Top 40 How Much Does Merino Wool Sell For 4435 Votes This Answer

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Merino wool is expensive and there’s no way around it. Hiking and skiing socks made with merino run from about $20 to $30 and merino shirts can easily exceed $100. Taking into consideration the limited durability, this is the most convincing argument to avoid the material altogether.It is by far the most rare wool as there are very few in existence; are only found in the wild; and it can only be shorn once every three years. It is also the finest wool fiber at an average of 12.5 microns compared to cashmere’s range of 13.5-17.5 microns.How Much Do Merinos Cost? A good quality Merino will cost about $100, but you may be able to buy them for less if you are buying 100 or more. You should expect to pay approximately $20 per year in upkeep, shearing, and feeding costs.

	Price	Day
Wool	1,388.00	0%
Rice	16.95	-0.21%
Canola	788.30	-0.63%
Sugar	18.35	-1.71%

Contents

What is the current price of wool?

	Price	Day
Wool	1,388.00	0%
Rice	16.95	-0.21%
Canola	788.30	-0.63%
Sugar	18.35	-1.71%

Is Merino wool rare?

It is by far the most rare wool as there are very few in existence; are only found in the wild; and it can only be shorn once every three years. It is also the finest wool fiber at an average of 12.5 microns compared to cashmere’s range of 13.5-17.5 microns.

How much is a Merino sheep?

How Much Do Merinos Cost? A good quality Merino will cost about $100, but you may be able to buy them for less if you are buying 100 or more. You should expect to pay approximately $20 per year in upkeep, shearing, and feeding costs.

How much does wool sell for in Australia?

The Australian Wool Exchange Eastern Market Indicator (AWEX EMI) is now trading at 1,448 cents a kilogram, which was 309 cents a kilogram higher than the same time last year.

How much is a bale of Merino wool?

MERINO wool prices over 2000 cents a kilogram pushed bale values to $3500-$4000 last week.

What is a pound of wool worth?

The price of wool was $1.47 per pound in 2017 with a total value of $36.4 million. The production of high-value fine wools (25 microns or less) represents more than one-half of U.S. wool production (NASS, 2017).

What is the most expensive wool?

Vicuna The most expensive of all specialty wools, vicuna sells for anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000 per yard. However, if you’re lucky enough to afford it, you’ll experience the softest and finest of fabrics. As the Peruvian government has strict guidelines on harvesting and exporting vicuna, it’s also one of the rarest.

Why is merino wool expensive?

Merino wool is expensive because of the amount of time, labor, and costs that go into its manufacturing. Add to that an increased demand and low supply to satisfy that demand, and the reasons behind the high cost of merino wool become pretty clear.

How much do sheep wool farmers make?

The lowest 10% earned less than $35,440 and the highest 10% earned more than $136,940.

Can you buy Merino sheep?

Each year, we have a select number of Merino lambs and adults available for new homes. Whether you are looking into Merino sheep, looking for your next stud ram, or looking for the perfect ewe lamb for your ewe flock, we have it! Get on our list to be contacted when Merinos are available in 2022!

How many lambs do Merino sheep have?

Merino sheep have a gestation period of 145 to 156 days. Sheep give birth to 1 to 3 lambs, once or twice a year. The lambs have a high degree of independence at birth (precocial).

How much wool does a merino sheep produce?

Wool qualities

A Saxon Merino produces 3–6 kg (6.6–13.2 lb) of greasy wool a year, while a good quality Peppin Merino ram produces up to 18 kg (40 lb). Merino wool is generally less than 24 micron (μm) in diameter.

What is a bale of wool worth in Australia?

Terry Sim, October 22, 2021. IMPROVED competition from China lifted Australian wool prices this week and a bale of ultrafine fleece sold for 15,000c/kg – the highest auction price in the nation for more than six years.

How many kg is a bale of wool?

Bales should weigh between 110 kg (243 lb) and 204 kg (450 lb), unless the wool is under 18.6 microns, in which case they may be a minimum gross weight of 90 kg (198 lb).

How many kg is a bale of wool?

Wool bales can weigh from an average of 175 kilograms to a maximum weight of 206 kilograms.

Is wool expensive or cheap?

While wool is well worth the money, it’s important to know why it’s so expensive. The reality is that wool is highly sought after and many people know that it’s a high-end material. Wool is actually expensive for several reasons.

Where can I sell sheep wool in South Africa?

