Rosa Brook Persian Sheep

30/08/2026

M O R E on colour! These two ewes demonstrate everything about the breed. They are fertile (about to lamb in the coming weeks) strong, striking. The black speckle ewe on the left is 7 years old and shows the longevity and robust health of the breed. They are also modelling the ‘original’ and most traditional forms of colour patterns in the Persian. There are many breeds in Asia and Africa who carry the allele that restricts the colour of the animal to the front part of the animal, however the position of the line between the white and colour varies in different breeds. In the Somali sheep breed (from which the Persian was developed) and in the Dorper (which was developed from the Persian) the demarcation line is halfway up the neck. This allele is carried recessively. The speckled gene (shown on the left) is dominant. The black speckle ewe is also a good example of a ewe who is the product of black speckle parents; as she is ‘true’ black and does not carry the copper sheen that can arise when a black speckle is mated to a red or tricolour sheep. Thank you to Dr Colin Walker and the Australian Persian Sheep Association Website for this information

15/08/2026

A pregnant ewe needs a rising plane of nutrition during the 5 month gestation of her lamb. We increase nutrition leading up to conception, then return the ewes back to their usual diet intake after conception, until the last 4 weeks of gestation. In the last 50 - 60 days of gestation 70% of fetal growth occurs. As the fetus/es grow, the ewe’s rumen is significantly squashed, meaning the ewe eats less volume, but still needs energy, protein, and minerals to feed both herself and the lamb in utero. A lamb will ‘take’ all the nutrition it needs in utero; often to the detriment of the ewe’s health, if a rising plane of nutrition is not provided.

12/08/2026

In three weeks we will start welcoming our 2026 lambs. Our farm is in a very high predator area, and is also the start of a significant wildlife corridor (emus, kangaroos). We do not expect our two maremmas to be ‘on duty’ all year round, and our fencing will not allow for the dogs to be with the sheep in every paddock they are moved to - and so it’s important that I re introduce Enzo to sheep again before he re starts his guarding duties at lambing with Arlo. Bringing the rams into the vineyard while we prune has worked really well. We are right there, all day, to help guide and encourage him (and also praise) This dog has my heart completely. We were both beginners, he and I - when we met. It’s been a rocky road, but an incredibly rewarding one. At three years of age, his bark has deepened, and he’s showing fierce and loyal (and he’s always ‘right) guarding traits. And none of this would have been possible with out the guidance and support from West Coast Maremma Rescue

05/08/2026

WE’ve only ever had one set of ewe lambs! One is a sable, one is true brown. They are permanent members of our flock and are now expecting their first lambs. Rare photo moment of them together today after their pre lambing vaccination and drench. Not long to go now, ladies! Second image is them as lambs with their very good mum ‘Fawn’.

29/07/2026

W H A T’s included in the price of your pure Persian lamb from us? It’s firstly worth noting, that the prices you have been quoted are significantly less than what we paid per head for our foundation lambs. AND that we paid for freight costs from VIC (twice) THAT importing from interstate comes with costs involved with DPIRD, lab tests (x 6) vet visits (x 6) and the management issues around a 90 day quarantine (fencing, feeding, infrastructure) YOUR lamb will come vaccinated (two shots) and drenched (and that as a small stud we have to buy vaccination packs meant for 100 head of sheep - we only have 25. AND we have to purchase that twice - to cover the ewes and your lamb (once opened vaccinations only last 30 days) OUR annual ASSBA and AABMGS registrations fees, our annual Ovine Bruscellosis Accreditation Scheme accreditation fees, the annual OBAS lab fees, and vet call outs relating to the collection of bloods for those tests. PLUS, as a stud of this precious breed, we see it as morally imperative that we have no lamb losses to predators. TO do that we have two maremma sheepdogs (more costs involved in their purchase and wellness, feed, fencing, shelter) AS well as the very necessary fire power to do our best in a high 🦊 predator area. THERE is a lot going on behind the scenes to keep these sheep healthy, happy and in top condition. FED properly, and maintained well - this is an exceptionally healthy and long lived sheep breed. BUYING your lamb could easily be a 12 year commitment. So . . . . Um yes! THE price you are quoted for a lamb from us won’t be the same as the sheep you see for sale on social media, or Gumtree. That’s like comparing apples to . . . Pomegranates (tried to think of a fruit from Persia, may have failed 😆)

26/07/2026

Show dates for your diaries! These are the shows we are aiming for this Spring (all going well) If you'd like to meet the sheep and discuss the breed, come and see us at a show near you

24/07/2026

PERSIANS are a breed that absolutely flourishes in hot, dry and low rainfall areas.
With that in mind, we have to do some maintenance and management for them over our wet winter months. When we get periods of high rainfall their hoofs are constantly in wet ground and on wet grass, and can become sore as a result. Standing in a foot bath of diluted zinc sulfate really helps harden their hoofs. At any sign of limping or tenderness in any one individual, the whole herd goes through the bath. It can take quite a few hours to get everyone through!

16/07/2026

https://www.countryman.com.au/countryman/livestock/youth-sheep-handlers-expo-praised-for-higher-learnings-c-22568538

Farm animals are not only beneficial in providing quality nutrition for human consumption but are also instrumental in educating young people to respect where their food and fibre comes from

13/07/2026

WHAT an incredible experience last week’s Young Sheep Handler’s Expo in Perth was! To meet and create friendships with some amazing kids and their families was such a highlight!
As a stud, I couldn’t be more proud of the gentle temperament of our 5 rams. While one ram lamb was just there for the ride, the other 4 were fantastic ambassadors for the breed. I am so proud of these young people - who managed young rams confidently and with care!

I hope they continue their love of handling sheep, and that we see them at many more shows in the future!

Coolibah Donald (dilute) and Coolibah Walter (sable head) were allocated to Novice Handlers - whose skills and confidence grew each day. Rosa Brook Zorro (dilute) and Rosa Brook Buzz Benjamin (black) were allocated to 9 year old twin Novice Handlers - who did such an amazing job!

02/07/2026

S H E E P are incredible powerhouses! The way they process a diverse range of feed, year round, with boom and bust seasonal growth, as well as accommodate (and cater for!) their very important reproductive cycle - is nothing short of amazing. But one important staple all year round - is hay. In green, lush feeding times - hay adds bulk, slows digestion, helps prevent bloat, and keeps a steady gut microbiome. We offer hay all year round so that the sheep can self regulate their fiber intake and slow digestion of lush feed that often moves too quickly through their digestive tract. Then, in summer - this mix species ‘meadow hay’ is increased in quantity, and we add in about 15% oaten hay to carry them through the dry months. We also offer a higher percentage of oaten hay to ewes who have just lambed, as it helps promote milk production. Who knew hay was so versatile, but also so central to the health and well being of a ruminant?