AMIATINE SHEEP

The sedentary sheep population known as Pecora dell’Amiata is the direct descendant of the so-called Tuscan Common Sheep, Nostrale or Vissana present in central or southern Tuscany in the first half of the 19th century. Later in the early 20th century this sheep population as a result of crossbreeding with merinized sheep was divided into two ecotypes one in the Creti Senesi and northern slopes of Mount Amiata simply called the Sienese sheep, larger in size but less productive, and one smaller in size, strongly merinized and more productive in all three attitudes, characteristic of Mount Amiata and in particular Mount Labbro called the Amiata or Amiatina sheep. The breed has differentiated in the southern area of Tuscany between the provinces of Grosseto and Siena, particularly on Mount Amiata, in the municipalities of Arcidosso, Roccalbegna and Castell’Azzara, and in the Crete Senesi area including the municipalities of Asciano, Buonconvento, Monteroni d’Arbia, Rapolano Terme, San Giovanni d’Asso and Trequanda. Its area of spread coincides with its area of origin.
The breed size is estimated at around 1350 head; the average weight of lambs at 30 days is about 10-12 kg. While not neglecting the traits of hardiness, rusticity and productive aptitudes of milk and wool, the direction of improvement is to enhance meat production, seeking among other things to increase prolificacy. (cited in Sheep Breed Atlas – Sheep Breeds).