Stucken & Co, South Africa have a team of specialist Wool and Mohair Buyers who purchase the raw (Greasy) fibre on the ‘open cry’ auction system that is held at the Wool and Mohair Exchange in Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Is there a demand for wool?

Although the market is witnessing a steady demand and consumption of wool, the production remains constant and is unlikely to increase in the coming years; as spike in food production and competition for arable land due to swelling global population has led to breeding of sheep for meat, instead of wool.

Mở Hộp – Review Áo Len Lông Cừu Merino Wool Chính Hãng Sale 85% và Cái Kết | Ten Ten

Merino Wool: Is It Worth It? | Switchback Travel

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Merino Wool: Is It Worth It? | Switchback Travel Updating We explain whether merino wool is worth the high cost, detailing merino wool’s comfort, warmth, moisture wicking, stink prevention, and durability.
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An in-depth look at this expensive but highly prized material

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What Exactly is Merino Wool

Next-to-Skin Comfort

Warmth and Temperature Regulation

Moisture Wicking and Breathability

Stink Prevention

Durability

Repairing Merino

The High Cost of Merino

MerinoSynthetic Hybrids

Who Should Buy Merino

Our Top Merino Wool Picks

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Merino Wool: Is It Worth It? | Switchback Travel

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Merino Wool vs Wool – Libertad Apparel Updating What is the best wool? Merino, or ‘regular’ wool? Perhaps a different type of wool altogether? This guide will help any customer looking for the highest quality Merino shirts, pants, socks, underwear, etc. Click to skip: What is wool? There are more types of wool used for clothing than most people realize.What is Merin
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Merino Wool vs Wool - Libertad Apparel — Merino Wool vs Wool – Libertad Apparel

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Merino Sheep: Facts, Pictures, Behavior & Care Guide | Pet Keen Updating Caring for Merino sheep requires that you feed, maintain, and care for the sheep very well, especially if you want to breed them to increase the size of your flock.
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Quick Facts about Merino

Merino Sheep Overview

How Much Do Merinos Cost

Typical Behavior & Temperament

Appearance & Varieties

How to Take Care of Merinos

Do Merinos Get Along with Other Pets

What to Feed Your Merino

Keeping Your Merino Healthy

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Merino Sheep: Facts, Pictures, Behavior & Care Guide | Pet Keen

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Merino Wool: Is It Worth It?

Merino wool, the ultra soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including next-to-skin comfort, warmth, moisture wicking, stink prevention, durability, and more. To tip you off on our conclusions: Merino undoubtedly is expensive but worth it for those who value the comfort or need the performance.

What Exactly is Merino Wool?

Merino is a breed of sheep highly prized for its soft and finely crimped wool. From a technical perspective, the diameter of wool is measured in microns, and the lower the micron the finer and more expensive it is. Regular coarse wool can be 40 micron or more, but merino is much finer, ranging from about 24 micron down to 15 micron and below. Because of its thin diameter, merino isn’t itchy or rough like thicker wools but still offers impressive warmth and moisture wicking capabilities. Originally from Spain, merino sheep are most commonly found in Australia, but also are being raised in the United States, New Zealand, South America, and elsewhere.

Next-to-Skin Comfort

Merino turns the notion that wool is itchy and uncomfortable completely on its head. Merino fibers are much finer and softer than standard wool and easy to wear all day. We commonly wear merino shirts as daily pieces, but they’re also our articles of choice for long-distance activities like backpacking or marathon running. A high-end merino shirt feels softer and lighter than cotton while outperforming it in warmth, moisture wicking, and temperature regulation. As a next-to-skin layer, merino wool is hard to beat.

The fine fibers of merino wool are incredibly comfortable

Warmth and Temperature Regulation

One of the reasons that merino wool is so popular is its warmth relative to weight. The fabric has a natural loft that traps heat very efficiently between the fibers, making it warmer than a synthetic of the same weight. But it’s also good in the heat, as merino regulates your body temperature really well. Arguably, it’s just as good of a summertime material as it is winter. We consistently wear merino wool for running, hiking, and mountain biking for its comfort across a range of temperatures. In the morning, it’ll keep you reasonably insulated, but you’ll be cool, dry, and ventilated once you start working up a sweat.

