Size
75 – 130 kg.
Color
The normal Charolais has a pink muzzle and is white in color. Black and red Charolais cattle are now being bred.
Physical Appearance
The breed stands out for having an additional rib and an extremely long, wedge-shaped body. The breed has developed a reputation for ease of childbirth from ewes of all breeds and sizes thanks to its morphology.
Characteristics and Genetics
The same region of France where the Charolais breed of cattle originated also gave rise to the Charollais breed of sheep. Sheep of the Charollais breed are mostly terminal breeds that excel in quick growth on pasture and good meat outputs. The breed was originally brought into New Zealand in 2009, and live animals, embryos, and sperm have since been regularly imported. Because they perform well in both pasture and confined situations, the Charollais breed is adaptable for the contemporary shepherd. Breeds are recognised for keeping their bodies in good shape throughout production cycles. The Charollais breed is renowned for its high meat-to-bone ratio and high-quality, lean carcasses. At 50–59%, the dressing percentage is above average.
Uses
The Charollais sheep is a breed of meat sheep. It is primarily grown to produce meat.
Reproduction
For the majority of the year, the pure-bred ram is ready and eager to mate. He also lives a long time. Rams are sexually mature at about 7 months of age, and many of them are still working at age seven. Some even live to age ten. The ewes have a long breeding season and are prolific; lambs born in December often weigh 180%, while those born in February can weigh 200%. The ewe and lamb experience the least amount of stress during lambing thanks to their small heads and wedge-shaped bodies. Lambs are active, eager to nurse, and grow quickly. At seven months, when they attain sexual maturity, ewe lambs are ready to breed. Average birth weights for singletons are 5.0 kg (11 lbs), for twins they are 4.0 kg (9 lbs), and for triplets they are 3.5 kg (8 lbs).
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