Rosset sheep are
a transhumant (magratory) breed found in western Aosta Province, mainly in the
three tributary valleys of the Dora Baltea: Val Grisanche, Val di Rhemes, and
Val Savaranche. A small number of rosset sheep can be found with other breeds
in several valleys of rivers flowing south from Mt Fallere, and in the Val
Pelline. They are kept in small flocks of five to ten heads. They are stall-fed
during the winter at the farmsteads in the valley. In the summer, the flocks of
many owners are combined into bands of about 500 head and taken with cattle up
to the mountain slopes where they graze and are tended by professional
shepherds. In mid-September they are returned to their owners in the valley.
Rossets resembles
Savoiarda (Savoy) sheep. They are relatively small (males: 65-75 cm, females:
60-70 cm, at the withers). Their legs are short and sturdy. They have
yellow-white coats with reddish-brown spots around their eyes and the lower
parts of their legs. Their thin tails hang below their hocks. Both sexes are
polled.
They are raised
for meat and wool. Ewes lamb once per year; twins are common, and the lambing
rate is about 160 percent.
Content and photo
source: Agraria.org.
About Rosset Sheep
