Diversity

About Rosset SheepAbout Rosset Sheep



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.