What is the history of Massese Sheep?

Massese is a domesticated sheep breed from the Alpi Apuane mountains of the province of Massa Carrara in Tuscany, central Italy. Massese sheep are raised for carpet wool, milk and meat production. They belong to the Apennine group and are similar to Garfagnina sheep.

What are the characteristics of Massese Sheep?

• Massese sheep are medium sized, bred primarily for milk.
• Wool color is dark gray or dark brown wool.
• Both sexes are horned and have a distinctive roman nose.
• Massese is not a seasonal breeder, stays estrus throughout the year, normally lambs three times every two years.
• The 135% twinning rate allows production of two lambs per year.
• The milk yield is approximately 120 ± 32 liters per lactation for primipara and 138 ± 45 l for pluripar.
• In sheep, it can reach 300-350 l per lactation.

What is the weight of a mature Massese Sheep?

Adult Massese coach is 90 kg and sheep weight is 65 kg.