Sheep

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Sheep

Sheep farmers make a distinction between meat breeds and milk breeds. In Switzerland, focus is still placed on meat production, although the importance of sheep’s milk production is rising. The most common is the White Alpine sheep. It is the result of the crossbreeding of Merionoland and Ile-de-France sheep with the White Mountain sheep. It is suitable for meat production but also produces a good milk yield. The Valais Blacknose sheep is famous due to its appearance. Like the Black-Brown Mountain sheep, it is perfectly adapted to life in the mountains. Brown Headed Meat, Charollais Suisse and Texel sheep are also found on Swiss farms. The production of sheep’s milk has increased in recent years. Popular milk breeds include the East Friesian and the Lacaune from France.

What are the names for male and female sheep?

When we talk about sheep, this refers to both sexes. A male sheep is called a ram, while a female sheep is called a ewe. A young sheep is a called a lamb.

Important for Alpine farming

As ruminants, sheep primarily eat hay and grass. They take in food over practically the entire day and digest it continuously. It is for this reason that they are also used as “living lawnmowers” on grassy areas. Undemanding and robust sheep are especially important for Swiss Alpine farming. Around 200,000 sheep are “summered” in Switzerland every year and spend the summer on mountain pastures.

Where does the sheep come from?

The domestic sheep comes from the mouflon, a wild sheep. Humans probably domesticated the sheep about 10,000 years ago. Thanks to its good adaptability, the sheep has spread around the world. According to estimates, there are approximately 1 billion sheep worldwide, with the majority being found in Asia.

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Swiss meat stands for the utmost quality, which requires high-quality meat-processing workmanship alongside high animal welfare and health standards. Pork and beef are the favorite meat varieties in Switzerland.

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Many farmers do more than the strict Animal Welfare Act requires. They take part in animal welfare programmes and produce for labels. Checks are conducted to ensure that the rules are observed.

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