Rideau arcott

The Rideau is selected for: 

• Multiple births 
• High fertility 
• Milk production 
• Growth rate 

Rideaus were established at the Animal Research Centre in Ottawa and delivered by hysterectomy, in 1980. The breed is mainly composed of East Friesian, Finnish Landrace and Suffolk strains. 

They are tall, medium weight sheep with a clean face and legs which are usually white, bronze or mottled. The wool is of medium quality, and the carcass quality is better than average.

When raising lambs, the combined adjusted 50 day weight of their litters is commonly as follows:  

Twins: 50 - 65 kg 

Triplets: 65 - 90 kg

 Quads: 75 - 110 kg 

The breed is naturally very fertile, reaching sexual maturity before 7 months of age. Rideau genetics are ideal for inclusion in crossbred ewes because of their strong maternal traits. They have been crossed successfully with most popular breeds. Rideaus are well known for their milk production and in trials at the University of Minnesota, proved to be superior producers. They are capable of yielding between 100 and 200 litres in a lactation.

Average Prolificacy: 250 – 300% 

Average Liveweight gains: 0.35 – 0.50 kgs/day (0.80 – 1.1lb/day) 

Mature weight of ewes: 85 – 90kgs (185 – 200lb) 

Mature weight of rams: 100 – 120kg (220 – 260lb)