flock of Ile de France sheep
Ile de France, it sounds very regal almost majestic. A breed established in the Ile de France region around Paris. A French Veterinary College developed the breed in the 1830’s by crossing Dishley and Merino lines. The breed was originally titled the “dishely merino.”
Although this sheep is considered a meat sheep, it is occasionally found as a dairy breed. From what I’ve seen of the fleece ….I’m surprised there isn’t more people wanting the gorgeous wool from this animal.
The Ile de France is a polled sheep, with no wool on the legs or face. These sheep are a well muscled sheep rams are about 30 inches in height and weigh about 242 – 330 pds. Ewes come in at 26 inches and weigh in at 154 – 198 pds. Their faces are white with pink lips and noses.
There was so little information on this breed that I checked the Rare Breed Survival Trust , thankfully they are not a listed breed.
Information from http://www.ile-de-france-sheep.com/presentation-en.html , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%8Ele-de-France_(sheep), and http://showcase.netins.net/web/sam/ccidf.htm#TOC.
All pictures from http://www.ile-de-france-sheep.com/presentation-en.html with picture credits going to the the following: D.Chenot, CIV L.Rouvrais, P.Del Porto, J.Diependaele, Giraud, C.Pignot, Sopexa, Upra Ile de France, E.Wagner, D.R, X.
