarking see here.
Strong Placings at WA Lamb Producer awards 2018 & 2019
In only our second year of producing lambs we were thrilled to place second in the smaller producer award for Merino Lamb. Up against established farms Karradale finished very strongly. in 2019 more lambs put us into the large producer category where we finished fourth - an excellent result again.
High Lambing %'s in tough years
After two tough seasons, and back to back 100% lambing rates, we are pleased with the hardiness and and resilience of Karradale's merino flock. With the strong meat traits being linked to improved fertility and overall good doing ability we are seeing the results in the field with strong lambing and ewe's maintaining condition in tough years.
Quality Merino Wool
Primaries/Nutrien Wool Supplier
Wool quality goes from strength to strength. With 5yr av Micron at 19.5, wool quality is on par with other Merino wool producers. We are working on selecting genetics for wool length and density as we look to work toward six monthly shearing which improves our flock management processes and profitability.
Quality Classing for Type
Each September and October ewes are classed, with our meat traits firmly achieved we are working toward refining our type - where we are working toward a rounder, fully hindquartered and plainer bodied style. We are also looking toward targeting wool quality and volume improvements.
