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Published on 5th December 2022 by staff

Charollais Sheep

Charollais Sheep
Charollais Sheep

Charollais sheep is a medium to large domestic sheep, originally from east central France. It has gained huge popularity internationally as a provider of high-quality meat.

Physical CharacteristicsWedge-shaped long and heavily muscled back; pinkish-brown head devoid of wool; both males and females are polled; short brown legs are usually not covered in wool
Personality TraitsDocile, easy to handle, rams are hard-working, ewes are caring mothers
Weight Ram: 100 – 150 kg

Ewes: 80 – 100 kg
UsesMeat production
Lifespan10 years or more
WoolFine to medium dense
DietFresh grass, other forage, pasture vegetation
Country of OriginFrance

History and Development

Charollais Sheep Images
Charollais Sheep Images
Charollais Sheep Baby
Charollais Sheep Baby

The Charollais Sheep had its origin in the early 1800’s in the Charolles and Saône-et-Loire region of France – the area famous for Charollais cattle. It is developed from crossing British Dishley Leicester with local landrace breed. The breed is mainly used as terminal sires. The Charollais rams are bred with ewes of other breeds to produce lean, fast growing lambs. The breed gained immense popularity after it was first imported from France in 1976. At present, it is among the three most numerous terminal sire breeds in the United Kingdom.

Meat Production

Charollais Sheep Pictures
Charollais Sheep Pictures
Charollais Sheeps
Charollais Sheeps

The carcass of the breed is lean and well-fleshed, producing large amounts of excellent quality meat. Moreover, the popularity of the breed has grown due to its easy lambing and fast growth rate.

Management

The management of the Charollais Sheep is entrusted with one of the most progressive societies of the United Kingdom. The goal of the society is to develop, promote and improve the breeding of Charollais Sheep in the UK. The society organizes various projects and events to improve the quality of the breed and boost its use among commercial farmers. It also holds meetings and conferences to inform breeders about the new developments in the lamb industry.

Video: Charollais Sheep at Kelso, Scotland

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