Trimeticcia di Segezia

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Trimeticcia di Segezia

The Trimeticcia di Segezia is a modern sheep breed from Puglia in southern Italy. It was created in Segezia, a part of Foggia, at the Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia, an experimental breeding station of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. The name means “three-way hybrid.” Gentile di Puglia ewes were crossed with French Île-de-France rams, and their offspring were then crossed with Württemberger rams. The breed was developed to fit the local climate and conditions.

Its range is mainly the Tavoliere delle Puglie plain, and it also extends into Molise. It is one of 42 native Italian sheep breeds with a herd-book kept by the Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia.

Population and status: In 1983 there were about 4,000 animals. By 2013 no total was recorded in the herd-book. In 2022 the population was reported as 97 head, and in 2023 as 188 head (92 ewes and 5 rams). Conservation status: FAO (2007) lists it as endangered; DAD-IS (2023) lists it as at risk/critical.

Characteristics: Ovis aries; males weigh 65–70 kg, females 60–70 kg. Wool color is white; face color is white. It is a triple-purpose breed used for meat, milk, and wool.