Another benefit is merino wool’s ability to insulate when wet. If you step in a creek and get your hiking socks wet, it won’t compromise their ability to keep you comfortable. The same goes for your baselayer if you’re sweating heavily: The shirt won’t pin the cold, wet material against your body like cotton. Instead, it will keep you at a comfortable temperature and retain its soft feel.

Moisture Wicking and Breathability

For those unfamiliar, moisture wicking fabrics pull moisture away from your skin by absorbing it into the fibers. The moisture then moves through the fabric and evaporates through the exterior. Merino is touted as having high levels of moisture wicking because of its ability to retain a lot of liquid relative to its weight (better than synthetic). Again, this is a natural property of the wool and another significant benefit to overall comfort.

Wearing the Smartwool Merino150 shirt on a backpacking trip

For the same reason merino wool keeps you comfortable by keeping you dry, it also encourages breathability. We’ve found the most breathable articles to be lightweight and thin (like the Smartwool Merino 150), which makes sense because air can pass through easily, allowing the fabrics to dry out. A mid or heavyweight shirt, sock, or pant can feel muggy when you’re working hard, but the performance still is good and compares well with high-end polyester.

Stink Prevention

Among the many benefits in using a natural fiber is one that both you and your adventure partners surely will appreciate: avoiding stink buildup. Merino’s ability to absorb moisture without creating an environment to grow smelly bacteria is one of its “miracles.” To be clear, we’re not saying that you cannot make a merino shirt stink—we surely have—but it’s a night-and-day difference from a synthetic (even one with an odor fighting treatment).

Merino’s odor resistance makes it ideal for multi-day trips

Depending on the specifics of your trip and the conditions, you can expect to wear merino for multiple days without it becoming smelly or feeling dirty. As a result, it’s a fantastic option for multi-day outdoor adventures, travel, or just about any time you’ll be working up a sweat and won’t be able to change layers for an extended period of time. For multi-day backpacking, climbing, and ski trips, merino simply is a no-brainer.

Durability

Durability is merino’s Achilles heel, particularly for the lightweight varieties and areas prone to heavy wear. We consistently only get a couple seasons out of our merino wool baselayers and casual shirts (although you can expect a longer life if you don’t wear them every day like we do). Lightweight merino tops are most prone to developing holes, and our mid and heavyweight shirts have held up far better.

After pretty extensive use, this merino shirt is starting to break down

Merino wool socks, however, are a very different story. It’s not a perfect comparison because socks require nylon in the construction to create their structure, but the high-density knitting is proof that merino wool can be long lasting. In particular, Darn Tough hiking and ski socks hold up well to a lot of wear and even come with a lifetime guarantee. We’ve put exactly one hole in our drawer full of Darn Toughs over many years of using the brand, and that was the result of a pretty nasty mountain bike crash. Smartwool recently added Indestructawool technology for durability, which had become an issue in years past.

Repairing Merino

Another way to lengthen the life of merino products is to repair them when they get holes instead of discarding them. Patagonia’s WornWear repair program doesn’t accept merino baselayers or socks because they’re considered undergarments (their customer service representatives say they can be returned under warranty), but a few minutes with a needle and thread is often enough to keep a beloved merino item going for a bit longer. Here’s how: Start with a very fine needle and strong thread. With your merino item inside out, begin a couple millimeters away from hole and stitch it closed. For socks, inserting something round like a tennis ball can help, as well as stitching in a grid pattern by first making parallel lines of stitches in one direction, then across in perpendicular stripes overtop for extra strength (here’s a great video demonstration).

The High Cost of Merino

Merino wool is expensive and there’s no way around it. Hiking and skiing socks made with merino run from about $20 to $30 and merino shirts can easily exceed $100. Taking into consideration the limited durability, this is the most convincing argument to avoid the material altogether.

Cost is the biggest downside for merino wool

For example, you can get a high-quality synthetic baselayer like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight for $69, while a comparable Smartwool top is $100. And the same holds true for underwear and socks. There is the occasional deal to be had—REI and L.L. Bean make a few merino items that aren’t prohibitively expensive—but in general, expect to pay at least 50% more for a 100% merino item. This doesn’t mean that merino isn’t worth it, but only for those who highly value its comfort or utilize its performance advantage.

