Corse (breed of sheep)

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Corsican sheep

The Corsican sheep is an ancient and very original breed that developed on the island of the same name and is related to other Mediterranean breeds. It has been shaped over the centuries by the specific climatic and pastoral conditions. The Corsican sheep is an essential part of Corsica's agriculture because of its resilience and as a supplier of milk, meat and wool . Sheep of this breed are good hikers because of the double transhumance, which was maintained until the last century, and they are easy to milk.

features

It is characterized by its small size (ewes 35 to 40 kg, at the withers height of 50 to 60 cm, rams 60 to 70 kg, up to 70 cm). It has been bred for milk production since 1986 by the regional breeding association FRECSOV (renamed Unité Nationale de Sélection et de Promotion de Race , UPRA in 1996 ). It is one of the few European sheep breeds whose fleece color is not specified. There are animals with black, red, white or gray fleeces. Originally, the color black was probably predominant. The body is regular with a long, straight back, narrow hips and graceful legs. The ewe has a narrow head and some horns. The ears are small and almost horizontal. The horns of the ram are wide and coiled in a spiral.

Natural grazing

Pastoralism is the essence of sheep farming in Corsica, and despite the increasing sedentariness of the herdsmen, the methods of breeding selection and herd management are still alive. The Corsican sheep grazed the mild but humid and marshy plains by the sea in winter, while they moved to the mountainous areas in May to June, where they stayed until autumn.

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