Afrikaner sheep originated in the Middle East and North-East Africa, and were used by farmers migrating southwards from this region. They appeared in South Africa between 400 CE and 600 CE, and eventually reached the southern tip of the continent.
At that stage, the sheep were multicoloured and known as Cape fat-tailed sheep. In the 18th century, Cape Dutch farmers began selecting against coloured coats, and the resulting sheep formed the basis of the present-day Afrikaner.
The Blinkhaar Ronderib Afrikaner Breeders’ Society was established in 1960. The name ‘Ronderib’ is derived from the oval shape of the breed’s rib bones.
This story is from the September 6, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the September 6, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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