The Grootfontein Dohne Merino stud: Research for definitive answers

The Grootfontein Dohne Merino stud was formed in 2001 to establish a genetic pool of dual-purpose sheep with premium quality meat and superfine wool under extensive conditions. The research eventually shifted to DNA studies.

- Carin Venter

Stockfarm visited the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) where Drs Willem Olivier and Gretha Snyman, both animal scientists specialising in breeding and genetics, elaborated on the various projects.

Long-term genetic and genomic research at GADI is a time-consuming process that requires adequate funding. "It is very difficult for a sheep producer to carry out studies like these, as they are in the business of making money," says Dr Olivier. That is why GADI undertakes research on behalf of the industry, explains Dr Snyman, and why the institute relies on project funding from the wool, meat and mohair industries of South Africa. "This allows us to conduct research focussed on helping producers find moneymaking solutions that can be implemented on the farm."

Establishing a genetic pool

GADI is located near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape and has been conducting studies specifically on Dohne Merinos.

Dr Olivier explains: "To better understand the purpose of the Grootfontein Dohne Merino stud, one must look back to the 1980s when the wool income from dual purpose sheep breeds such as the Dohne Merino, contributed to approximately only 20% of income.

"With this in mind, the South African wool industry requested that a study be conducted on a Dohne Merino flock at Grootfontein with the objective of improving dual-purpose sheep wool quality through a selection process that would increase producers' profitability."