Both lambs and ewes proved to be worm tolerant and very free of dags. Agresearch scientist John McEwan has just released his findings of a trial with Texel-Romney cross and Romney lambs into identifying resistance to internal parasites and found after two field challenges that the Texel cross lambs had significantly lower levels of the three main parasites even though the pure Romneys were already part of a resistance selection program. Soundness a priority. Physical soundness still has top priority with all lambs and ewes inspected on feet, colour, constitution and wool. Performance recording of eye muscle, fat cover and lean growth rate traits dominate selection for lambs kept and sires used.
Conformation is typified by overall carcass balance and large gigots.
This, combined with the excellent milking ability of all ewes has enabled rapid progressive improvements in weaning weights and fertility. Fleece quality and weights. Fleece weights are recorded. Weights range from 4.0kg to 6kg for a 12 month fleece. Selection - analysis and culling.