Entries are now being accepted in the Australian Dohne Breeders Association, and Southern Meats 2010 Carcase Competition to be held in Goulburn next month.

The competition, now in its sixth year, has proven to be a highlight on the dohne breed.

The competition will again be conducted in commercial classes of F1, F2 and F3 or better, with the stud associated classes for pure breeds.

This year will see the inclusion of two classes for dohne composite lambs, in dressed weight categories for all classes of 20 kilograms to 24kg, and 24.1kg to 30kg.

Southern Meats managing director, Neville Newton said quality wool production, high-lambing percentages and a solid return to the producer were reasons for the confidence in the breed's future.

He said yield, and marbling were both attributes evident in the dohne breed.

"Excessive fat can make as much as a 17 per cent difference in yield and add trimming costs," he said.

Meanwhile, Southern Meats special projects officer Leigh Quade said fat cover was a big issue with prime lambs and a marketing plus for dohne sheep.