Also Known By: Mouton Vendéen (France)

 

The Vendéen were developed near Vendée in western France. The breed was developed using Southdown rams, imported during the late nineteenth century, on local ewes. The breed is noted for the production of high quality lamb carcasses. Their face and legs are covered with dark brown to gray hair. Both sexes are polled.

 

Comparisons in performance between the Vendéen and the Texel showed the Vendéen having larger litter size, older at sexual maturity and a longer lambing interval. The two breeds are relatively equal in muscularity. The Vendéen exhibited a lower wool yield, daily gain, carcass leanness and milk yield.

 

The average fleece weight for the breed is 2-5 kilograms with a staple length of 4-6 cm. The spinning count of the fleece is 56-60's. The wool is used for hand-knitting wools and high quality fabrics such as hosiery, dress fabrics and flannel.

 

 

References

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

 

European Association for Animal Production, Animal Genetic Data Bank

 

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