Merino/Synthetic Hybrids

To further push the performance envelope, some brands are experimenting with merino and synthetic blends. The most impressive that we’ve seen are two baselayers: Patagonia’s Capilene Air and the Black Diamond Solution 150. The Capilene Air in particular is unique: it mixes Patagonia’s Capilene polyester and merino wool in a stretchy and incredibly warm design. The shirt is extremely expensive at $129 (and $149 for the hoody), but offers a fit and performance that 100-percent merino can’t match. On the other hand, the Black Diamond Solution 150 addresses merino’s tendency to break down quicker by wrapping merino wool fibers around more durable nylon. Again, this product is really pricey ($120 for the crew) but quite impressive from a performance standpoint. We fully expect more brands to look at these hybrid designs to pull out the best characteristics from the two types of fabric.

The ultra-warm Patagonia Capilene Air is a great cold-weather layer

Who Should Buy Merino?

We hike, run, and bike in our lightweight merino shirts in the warm months and turn to long-sleeve merinos in the winter for skiing and other cold-weather activities. The same goes for socks—we love merino and all we do is move to thicker designs as needed when temperatures drop. In addition to the incredible softness, a big driver is the fabric’s stink prevention, which makes them great for multi-day backcountry trips, high-exertion activities, and travel. And despite being a performance fabric with a high-end price, merino still is very enjoyable to wear every day of the week. The warm, soft next-to-skin feel is just as nice for daily use as it is as your baselayer on a summit push. Realistically, however, the core market for merino is the outdoors crowd and those are the folks who will most enjoy its benefits. Keep in mind that despite the high price, holes eventually will develop and you may have to move on from your pricey gear more often than you would like.

Our Top Merino Wool Picks

If you’re looking for the best merino gear items, below are some of our top picks. For even more recommendations and details, see our articles on the best baselayers, hiking socks, and ski socks, as well as how to choose baselayers.

Baselayers

Best overall: Smartwool 250 1/4-Zip men’s / 250 1/4-Zip women’s

Best merino blend: Smartwool 150 Crew men’s / 150 Crew women’s

Best budget: REI Co-op 185 Half-Zip men’s / 185 Half-Zip women’s

Best heavyweight: Patagonia R1 Air men’s / R1 Air women’s

Hiking Socks

Best overall: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion men’s / Micro Crew Cushion women’s

Best lightweight/summer: Smartwool Run Zero Cushion men’s / Run Zero Cushion women’s

Best for durability: Darn Tough Quarter Cushion men’s / Quarter Cushion women’s

Best snug fit: Swiftwick Pursuit Four

Ski Socks

Best overall: Smartwool Full Cushion men’s / Full Cushion women’s

Best for durability: Darn Tough OTC Lightweight men’s / OTC Lightweight women’s

Best lightweight: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion men’s / Ski Zero Cushion women’s

Merino Wool vs Wool

What is the best wool? Merino, or ‘regular’ wool? Perhaps a different type of wool altogether? This guide will help any customer looking for the highest quality Merino shirts, pants, socks, underwear, etc.

Click to skip:

What is wool?

Wool is the hair that grows on a long list of mammals that includes sheep, goats, llamas, musk oxen, bison, rabbits, camelids (e.g. camels & alpacas) and more.

What are the different types of wool?

Wool derived from the animals listed above is categorized in different ways:

Species (e.g. sheep wool, goat wool, etc.)

Breed (e.g. Merino wool, Shetland wool)

Fiber diameter (e.g. fine/medium/coarse wool sheep)

End use (e.g. carpet wool sheep, meat sheep)

Multiplying the types of wool by the different animals and breeds they are derived from creates a list too large to efficiently explore here. After all, there are over 1,000 distinct breeds of sheep worldwide.

NOTE: Among the 1,000+ sheep breeds, there are no breeds or end uses called “Regular,” “Normal,” or “Traditional”. So, there is no such thing as “regular wool,” “normal wool” or “traditional wool.” But, such terms are widely used and usually understood in context. For example, if comparing Merino wool clothing to clothing made of another type of wool, it would be understood that “regular” is referring to whatever wool is/was used if not using Merino.

So, if Merino wool merits a proper name while ‘regular’ wools are relegated to a catch-all label, then what is so special about Merino wool? Read on…

What is Merino wool?

Merino is a breed of sheep. Merino wool is simply the wool that comes from that breed. It is not a quality rating.

Merino has become popular because innovations in textile technology and animal science have combined to create much lighter weight products with next-to-skin softness. While Merino sheep have existed for hundreds of years, it is these innovations over the last 50 years that have allowed wool producers to increase the comfort and apply it to more consumer products than was previously possible. (For more details on these innovations, jump over to our “Is Merino Wool Itchy?” guide and look for the Textile Technology section.)

