DOHNE – THE SUPREME ALLROUNDER

What is Dohne? (pronounced "doony")

The Dohne is a South African-bred Merino of Australian Peppin and German Meat Merino genetics. Breeding started in the 1930’s with the objective of keeping the constitution of the German meat sheep whilst producing a Peppin merino fleece.

Over 60 generations of selective breeding has achieved a plain bodied, well structured, low maintenance, early maturing and self-replacing sheep with:

These characteristics have been achieved by adherence to the Dohne Association standards, involving objective and subjective measurements of key elements, giving EBV’S and an all embracing index.

MITHRIL DOHNE STUD

Mithril’s objective is to establish the best type of rams most suited to the Southern Victorian environment.

Mithril Dohne Stud was established by Michael and Adrienne Edgar in 2003 with embryos from Kardinia, Hendrick and Roseville Park, lambing in 2004. Further embryos were implanted that year including Summerfield (WA).
Three impressive rams were purchased from Potari (SA) which have been used for natural joining and AI.
An ET program in 2006 used a leading Mt Alma (SA) sire followed by the purchase of two Mt Alma rams in 2007.
Our own ML 070036 has proved an outstanding sire producing super fleeces on robust meaty progeny. Additional ewes were purchased in 2009 from Potari (SA) and Macquarie (NSW) to increase production and selection.
In 2009 an exceptional Mt Alma ram ASH 080412 was bought in Adelaide.
Another external input was ram JP 080307 with a super meat carcass.
Our next step in an AI program in May 2011 using the sire of ASH 080412 - ASH 060136.

THE COMMERCIAL SHEEP PRODUCER – WHY DOHNE?

Whilst retaining all options for the future, the producer can derive a larger portion (70%) of their income from meat, with the lesser portion from wool (30%).

Substantial on farm benefits will emerge from having a self replacing flock. The first cross ewe (F1) and second cross (F2) females can replace the traditional first cross ewe for the production of prime lambs. Wether lambs can be finished in 6 months for the domestic trade or grown on to export weights.