Building Resilient Sheep Flocks with Purebred Genetics

A Braidwood farmer has used purebreds from distinct gene pools — including Damara — as the genetic foundation for a low input composite flock. Rather than crossbreeding randomly, he selected purebreds specifically for target traits – parasite resilience, polled, hair breeds. The result after six generations: a flock that hasn’t been vaccinated or drenched, with each generation reportedly hardier than the last. His framing is blunt and useful — years of line breeding (inbreeding) within a single breed weakens animals; bringing in unrelated purebred genetics gives you something to select from and builds back natural resilience. This highlights both the need for documented purebred populations, provable genetic histories that allow for stronger, not weaker subsequent generations – as well as how Damara can contribute to these low input, tough flocks due to their intrinsic nature and qualities. We believe that a genetically diverse, strong purebred pollution is critical for allowing mixed flocks to continue to tap into their hardiness, resilience and benefits. Explore more about these qualities on the Damara Difference page.

Read the full article here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-21/braidwood-farmer-new-lamb-cooked-local-restaurant-expat-chefs/106358970