What is merino wool?
The word “merino” refers to the merino breed of sheep, who are the most commonly raised sheep in Australia and whose wool is used to make clothing. Merino sheep are specifically bred to have wrinkly skin, desirable to farmers because, theoretically, the wrinkly skin produces more wool, but those wrinkles also trap moisture, urine, and feces, making sheep susceptible to blowfly infestation. Lately, other merino sheep, who have smoother skin, are resistant to blowfly attack, and produce ultra-fine wool, have come on the scene.