Merino Wool vs. Wool

The primary difference between Merino wool and other sheep wools is that Merino can grow finer fibers. This characteristic leads to some distinct advantages over coarser wool. Such as:

Merino clothing isn’t itchy. All wool fabric is made of yarns that have protruding fibers that rub against the skin. The coarser wool fibers are wider and stiffer causing irritation whereas Merino’s fine fibers are much softer (See our “Itchy Guide” for more scientific details).

The itch factor is why there is much more Merino wool clothing on the market than that made from other kinds of sheep wools. Who would buy an itchy t-shirt? In the apparel market, the only overlap between Merino and ‘regular’ wool is in clothing not worn next to the skin (e.g. suits, overcoats).

Merino wool dries faster than coarser wools. All types of wool are moisture wicking and extremely absorbent. But, coarse fibers soak up so much water that they take longer to dry. In apparel, Merino’s lighter weight creates the advantage of superior moisture management that both wicks vapor off the skin and releases the moisture into the air at a faster rate that keeps the wearer dry.

Is Merino Wool Better Than ‘Regular’ Wool?

Do the advantages listed above mean that Merino is ‘better?’ Actually, this is the wrong question to ask when evaluating quality because other types of wool can be of top quality as well.

Historically, the wool and textile industries rated quality in terms of handfeel which was expressed by fineness and expert craftsmanship (e.g. weaving, finishing). The finer wools also happened to be rare which raised the price giving it exclusivity.

However, lightweight Merino is now used in new apparel categories. T-shirts and underwear are on the rise and wool suit usage is declining. Therefore, a customer would be right to expand the definition of “quality wool.” A more up-to-date measure of quality might include an evaluation based on the aspects that are relevant to the purpose (i.e. performance, comfort, durability, sustainability, ethics, etc.).

For example:

Which wool socks are more durable?

Which wool coat dries faster?

Which wool is more environmentally friendly?

Customers are demanding more from their clothes and Merino is proving to be a bit of a miracle fabric because of its performance characteristics. Therefore, “better” depends on the ability to perform according to specific customer needs. (And despite current trends, sometimes those needs still require a $10,000 suit made of rare wool.)

But as was stated previously, Merino is often used for different products than other sheep wools. If comparing next-to-skin wool clothing (e.g. activewear, button-ups, underwear, etc.), it is likely customers will be comparing between two Merino wool items.

Merino wool vs. Merino wool

Even if two products are both made of Merino, getting the right tool for the right job does require some fabric and fiber knowledge. For every advantage, there is a disadvantage. Wool clothing is a great example of this. Comparisons are usually made according to softness; fabric weight; % wool content; yarn fineness; as well as eco-friendly and ethical production methods.

Softness (i.e. Handfeel)

This is one of the most popular criteria when evaluating wool clothing. Soft wool looks and feels luxurious. Soft, wool underwear is desirable for obvious reasons. But, a really soft wool shirt might droop over the shoulders like pajamas and not look as crisp.

Fineness

Yarn fineness (i.e. fiber diameter) is associated with softness as well as being rarer. The finer the yarn, the softer the handfeel. However, fine yarn can be less durable and wrinkle more if the fabric is too light. Sometimes, very fine yarn is woven/knitted into heavier fabrics to compensate for this.

Fabric Weight

Lighter weight fabric is cooler and dries faster. But, since it isn’t as warm the best shirt will depend on where it is worn; sunny San Diego or cool Copenhagen.

% Wool Content

Higher wool content will maximize certain capabilities such as odor resistance, moisture wicking and thermal regulation. For example, 100% Merino wool shirts can be worn endlessly without collecting body odor whereas a wool/cotton blend would start to stink earlier and take longer to dry.

Environmental & Ethical Considerations

Not all Merino flocks are raised with the same environmental and ethical standards. Any responsible brand will source their wool from certified suppliers. For details on those certifications and specific questions to ask brands before buying, see our “Merino Wool 2020” guide and jump to the Sustainability & Ethics section.

Quality Classifications of Wool

To further evaluate wool and wool products, familiarity with the following classifications is necessary. NOTE: These classifications apply to all types of wool, not just Merino.

