Plezzana
Italian breeds of sheep

Origin and diffusion

The Plezzana sheep (in Slovenia are called Bovska sheep) descends from the Zaupel sheep, which was spread all over Europe during Medieval times. At the end of 19th century, crossbreeding with the Bergamasca sheep already took place. The Slovenian Bovaska sheep stands in the original type
of the Zaupel sheep. Population is stable.

Slovenia: Bovska sheep
Austria and Germany: Krainer Steinschaf
Italy: Plezzana sheep

Morphological and economic characteristics

Size: medium-small
Height at the withers:
- Male: 64 cm
- Female: 60 cm
Weight:
- Male: 45 kg
- Female: 40 kg

Plezzana sheep are multi-purpose sheep. The milk is suitable for cheese production. The mixed wool is used for the production of loden, felt and tweed. The Plezzana sheep is a medium framed, thin-legged and finely boned sheep. The narrow head shows a straight nose profile. Animals are mostly white, although black-brown and pied animals do occur. Rams are polled. Plezzana sheep are hardy and modest. The meat is tasty and fine-fibred. Milking performance is good. The mixed wool is suitable for many purposes. Excellent milk breed.

Female of Plezzana (photo www.assonapa.com)

Plezzana sheep (photo Zan Meta www.ansi.okstate.edu)