Production and economic evaluation of the Corriedale, Highlander and Milchschaf sheep breeds in Southern Uruguay

ABSTRACT: Sheep production is expanding among small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Currently, Corriedale and Milchschaf are being used, but not Highlander. However, there lack of experimental information regarding the relative performance these breeds. We conducted an experiment where three sheep breeds were run together at Regional Centre, located region question. Wool, body, reproductive lamb growth traits recorded from 2015 to 2019. Results used as a basis for calculation gross margins each breed, which we calculated range economic scenarios. For scenarios based on results present study Highlander was best performing breed. If it assumed be wool-less, performed even better. In some best, especially when higher wool price enjoy assumed. fetching such foreseeable future unlikely. concluded that absence wool-less perform manner similar or terms reproduction growth, currently option Until now, has been recommended breed system The recommendation should reviewed, instead, investigated. could applicable other temperate regions Latin America systems exist may developed.