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Rava
French
EFABIS Data
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International Name |
Rava |
|
Local Name |
Rava |
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Location |
Massif Central |
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Breeding females
(year) |
40.000 |
|
Trend of population size |
Decreasing |
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Flock book established |
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Origin – history
The Rava is an
ancient Celtic breed which received infusions in the nineteenth
century from the Merino breed or kempy-fleeced breeds from the west
of the Pyrenees. It lives in difficult high altitude areas, with a
harsh climate and soils that are frequently acidic and poor. The
breed has acquired a good strength and hardiness: the rams are able
to be sustained on a meagre diet for part of the year, and the
fleece allows the breed to be resistant to inclement weather.
Breed description
In its native
areas, the breed is most often used in a pure-bred state, and 50% of
ewes are pure-bred. Commercial crossing with rams from meat breeds
is practised in the areas of wider distribution where conditions are
more favourable. The breed has a good ability to breed out of season
which with a fecundity rate of 1,43 per ewe, which increases to 1,6
- 2 when good grazing is available.
The Rava’s characteristics are distinct black or sometimes russet
patches on their heads, with no horns. The legs are covered with
fleece. The mature rams weigh 70-85kg, and the ewes weigh 50-60kg.
Conservation activities
Breed improvement
is based upon maternal aptitudes which are achieved through ram
selection. This is practised by monitoring performance on the farm,
pedigree selection, collective management of rams at a breeding
centre, and the use of artificial insemination. These procedures
allow selected matings, better communication between breeders and as
far as possible, an evaluation of a ram’s progeny.
Contact: UPRA
Races Ovines des Massifs Route de Thiers site
de Marmilhat 63370
Lempdes
Telephone : 0473927407
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