Merinizzata Italiana
Merinizzata Italiana is a modern Italian Merino-derived sheep developed in the 20th century for meat and wool. It was built from local Italian Merino-influenced stock such as Gentile di Puglia and Sopravissana, with additional French and German meat-wool breeds used to improve lamb production while retaining useful fleece quality. The breed is associated mainly with central and southern Italy, especially Abruzzo and surrounding regions.
In practical terms, Merinizzata Italiana belongs between traditional fine-wool sheep and specialized meat breeds. Flocks are managed for lambs, maternal ability, adaptation to Italian hill and marginal country, and a white fleece that still has value when handled well. Breeders should not confuse it with old Spanish Merino, South African Meat Merino, or German Merino families, although all share some Merino ancestry. Selection works best when carcass traits, ewe soundness, and fleece records are kept together rather than letting one product erase the other.
