Bleu du Maine primarily raised for meat. The breed is originated in western France. The breed is also used to crossbreed to create mules.
Bleu du Maine breed information
Bleu du Maine a large breed that has a grayish-blue bald head.
Ram and ewe are polled (no horns).
Mature Bleu du Maine ram weighs around 110 kg (240 lb) and ewe 80 kg (175 lb).
Both sexes are polled(no horns).
Fleece weight is around 4 to 6 kg per year, with a staple length of 8 to 10 cm.

Things to know
Bleu du Maine are easily lambed, very milky, excellent mothers and with great longevity.
It was developed from the crossing of Leicester Longwool and Wensleydale which were imported during a period from 1855 to 1880 with the now-extinct Choletais breed.
Bleu du Maine also called by Blauköpfiges Fleischschaf (German), Bazougers, Bluefaced Maine, Blue-headed Maine, Maine-Anjou, Maine à tête bleue, Maynne Blue.
The breed is more common in the Netherlands and France, also exported to the U.K.
The average daily gain, carcass leanness, milk yield, lambing interval are comparable with the Texel and the Bleu du Maine are lighter muscled.
Brief characteristics of Bleu du Maine
Breed Name | Bleu du Maine |
Other Name | Blauköpfiges Fleischschaf (German), Bazougers, Bluefaced Maine, Blue-headed Maine, Maine-Anjou, Maine à tête bleue, Maynne Blue |
Country/Place of Origin | France |
Breed Purpose | meat |
Breed Size | large |
Weight Ram(Male) | 110 kg (240 lb) |
Ewe(Female) | 80 kg (175 lb) |
Kidding | twins, triple and quadruplets |
Good for Stall Fed | open grazing |
Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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.
“The Breed.” Bleu Du Maine Sheep Society. Purple Thistle PR, n.d. Web. 27 July 2015.
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