Index

Description

Rosset is a medium-sized sheep with rams weighing 60 to 70 kg on average. The head has a straight profile, rams are characterised by their Roman nose. Black and reddish dots on the head and around the eyes are typical. Ears are narrow and of medium length, stick out horizontally or hang down slightly. Both sexes are mainly polled. Some rams present spiral horns.

General and History

The breed Rosset has a long breeding history in the entire Alpine region

Distribution in the past and today

The present are of distribution of the few remaining animals is in Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley), Val Grisanche, Val di Rhemes and Val Savaranche.

Utilization

Main use was mutton and wool production.

Keeping

The breed is very well adapted to the difficult climate conditions and the food quality of pastures at high altitude. Housing i common during wintertime

Breeding aims

Rosset sheep are seriously endangered by extinction. It is therefore necessary to maintain the genetic stability of the breed and to conserve its special characteristics.

Performance

Body weight: 60-70kg (m), 50-55kg (w)
Withers height: 65-75cm (m), 60-70cm (w)
Lambing percentage: 150%

Literature

Günter Jaritz: Seltene Nutztiere der Alpen, 7000 Jahre geprägte Kulturlandschaft, Verlag Anton Pustet 2014
Schafrassen in den Alpen, Antje Feldmann, Ursula Bietzker, Dr. Christian Mendel, Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen e.V. - GEH