Apennine (also known as Appenninica, Bariscianese, Chietina Varzese, Perugina del piano) is a domesticated breed of sheep found in Italy. It was found in the 1970s by cross breeding with local breeds and the Bergamasca and Ile-de-France. Although this is a medium-coarse wool breed, they are raised primarily for their meat.[1]
Both sexes are polled (hornless) and having semi-lopped ears. Mature rams weigh 78 kg (170 lb) are 77 cm (30 in) at the withers and has a trunk of 79 cm (31 in) long. When mature, ewes weigh approximately 56 kg (120 lb) are 69 cm (27 in) at the withers and are 73 cm (29 in) long. The wool has a diameter of 30 to 35 micrometres. Rams provide about 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) of wool while ewes provide 2.5 kg (5.5 lb).[1]
This breed has been specifically adapted to the Apennine Mountains, Emilia and Abruzzo regions of Italy. From 1993 to 2007, the population of the Apennine has declined from greater than 160,000 to less than 1,400.[2]