The Ile de France was developed in 1832 in the Ile de France region around Paris by crossing Dishley Leicester rams on Merino ewes, 50 years of cross-breeding resulted in a stable breed now known as the Ile de France. This versatile heavy muscled breed was developed to produce a premium lamb carcass and performance testing began in 1933. 

Used throughout Europe, the Ile de France has proven to impart superior growth and carcass quality to offspring in a variety of crossbreeding and production systems. Ile de France sired lambs are capable of finishing on pasture or all forage diets even in the Northern United States.  Newborn lambs are quick to get up, and lambs imprint strongly onto the dam, resulting in lower newborn mortality.

 

Avg. Lambing percentage: 195%

Avg. ram weight: 290 lbs.

Avg. ewe weight: 180 lbs.

Wool:

• Close wool
• White
• 3”  staple length
• Count 50’s – 60’s (25 – 30 Microns)

 

USA-    No breed organization to date

 

UK-      Ile de France Society

           Website:www.iledefrancesheep.co.uk

 

France-

           French Ile de France Breeders’ Association

            Website: www.ile-de-france-sheep.com