The Rouge de l'Ouest (also known as Tête rouge du Maine) is breed of domestic sheep originating in France.[1] The breed's name, which literally translates from French as "Red of the West", refers to its region of origin and its unique pinkish face and legs. It was developed in the Maine et Loiredepartment of France, through crossing local landrace sheep with Wensleydales and Bluefaced Leicesters. The French registry was established in 1968,[2] and the U.K. registry was in 1986.[3]
The Rouge was originally a dairy sheep breed used to produce Camembert cheese, but is now primarily raised for meat.[4] Particularly, Rouge rams are used as sires for market lambs. It has medium length wool, a polled head, and a well-muscled body. Despite its quite different appearance, it is related to the Bleu du Maine. The average fleece weight for the Rouge is 1.5 kg (0.68 lbs) to 2.0 kg (0.9 lbs) with a staple length of 4 cm (1.8 inches) to 5 cm (2.3 inches) and a spinning count of 58's to 60's.[1]
These are the breeds of domestic sheep considered in France to be wholly or partly of French origin. Many have complex or obscure histories, so inclusion here does not necessarily imply that a breed is predominantly or exclusively French.
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