Sambucana, also
known as Demontina, sheep are an indigenous Italian breed, probably descended
from Garessio sheep. They are found in southwestern Cuneo Province (Piedmont),
in the valleys of the rivers Bagni, Stura di Demonte, and, formerly, the Maira.
The elevation of the valleys is from 1.300 to 2.000 metres, with snow on the
ground four to five months of the year.
They have
yellow-white wool: about 8 percent of the breed are dark brown or black. Their
head is slightly convex; ears are horizontal and small, and the tail thin and
hanging to the hocks. Both genders are usually polled; however, rams with small
horns are considered locally to be the purest representatives of the breed.
They are
medium-large (males: 83 cm, female: 78 cm at withers) and are raised for meat
and wool.
Content and photo source: Agraria.org.
About Sambucana Sheep
