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Ouessant Sheep
Ovis aries aries ouessant
IUCN Status: Not listed
Size: 45-50cm. Weight;13-22 kg. Males are larger than the females.
Habitat and Distribution: Originates from the island of Ouessant off the coast of Brittany, France.
Age: 12-18 years.
Groups and Breeding: Ewes give birth at around 2 years old to a single lamb after a gestation of 144-152 days.
Diet: Grass.
- The Ouessant Sheep, otherwise known as the Breton Miniature Sheep, is the smallest sheep in the world.
- Ouessant Sheep existed purely on the Isle of Ouessant off the coast of Britanny, France until the start of the 20th century. The inhabitants spun and wore the wool for their clothes.
- Some people suggest that the Ouessant breed is descended from a Viking breed carried onboard the ships and left behind on conquered lands.
- In France these sheep are known as ‘toudeuse ecologique’- ecologically friendly lawnmowers!
- Due to the harsh climate these sheep have evolved to be small and particularly hardy.
- The fleece of a ram weighs up to 2 kg- almost 10% of their total body weight.
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