Virgin Wool vs. New Wool

These terms mean the same thing: wool that is shorn from the living sheep and has never been part of another product. One of the great advantages of wool is that it is recyclable and has a long life cycle. But for this reason, a distinction is made between new wool and wool that has been recycled.

Pure New Wool

This term refers to the content of a product consisting of 100% new (or, virgin) wool.

Organic wool

Organic wool is:

Grown on “Certified Organic” sheep that have not been subject to specified chemicals. For details, read the Organic Wool Fact Sheet from the Organic Trade Association. As well as this overview from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Raw wool that has not been subject to specified chemicals during processing.

“Certified Organic” is a high standard that requires significant financial investment and changes in methodologies from wool growers and processors. One hiccup in the transition to Certified Organic is cited by the International Wool Trade Organization (IWTO). Click here to see their point about veterinary medicines that are not approved by certifying organizations. https://www.iwto.org/organic-wool

Organic wool covers many areas from the way sheep are bred, fed & managed on the farm to the wool processing plants around the world. For the purpose of this article, we are intentionally limiting the information to serve as a subject introduction only.

Merino vs Different Types of Wool

While Merino gets all the headlines due to its performance characteristics and suitability for activewear, it might surprise Merino fans that other types of wool are finer, lighter and more luxurious while possessing many of the same benefits.

Read what one of the worlds authorities on Merino wool has to say regarding other types of wool in this excerpt from the exclusive interview:

“It doesn’t really matter where you go on the planet. Nature has found a woolly layer very similar to wool. A keratin protein layer for just about every mammal on the planet. Just about every one I can think of any way. From polar bears in the North to tigers at the equator down to the fur seals of the South Pole. All have a keratin protein layer immediately next to the skin. In the driest environments, in the wettest environments, in the coldest, in the hottest.

And when we looked at this area of wellness, we asked ourselves the question, ‘So, Nature has had all this time to perfect the fiber that works in every environment, in every climatic circumstance, how do we find attributes that are really valued by humans, that we can really demonstrate why nature’s choice was best?'”

Lambswool vs Merino Wool

A lamb is a young sheep of any breed (including Merino sheep). Lambswool is the wool from the animal’s very first shearing (usually around the age of 7 months) and can be no longer than 50mm.

The difference between Merino lambswool and that of an adult sheep is that it is finer, softer, lighter and is produced in very small quantities making it rare and more expensive.

Is lambswool warmer than Merino wool?

This question is incomplete. Comparing fibers alone is useless to someone looking for wool clothing. On the other hand, to compare two sweaters of equal weight/thickness, but one of lambswool and the other from an adult Merino sheep, is a more valid question. In this situation, lambswool might have a slight edge. But, both wool from the adult animal and the lamb have a very high warmth to weight ratio.

Cashmere vs Merino Wool

Cashmere wool is derived from the undercoat of the Cashmere goat. The annual volume produced is much smaller than that of Merino making it significantly more expensive. The reasons for the scarcity are A) there are fewer Cashmere goats than Merino sheep B) the goats are smaller than the sheep C) the wool used in clothing is only from the undercoat making the yield per animal many times smaller than the yield from a sheep D) gathering the undercoat is an extremely laborious process.

In addition to being rarer, cashmere is:

Lighter & softer: the average micron in cashmere fabric is smaller than that of Merino wool.

Warmer: cashmere has been measured to be 7-8 times warmer than comparable Merino fibers and fabrics.

Silkier: cashmere has a luxurious handfeel and slightly silky appearance which elevates its style factor to the highest level.

But, as has been pointed out in previous sections, there is a trade off with lighter fabrics: durability. Some customers might find wearing and caring for the more durable Merino offers greater value for money.

Mohair vs Merino

Mohair is a high-end, luxury wool that comes from the Angora goat. (NOTE: Angora wool comes from the Angora rabbit). Like cashmere, it is lighter, softer, warmer and rarer than Merino wool. However, a key difference with cashmere is that Mohair has a crinkly appearance and is often used to make fuzzy sweaters.

Mohair is often blended with wool to create fabrics with the best properties of each. Since Mohair has a higher warmth to weight ratio, it is blended with wool to make lighter wool fabric that maintains its warmth.

These fabric blends also benefit from Mohair’s greater smoothness and lustrous appearance. Wool yarns have protruding fibers that can irritate the skin if too coarse. By adding Mohair, the fabric is smoother and softer while still preserving the many of the performance benefits of wool.

