Zerasca
Italian breeds of sheep

Origin and diffusion

Area of origin: Zeri (Lunigiana, Tuscany).
The origins are uncertain. Certainly derives from the sheep strain of the Apennines, which remained isolated for a long time. Since the middle of the twentieth century was crossed with the breed Massese.

Morphological and economic characteristics

Size: medium
Height at the withers:
- Male: 75 cm
- Female: 62 cm

Uni coloured: white.
Among the local Tuscan ovine breeds that survived the extinction process linked to the changes in farming systems and market demands, the Zerasca breed is very appreciated from farmer for its rusticity and for the capacity to produce heavy lamb, reared with its mother at pasture until the slaughtering age of 60 days that furnish meat very appreciated by consumer.

Zerasca (photo www.regione.piemonte.it)

Zerasca (photo www.icferrari.pontremoli.scuolaeservizi.it/)