Charmoise
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Charmoise01_SDA2011.jpg/250px-Charmoise01_SDA2011.jpg)
The Charmoise is a domesticated breed of sheep originating in France. The breed was developed in the middle 19th century in the center of France (Loir et Cher) by crossing imported Romney sheep from United Kingdom to ewes from local breeds (Merino, Berrichon, Solognot) .[1] There is a monument in Pontlevoy, central France, to creator of the breed, Édouard Malingié (1799-1852.[2] The Charmoise is a meat breed. The population of this breed decreased from over 122,000 in 1993 to over 21,000 in 2001.[3]
Characteristics[]
This breed displays white and is unicolored. Rams weigh 70 kg (150 lb) and ewes weigh 45 kg (99 lb). At the withers, rams are 65 cm (26 in) and ewes are 60 cm (24 in)[3]
Charmoise are an increasingly popular terminal sire in the UK particularly for use on females who are lambing for the first time and where conditions are too challenging for larger terminal sires to thrive. [4]
References[]
- ^ "Charmoise Hill". Sheep Breeds C. Sheep101.info. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
- ^ "MALINGIÉ Édouard (1799-1852)".
- ^ a b "Charmoise/France". Breed data sheet. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
- ^ http://charmoise.co.uk/
- Sheep breeds
- Sheep breeds originating in France
- Sheep stubs