Angora vs. Merino

Angora wool comes from the Angora rabbit. The fibers are hollow and extremely fine (approx. 10-15 microns). These qualities combine to be even warmer and softer than Merino, cashmere and mohair. However, this fineness lacks durability, so it is usually blended with other fibers to make it usable in clothing.

Alpaca vs Merino

Alpaca is seen as a potential rival to Merino if it can be produced in higher volumes at a lower cost. It shares many of the same performance benefits as Merino, but it outperforms wool and cashmere in the following ways:

Higher warmth to weight ratio Comparably sized fibers are smoother and lighter (Alpaca fiber is hollow) Greater tensile strength

Qiviut vs Merino

Qiviut is the inner wool of the Musk ox. Like all the wools that come from undercoats, the volume is much smaller than that of an adult sheep even though the musk ox is a larger animal.

The advantage of qiviut over Merino is that it is finer, stronger and warmer. Additionally, it doesn’t shrink. A huge boon to anyone that has absentmindedly put their Merino wool clothing in a dryer.

Camel vs Merino

Camel hair used in clothing is also derived from the undercoat of the animal. The fibers of the undercoat are hollow, finer, lighter and softer than Merino. It is also a much more capable insulator. But, it is predictably less durable given the fineness.

Vicuña vs Merino

Vicuña wool is derived from the vicuña which is a relative of the llama. It is by far the most rare wool as there are very few in existence; are only found in the wild; and it can only be shorn once every three years.

It is also the finest wool fiber at an average of 12.5 microns compared to cashmere’s range of 13.5-17.5 microns.

While each of these wools has a number of advantages over Merino, cost and availability are factors. Additionally, each of these alternatives are very luxurious with silky appearances that might not be desirable for activewear and casualwear. These trade-offs are all considerations when answering the question, “Is Merino wool better than…?”

References:

https://www.iwto.org/organic-wool

https://ota.com/sites/default/files/indexed_files/OrganicWoolFactSheet_Final.pdf

https://www.global-standard.org/images/stories/Why_GOTS_Factsheets/GOTS_WoolPoster_June2015.pdf

http://www.sheep101.info/sheeptypes.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/wool#ref97220

https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/16015/what-are-the-differences-between-alpaca-wool-and-merino-wool

https://armsofandes.com/pages/alpaca-better-than-merino-cashmere

https://schweitzerlinen.com/blog/vicuna-the-better-than-cashmere-fleece/

Merino Sheep: Facts, Pictures, Behavior & Care Guide

Renowned for its fine well, the Merino is a breed of sheep that was first bred in Spain and is adapted to living in semi-arid conditions. The breed has been exported to and accepted into many countries around the world, and it is a popular breed with homesteaders as well as farmers.

They are medium size, are considered beautiful livestock, and are either polled or horned. Although the Merino is best known for its exceptional wool production, the breed is also popular for its meat. They do require regular maintenance: in particular, the Merino needs annual shearing to avoid a host of potential problems and illnesses.

Quick Facts about Merino

Species Name: Ovis Aries Family: Bovidae Care Level: Moderate Conditions: Semi-arid Temperament: Meek Color Form: White Lifespan: 10 – 12 years Size: Medium Diet: Grass, plants, pellets, hay, water Minimum Pasture Size: ½ Acre per sheep Compatibility: Friendly with all

Merino Sheep Overview

The Merino is a well-known breed of sheep, although most people only really know of its wool. It has very fine fibers, which means that it is very warm and offers greater protection than other sheep’s wool. To achieve the highest possible thermal protection from Merino wool items, it takes a lot of the wool, which means that farmers are expected to keep very large flocks of the animal.

The sheep heralds from Spain, but the modern Merino is actually more closely descended from the Merinos of Australia, where the breed has been perfected. It can flourish in most climates and conditions but perhaps does best in semi-arid, dry conditions.

The Merino has proven popular as a foundation stock for the formation and advancement of many other breeds. The breed is used because it produces a lot of super soft, comfortable wool. The sheep may also be raised for its meat, although this is considered a small-medium sized sheep, so it requires a large flock in either case. Breeds like the South African Meat Merino have been specially bred so that they have a larger build, making them more suitable for breeding geared toward meat production.

The adaptability and hardiness of the breed make it relatively easy to breed, although, like all sheep, it does require effort to ensure that your animals are well-fed, secure and that they are kept free from illness.

