Biellese (I)
Description
The unicoloured white animals bear considerable resemblance to the Bergamasca. They also have long and meaty lop ears, the forehead is slightly woolly. The breed is study, with a ram body weight of 100kg, the belong to the heavy Alpine breeds. The wool is long and hanging, it makes a part at the back of the body.
General and History
The breed has its origin in the Sudan, with lots of resemblance to the Bergamasca. It also belongs to the lop-eared Alpine Group. Two types exist: the Biellese di Vercelli and the Biellese Piemontese Alpina.
Distribution in the past and today
Areas of distribution are Piedmont, Aosta Valley and Lombardy
Utilization
Good growth of lambs and good taste of the meat make the breed suitable for the production of lamb and mutton.
Keeping
Biellese sheep graze the high-mountain pastures and slopes. During summer, the animals stay on Alpine pastures and graze less yielding sites at lower locations. Sheep are housed for 2 to 6 months (sometimes/not always).
Performance
Milk yield of the ewes is between 120kg to 140kg.
Body weight: 100kg (m), 82kg (w)
Withers height: 86cm (m), 81cm (w)
Fleece weight: 3.5kg (m), 3.0kg (w)
Lambing percentage: 140%
Processing and products
The wool ist used for mattresses and cushions.
Customs
Biellese sheep are also integrated into tourism programmes in Piemont.
Literature
Günter Jaritz: Seltene Nutztiere der Alpen, 7000 Jahre geprägte Kulturlandschaft, Verlag Anton Pustet 2014
Schafrassen in den Alpen, Antja Feldmann, Ursula Bietzker, Dr. Christian Mendel, Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung von alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen e.V. - GEH.
