Charollais originated from the same region of France as the Charolais cattle Charolles, Saone Loire. They originated in the early 1800's from a cross between Leicester Longwool with local land-race breeds. The breed is used primarily as a terminal sire to increase the muscling and growth rate of the lambs. The rams reach sexual maturity at 7-8 months. Births are considered relatively easy with ewes having an extended breeding season. Because of this, Charollais rams are the second most used terminal sire breeds in Great Britain. A mature ram weighs around 100-150 kg while the ewe weighs 80-100 kg.

 

The fleece of the Charollais generally weighs between 4.5 and 5.5 pounds (3.0-2.5 kg) with a staple length of 4-6 cm and the quality being 56-60's. The micron range is between 29-30.5. the wool is short and fine. In Britain it is used in high quality fabrics including hosiery, knitting wool, dress fabrics and flannel.

 

References

British Sheep and Wool, British Wool Marketing Board, Oak Mills, Station Rd., Clayton, Bradford. 112 pp.

 

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

 

"Charollais Sheep Breed History." Charollais Sheep Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2015.

 

"Charollais Sheep." British Wool Marketing Board. Dulay Seymour, n.d. Web. 28 July 2015.