Sheep breed profile
Rambouillet
Also known as: French Merino
- Fine wool / dual-purpose
- France (developed from Spanish Merino)
- large
- Temperament: moderate
Rambouillet is the foundation breed of U.S. Western range sheep production — dual-purpose wool and lamb, hardier than Merino, and adapted to the dry interior West. Less suited to humid East.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
150–200 lbs
Male weight
220–300 lbs
Daily gain
0.5 lbs/day
Fleece
13 lbs
Micron
20μ
Reproductive traits
Gestation
150 days
Lambs/ewe
1.3
Seasonality
year round
Maternal
good
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
fair
Heat tolerance
good
Cold hardiness
good
Humidity tolerance
fair
Common health concerns
- Heavy wool in humid regions
- Best fit in Western range systems
Management requirements
Experience
some experience
Housing
basic shelter
Fencing
woven wire
Feed system
pasture, hay
Shearing
Required
Market access
Commercial market
good
Direct-market appeal
good
Premium potential
Yes
Backbone of U.S. Western range sheep operations; dual-purpose wool and meat economics.
American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association →Sources
Data quality: extension verified