Also Known By: Vasca Carranzana (Spain)

This milking breed from the Atlantic Pyrenean region exists in large numbers and there is an established breeding programme. However, the sole purpose of the programme is to produce as much milk as possible, so that other qualities of this rustic type (their imposing horns, for example) are starting to disappear.Some breeders are beginning to stand up for the preservation of traditional types and the ‘Ferme Conservatoire’ keeps small groups of this breed in support of this trend.The breed originated from Basque and Béarnais sheep during the mid 1960′s. The males are horned and the females may be either horned or polled.

References:

Ferme Conservatoire de Leyssart, Theres Kohler & Dominique Massoubre, Leyssart, F – 33660 Puynormand ,05 57 49 62 82, info@ferme-conservatoire.com

Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.

Photographs:

Ferme Conservatoire de Leyssart, Theres Kohler & Dominique Massoubre, Leyssart, F – 33660 Puynormand ,05 57 49 62 82, info@ferme-conservatoire.com