How Much Do Merinos Cost?

A good quality Merino will cost about $100, but you may be able to buy them for less if you are buying 100 or more. You should expect to pay approximately $20 per year in upkeep, shearing, and feeding costs.

Typical Behavior & Temperament

The Merino has the typical attributes of all sheep. It is a herd animal and it needs other sheep, ideally ewes of the same breed, in order to thrive. This typically means that you will need a flock of at least five ewes. You can mix other animals, like alpacas and goats, but sheep need other sheep for company. Therefore, other animals should be considered in addition to the flock of sheep and not as a replacement.

Appearance & Varieties

The Merino sheep is a medium breed, with a body that is smaller than a typical meat breed. Through breeding, the Merino produces and grows its high-quality wool right through the year. This increases the amount of wool that each sheep will yield, but it also provides a hindrance and can be a real problem if you do not shear your Merinos.

In Australia, the breed is raised solely for its wool. Its wool is superfine, which means that it can make warmer but thinner clothing and other items, but it also means that it takes a lot more of the wool to make a single garment.

One feature that the Merino is known for is their skin folds. Typically, the larger the Merino, the more skin folds it has, and these are considered undesirable because they can cause discomfort and can harbor bacteria. Selective breeding has led to medium-sized goats with minimal skin folds, and problems such as wool blindness are rarely a problem. With that said, shearing is very important with this breed.

How to Take Care of Merinos

Water

Your sheep will require access to a steady supply of fresh, clean water. They will drink approximately 2 gallons of water each day, more when it is hot. The water you provide needs to be clean and free from algae. It is more convenient to use an automatic waterer than to manually carry the water.

Pastures

Ensure that fields and pasture are properly fenced in. Sheep are surprisingly agile. They can climb over walls, jump over short fences, and will attempt to squeeze through the smallest gap. In some cases, if the sheep won’t fit through the gap, they can become stuck.

Predators

You will also have to find a way to protect against natural predators like foxes and wolves. You can do this with a flock guardian dog, or via other methods, but losing a sheep is upsetting. Losing several sheep in a seemingly unnecessary slaughter is heartbreaking.

Flock Management

If you want to increase the size of your flock, you will need rams, as well as ewes. Typically, you should keep a ratio of one ram for every 50 ewes, but this will depend on the age, virility, and experience of the rams in question.

Flock size is important to sheep. They are a flock animal and they form close bonds with one another. They can form friendships and will stick up for one another if they feel as though a friend is threatened.

Do Merinos Get Along with Other Pets?

Merinos, like other sheep, are gentle and caring animals. They will usually get along with any farm animal, can be kept with other animals like alpacas and goats, and they may even be accepting of humans and children. There are exceptions, however, and when introducing them to other animals, you need to consider the behavior of the other animal. It is also worth noting that rams always have the potential to be aggressive, especially if they feel their position is being threatened or undermined.

What to Feed Your Merino

Sheep will usually eat pasture during the summer months. This is essentially just grass and clover from the fields in which they live. You should provide approximately one acre for every two Merinos, to ensure that they have enough space but also so that they have enough pasture on which to graze. You can also supplement the diet and you should provide salt blocks, as well as regular food and clean water.

Keeping Your Merino Healthy

There are several ways to keep a Merino healthy. As well as ensuring they have a good diet and access to clean water, clean their hooves out regularly, crutch their wool, and deworm regularly to ensure that they do not contract worms.

With the Merino breed, you will have to pay particular attention to shearing. This breed’s wool continues to grow right through the year, and it will never stop. If you do not shear annually, your Merino will suffer. The wool can get heavy, causing musculoskeletal conditions. It can become matted and knotted, attract flies, and cause other problems.

Breeding

Breeding the Merino sheep requires the same as breeding any sheep. A single ram can service up to 100 ewes, although it does depend on the experience, age, and even the weight of the ram. The gestation period of a sheep is 152 days, and you should ensure that you have everything set up and ready for the arrival of your lambs.

Are Merino Sheep Suitable For You?

The Merino is a particular breed of sheep. It is popular for its production of high-quality fleece, although it can also be reared for its meat production. Caring for Merino sheep is like caring for any breed and it requires that you feed, maintain, and care for the sheep very well, especially if you want to breed them to increase the size of your flock. Happy sheep are more likely to breed successfully.

Related Sheep Reads:

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