Farm animal genetic resources in Switzerland
Saaser Mutte
The ears seem particularly long in young sheep of the Saaser Mutte breed (Philippe Ammann / ProSpecieRara)
Origin and development
The Upper Valais is on the northern margins of the distribution range of Bergamasca sheep. While the Bergamasca sheep was displaced by other breeds across much of the Valais region, in the area in and around the Saas and Simplon valley it developed into a distinct local type – today’s Saaser Mutte (“Mutte”, from the French “mouton”, is the Valaisan term for “sheep”). Sheep farming with this breed is long established in the Saas valley, where it predominates. The fact that this is a locally adapted ecotype is confirmed by contemporary breeders, who report that very few animals from other areas have been used for breeding. In contrast to Bergamasca sheep, which are exclusively fully white, around half of the Saaser Mutte are brown or white-and-brown spotted. Since 2015, the Saaser Mutte has been found throughout Switzerland, and it has been officially considered a Swiss breed since 2020.
Description
The Saaser Mutte is a Valaisan breed, derived from a distinct type of Bergamasca sheep. They are large, hornless meat sheep with a markedly convex nose and striking lop-ears. The ewes lamb non-seasonally, often bearing twins. The Saaser Mutte – a calm and very friendly animal – is among Switzerland’s largest sheep. 44
