Varesina sheep

Varesina
Country of originItaly
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    85–90 kg
  • Female:
    70–75 kg
Wool coloroff-white
Face colorwhite
Notes
dual-purpose, meat and wool


The Varesina is a rare breed of domestic sheep from the province of Varese in Lombardy, in northern Italy.[1][2] It originates from the area of Biandronno and Travedona; members of the breed have been identified in the comuni of Albizzate and Arcisate. The Varesina is closely related to the Bergamasca and the Biellese, but is smaller.[2] It is one of the forty-two autochthonous local sheep breeds of limited distribution for which a herdbook is kept by the Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia, the Italian national association of sheep-breeders.[3]

In 1983 there were about 1000 Varesina sheep, of which 800 were registered. Recent estimates place total numbers at about 60.[2] In 2013 no total number for the breed was recorded in the herdbook.[4] The breed is at serious risk of extinction and is protected.[3]

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