Australian White sheep

The Australian White (AUW) sheep breed, originating from Australia, is known for its coarse wool and specialization in mutton production. This breed combines genetic traits from four distinct sheep breeds: Dorper, Van Rooy, Polled Dorset, and Texel. AUW sheep offer advantages such as strong stress resistance, rapid growth, and are low-maintenance animals. With applications in both meat and wool production, AUW sheep present an opportunity for crossbreeding with local sheep varieties, aiming to enhance meat quality and boost production efficiency

The Australian White is an Australian breed of meat sheep. It derives from selective breeding of White Dorper, Van Rooy, Poll Dorset and Texel sheep, with the aim of creating a large white sheep suited to Australian conditions, and with a self-shedding hair coat.

History
Three breeders – Baringa, Highveld and Tattykeel - collaborated to create the breed.

In 2011 the Australian White sheep breed was shown at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for the first time.

In 2019 the breed was introduced into the USA.

In 2022 an Australian White ram was sold for AU$240,000, thought to be a record price for a meat sheep.