As in Germany, the old landraces are being rediscovered in Normandy. The reason: these animals are robust and can withstand the changeable weather in the harsh climate of the northwest. In this blog post, we present three typical Normandy sheep breeds.
Breeding old landraces is a form of preserving cultural heritage. Three breeds are known in the Manche: the Cotentin sheep, the Avranchin and the Roussin de la Hague.
The Cotentin sheep
The name Cotentin is somewhat misleading, as its cradle was in Coutançais, the historic diocese of Coutances. Over time, the word has evolved into Coustançais, Costentin and now Cotentin. Today, Cotentin refers to the northern peninsula of the Manche department and no longer even includes the town of Coutances! The breed that bears its name is therefore wrongly attributed to this geographical area. However, it originates from the center of the Manche. These sheep, which come from the bocage, the hedgerows, need trees and hedges to protect their pink skin on the head, which is prone to sunburn and sunstroke. They are traditionally kept in small groups of 10 to 30 animals, often together with horses. In total, their population is estimated at 2,000 animals. Sheep adapt perfectly to mild, humid and windy climates. Lambing takes place once a year: from mid-December to the end of March. Characteristic of this large and heavy breed is the pink head, which is only slightly hairy (almost reminiscent of a pig's head). At 90 to 100 kg (females) and 100 to 140 kg (males), they are real heavyweights.
The Avranchin sheep
The Avranchin sheep is the first recognized sheep breed in the Manche. Since the 18th century, the quality of the sheep meat known as "d'Avranches" has been praised by gourmets, while the fineness and exceptional softness of its wool was highlighted as early as 1764. Before the war, the Avranchin sheep was the most widespread breed in the region, where it was bred in small flocks on traditional farms. In 1960, the Avranchin was barely saved from extinction. Since 2015, the Avranchin has been considered an "endangered domestic animal breed", although some very dedicated breeders have been working to preserve it for years. There are only around 2,000 ewes in total. As an old grassland breed, it is now often found in the salt marshes, as it can live outdoors all year round. It is very adaptable, so it will be able to cope with the changing flora caused by climate change, according to Stéphanie Maubé, who has been tirelessly campaigning for the Avranchin sheep for years. The ewes are fertile and take particularly loving care of their lambs. Its character is gentle, which makes it an ideal choice for small breedings. The sheep are very freedom-loving and do not like to be stabled. The lambing season lasts from December to April. The Avranchin is a medium-sized breed, a ewe weighs between 65 and 80 kg.
The Roussin de la Hague
The Roussin is not a truly "old" breed. It probably originated in 1920 from the mating of local sheep in the dunes of Biville and Vauville with the English breeds Dishley and Southdown. These ancestors probably already existed on the Cotenin in the 18th century. Since that time, the Jobourg sheep market has been held, putting the Roussins in the spotlight.
The breed was not officially recognized until 1982. The Roussin is an extremely hardy breed, perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of the Cape at the very top of the northern Cotentin. It can graze on both lean and rich pastures. They can also be found on the salt marshes. This is where the lambs mature into the famous agneau prés-salés. Lambing season is in winter. The ewes are easy to manage and require little care. The flocks are usually small with around 50 ewes, with a total of around 2,000 being kept on the Cotentin and in the surrounding area. The Roussin has a brown head and an alert, expressive look. The ewes reach 60-80 kg, while the males weigh between 90 and 110 kg.
Experience sheep and buy sheep products
You can spot the typical sheep in many places around our vacation homes in Normandy. You should definitely try the meat products from the salt marsh lambs (if you eat meat).
Avranchin meat: La Ferme de la Petite Lande organic farm in 50310 Ecausseville, phone +33 6 99 65 60 41
Stéphanie Maubé has joined forces with other sheep farmers of the Norman breeds to market the wool under the Laines à l'Ouest brand. The wool can be bought in the small store in Lessay (6, rue de la Sainte-Croix, Wednesdays 15:00 - 18:30) or via the online store Laines à l'Ouest
Stéphanie has her salt marsh lambs processed into merguez, which can be purchased at Jambon de Lessay during the summer months.
Jambon de Lessay 10,Espace Fernand Finel, industrial area in the direction of Périers, Lessay; Mon. - Sat. 9:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 18:30
The Foire aux Moutons always takes place in Jobourg on the first Saturday in August. In addition to the licensing of Roussin sheep, there are numerous demonstrations, e.g. with herding dogs or sheep shearers. You can buy local products and taste Cotentin lamb specialties for lunch. Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a lead.
The Ferme Musée du Cotentin in Sainte-Mère-Église also keeps sheep of the Roussin breed. It is open in April, May, June, September, Easter vacations and fall vacations from Sun. to Fri. from 14:00 to 18:00. In July and August from 11:00 - 19:00. Dogs on a lead are allowed.
Text and photos: Barbara Homolka