The Bleu du Maine originated in western France and was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1978. Since this time, the breed has won Interbreed titles at both the Royal Show and Royal Welsh Shows.    Ewes and rams from this breed are both specially noted for being highly prolific. Purebred flocks have lambing percentages of up to 240%. Ewe lambs mated at seven months of age have produced 200% lambing. Ram fertility gives a considerable boost to commercial flocks and independent field trials suggest that the Bleu du Maine cross females are more prolific than their traditional counterparts and, at the same time, leave progeny with much improved conformation.    The Bleu du Maine is noted for producing big crops of small lambs which lamb easily, are hardy, grow quickly and have strong desire to live. Within minutes of birth, lambs are on their feet and suckling the ewe's plentiful milk supply, which ensures a very high growth rate.

right: Astley Baldwin Runner up Bleu Sires Top Tup 2005

Bleu du Maine Cross Breed Females
The Bleu cross female is an enthusiastic mother with a fine head and bone to ensure easy lambing. Lambing percentages in excess of 200% in commercial flocks frequently achieved. Lambs are always vigorous at birth and keen to suckle. Fleeces produced are of the highest quality and command extra prices.

Carcass lambs
Those commercial breeders who do choose to use Bleu du Maine as a terminal sire find that lambs produced have a high killing-out percentage due to its fine bone where heavy weights of lean meat are required. Wether lambs produced by cross breed females are also highly desirable due to improved conformation of the Bleu du Maine breed. The traits of prolific, easy lambing and hardiness associated with the breed are all reproduced genetically. A Bleu du Maine sire across a flock gives the commercial farmer increased quantity with quality and therefore increased output.