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Bizet
French
EFABIS Data
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International Name |
Bizet |
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Local Name |
Bizet |
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Location |
Massif Central |
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Breeding females
(year)
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10.000 |
|
Trend of population size |
Stable |
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Flock book established |
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Origin – history
The breed was
developed between 1830 and 1900 by being crossed first with the
Caussenards breed, then with the Southdown and Dishley English
breeds. In 1905, Tallavignes, the inspecter general, took the first
steps in standardising the population; a standard definition of the
breed was then drawn up by a group of breeders.
Breed description
The breed’s
hardiness is suitable for its establishment in harsh areas, the most
extreme situation being the Kerguelen Islands. Semi-outdoor
management is predominantly used with this breed in the Spring or
Autumn, with full housing provided in the Winter and none provided
in the Summer. Some flocks also utilize transhumance, the migration
up the mountains being facilitated by good walking ability and
fleece coverage. The predominant management practice is Spring
lambing, with grass-fattening and supplementary feedings, or raising
in “sheepfolds” in order to fatten lambs for market.
The Bizet has an ability to breed out of season meaning that a ewe
can lamb up to three times in two years. Around 50 % of ewes are
pure-bred and also have good milk production, so that the breed is
highly valued for crosses with rams for meat production.
The sheep are biscuit and white coloured, with black heads and legs,
white nose blazes and white hooves. The male has rolled horns, the
female is polled. They have medium fleece coverage, with the legs
also covered. The mature rams weigh 75-90kg, and the ewes weigh
50-60kg.
Conservation activities
Currently 13
flocks are registered with UPRA des races ovines des Massifs, with a
flock book having been established in 1896; 5,921 ewes are
registered. In performance recording there are 16 flocks registered
with 4,948 ewes. The average flock size is 366 ewes.
Contact: UPRA
Races Ovines des Massifs Route de Thiers site de Marmilhat 63370
Lempdes
Telephone : 0473927407
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