WHY IDF

Background

As a result of its origin and continual careful selection, Ile de France sheep now have the characteristics required to satisfy modern farming requirements under a wide variety of situations.

The growth potential, conformation and carcass quality of these sheep make it a meat breed par excellence.

Ile de France sheep have also demonstrated their remarkable mothering qualities and ability to adapt to a wide variety of climates and different systems of husbandry.

When the quality of their wool is added to these characteristics, the result is an unusual combination of features which make the breed very popular both in France and throughout the world as a purebred and in crosses.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

Young ewes are mated between 8 and 12 months of age, depending on their mass (min of 55-60kg) and season in which they are to lamb. Mating normally takes place between November and March. Due to the unseasonal sexual activity of the breed, mating can take place throughout the year and depending on the quantity and quality of feed available, ewes can lamb up to three times in two years. The stud has often included the ram whilst ewes are suckling lambs.

Young Ewes

Prolificacy

The stud has a weaning percentage of 150% i.e. at least 1,5 lambs weaned per ewe per lambing - one of the breeds strong characteristics!

Multiple Births

Milk Yield

The stud weighs lambs at 60 days of age and masses of up to 21 KG have been measured at 30 days, and 37kg at 60 days.

Young Ram Lamb: 27kg at 42 days

Birth Mass

The stud does not weigh lambs at birth, although excessive birth sizes are noted. Since the breeding objective of moving to longer sheep has been implemented, excessive birth masses have been drastically reduced.

Growth Rate

Lambs are weighed at 60, 100, and 180 days. The following masses have been achieved:

• 60 days - 34kg 
• 100 days - 48kg 
• 150 days - 60kg
• 180 days - 70kg

After weaning the feed intensity is reduced to an amount that will ensure a steady growth rate of between 250-300g per day.

A higher protein feed is fed during this period to promote growth and limit putting on fat.

Carcass Quality

The breed has an exceptional slaughter out percentage, where even with cross breeds it is consistently above 50%. A 59% has officially been recorded. The even distribution of fat also ensures top quality meat.

Unseasonal Breeding Habits

The ability for rams to mate throughout the year also enhances the popularity of the IDF as a terminal sire.

Wool Quality

The stud does not select on wool quality, but is very strict on coarse britches and the presence of kemp. Certain bloodlines in the breed ensure a quality wool. 23-25 Micron and 3,5 KG wool is recorded.

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