Charollais sheep raised primarily for meat. Originated in the east-central part of France. Known for easy lambing and used as a terminal sire for better meat growth. Majorly found in the UK. They were developed in the 19th century from a number of local breeds and crossed with the British Dishley Leicester.
Charollais sheep breed information
A medium built breed which has a pinkish-brown and wool-free head. Even the legs are free of wool and they are short.
Both sexes are polled(without horns).
The meat percentage is high because of fine-boned.
The matured rams weigh around 135 kg (300 lb) and ewes weigh around90 kg (200 lb).
Charollais have a docile temperament.
They make good mothers, and they are easy to work.
Fleece weight is around 2 to 2.5 kg and a staple length of 4 to 6 cm with 55 to 60 on Bradford count.
Rams come to maturity at 7 months of age, they still produce till 8 years.
Ewes produce year-long, lambing percentage ranges from 180% to 200% ( December to February)
Due to the newborn lamb’s small head size, there will be easy lambing.
Things to know
The breed is from Charolles and Saône-et-Loire region of France where the Charollais cattle are developed.
The birth weights of lambs change when there are multiple births, for singles its 5 kg, twins 4 kg and triplets 3.5 kg.
Open grazing and confinement in both Charollais sheep flourishes.
The Charollais breed is known to produce high quality, lean carcass and has a high meat to bone ratio.
Dressing percentage is above average at 60%
Currently, Charollais sheep is the 2nd most numerous terminal sire breed for the UK.
Brief characteristics of Charollais sheep
| Breed Name | Charollais sheep |
| Other Name | |
| Country/Place of Origin | France |
| Breed Purpose | Meat |
| Breed Size | medium |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 135 kg (300 lb) |
| Ewe(Female) | 90 kg (200 lb) |
| Kidding | single or twins |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing and confinement |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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