Originally known as the German Mutton Merino, the first ten ewes and a ram were imported to South Africa from Germany in 1932 by the Department of Agriculture for a breeding programme. Through selection for a better wool quality and conformation, the uniqueness of the South African breed was recognised in 1971 when the breed name was changed to the SA Mutton Merino. The SA Mutton Merino is a dual purpose mutton-wool sheep (80:20 mutton to wool), originally bred for its high adaptability to all farming regions in South Africa. The breed was developed to produce a heavy slaughter lamb at an early age as well as a good quality wool.