SAMM's (South African Meat Merino's), originally known as the German
Meat Merino and known as PRIME SAMM's in Australia, is a dual purpose
meat-wool sheep (60:40 meat to wool).  The breed is known for its
fertility.     

The breed is able to utilize low quality roughage.  Its grazing habits limit
energy consumption and better utilization efficiency is maintained allowing
for increased meat and wool production.

The Breed excels under all climatical conditions. The breed carries a 21 -
23 micron fleece.

Cross breeding practises with other white face breeds of sheep are
common utilizing the conformation, hardiness, fertility and adaptability of
the SA Meat Merino.  Producers often cross breed with Rambouillet and
Targhee to improve prolificacy and carcass quality.

The SAMM is a medium-sized sheep, a good forager, hardy and able to
withstand in climate weather.


The lambs at birth were small (8-10# birth weight), extremely vigorous,
taking just minutes to get up to nurse (we lambed when it is 0 to -20 F at
nights).  These lambs have a high tolerance to pneumonia and were quick
to start on feed.  They look like Rambouillet lambs when born but within
two weeks you could see the SAMM  blood in them!  All the lambs are open
faced with dark pigmentation around their eyes.

The cross ewes required less management (time) during lambing.