Bhateshwar et al 2022/ J. Livestock Sci.

13: 135-151

Current status of sheep farming in India

V. Bhateshwar1*, D.C. Rai1, M. Datt2 and Aparnna, V.P.1

1
Department of Dairy Science and Food Technology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi- 221 005, Uttar Pradesh; 2Department of Livestock Production Management, Sri Karan Narendra
Agriculture University, Jobner- 303 329, Rajasthan, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail:[Link]@[Link]

Journal of Livestock Science (ISSN online 2277-6214) 13: 135-151

Received on 28/2/22; Accepted on 5/5/2022; Published on 10/5/22
doi. 10.33259/JLivestSci.2022.135-151

Abstract

Sheep, with multi-facet utility (for meat, wool, skin, dung, and to some extent milk) plays a significant part in the
Indian agricultural economy. India is having the second greatest number of sheep & goat in the world after China
and has indigenous breeds with good productivity. Sheep are better adapted to India’s arid and semi-arid tropical
zones with marginal and sub-marginal lands. Sheep are possibly the most ideal small ruminants to exploit the scant
vegetation available in dryland environments through rangeland management and reseeded pastures. The sheep
farming sector in India needs marketing infrastructure facilities for value addition such as meat processing,
warehousing, cold storage, and refrigerated trucks and there is a notable shortage of public-private partnerships.
However, being advanced in veterinary infrastructure at ground level, and the expanding demand for sheep-sourced
products generates an untapped opportunity for the export & value-added products. The current paradigm change in
government policies is enabling farmers to move to scientific sheep farming which can assist and boost the
productivity and farmer's revenue in India.

Keywords: Indigenous breeds; Indian farmers; Genetic resources; Scientific sheep farming

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Introduction
Small ruminants (sheep and goats) play a significant role in the socio-economic and cultural livelihood of
the rural folk in India. It provides livelihood to two-thirds of the rural [Link] rural population constitutes
72.22% out of which the majority are dependent directly orindirectlyon agricultureand livestock-related occupations.
According to the 20th livestock census (2019), species-wise out of total livestock available in the country, around
36.04% are cattle, 27.74% are goat, 20.74% are buffaloes, 13.83% are sheep and 1.69% are pigs. All other species
of livestock are less than 0.23% of the total livestock. The small ruminants suites the need forthe small landholder
and village system due to low initial investment, ease of rearing, and high feed conversion efficiency. Besides this,
they are very well adapted to the harsh climate, long migration, resistance to tropical diseases, poor nutrition, and
shortage of drinking water and water quality.
Sheep with multi-facet utility (for meat, wool, skin, manure, and to some extent milk) play a vital role in
the Indian agrarian economy. They are better adapted to arid and semi-arid tropics with marginal and sub-marginal
lands. They are perhaps the most suitable small ruminants to utilize the sparse vegetation available in dryland areas
through rangeland management and reseeded pastures (Adegbeye et al., 2020). Sheep farming is important source of
livelihood in various parts of underdeveloped or developing world viz. steppe (Inal et al., 2021), Chiapas, Mexico
(Rebello-Morales et al., 2021), North Caucasus (Gogav et al., 2021) and Algeria (Merrouchi et al., 2021). According
to the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) (2019) database of the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the top three countries by the number of heads of sheep were: Mainland
China (163.48 million heads), India (74.26 million) and Australia (65.75 million). India ranks second in sheep
population and accounts for more than 4.03% of the world population (FAOSTAT, 2019) with 74.26 million sheep
to its record.
In India from post-independence 1951 (39.10 million) till the 2019 livestock census (74.26 million) the
sheep population increased by 89 %. Sheep husbandry or sheep farming is the backbone of the rural economy in
India. Indigenous sheep contribute greatly to the agrarian economy, especially in areas where crop and dairy farming
are not economical and play an important role in the livelihood of a large proportion of small and marginal farmers
and landless laborers. Sheep were developed following domestication and natural and human selection over the past
12,000 years. They provide a dependable source of income to the animal owners. According to the FAO World
Watch List (2000), there are 60 breeds of sheep in India. This list includes both well recognized and lesser-known
breeds along with some wild species and according to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources NBAGR
(2021), details of 44 distinguished sheep breeds are available. These sheep breeds are well adapted to specific agro-
climatic regions of the country. The current number of breeds of sheep is likely an underestimation as a large
proportion of indigenous livestock populations in developing countries including India, are yet to be described at
phenotypic and genetic levels. Genetic diversity signifies a unique resource to respond to the present and future
needs of sheep production and human needs.

Importance of livestock sector with special reference to sheep

Sheep Husbandry or sheep farming contributes significantly not only to numbers but also to sustainable
livelihood options in the country. It has been observed in recent days that the sheep population has increased in the
areas of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka (Table 1), where farmer suicides due to crop failure were more.
Sheep are the lifeline in areas where crop failure is commonplace and the rural population, NGOs, and also
government is realizing the importance of this species in sustaining their livelihood. According to the 20th livestock
censusby India’s Department of Animal husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) (2019), Telangana ranks first in sheep
population with nearly 25.72% sheep population followed by Andhra Pradesh (23.70%) and Karnataka (14.95%).
Large ruminants are specifically reared for milk production in our country and therefore they are out of production
for a significant part of their life. However, sheep are such an animal that isa true sense act as a security option and
remain always ready for cash option with the farmer. Utilizing sheep husbandry as a livelihood security option in
arid and semi-arid regions of India can be tried to minimize dependency on rain-fed crops.

Sheep genetic resources

India is one of the few countries in the world, which has contributed richly to the international livestock
gene pool and improvement of animal production in the world. Sheep biodiversity in India is characterized by a high
degree of endemism and variations in agro-climatic conditions of the different regions have led to the development
of various breeds/strains that are well adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions. These breeds have
generally been named after their place of origin and some based on their prominent characteristics. A few breeds
have evolved from the base populations created by crossing native and fine wool exotic breeds.

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Acharya (1982) described the Indian breeds of sheep based on published literature and also on his surveys.
Further, not much information is usually available on their genetic characteristics and phylogenetic diversity - the
first guidance in making conservation decisions in ovines. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),
India has established NBAGR at Karnal to take up description, evaluation, and conservation of the livestock genetic
resources and suggest strategies for their long-term conservation. Efforts are being made at NBAGR Karnal to
determine the latest status by compiling information on characteristics of indigenous breeds of sheep through
surveys on native tracts. Additional activities on molecular characterization of indigenous sheep breeds are also well
underway at NBAGR (Arora and Bhatia, 2004; Sodhi et al., 2003) because of worldwide recognition of the need for
analysis of genetic structure and relationships of sheep populations/breeds to conserve ovine diversity (Arranz et al.,
1998, Arranz et al., 2001; Saitbekova et al., 2001; Sun et al., 2004).
According to the NBAGR (2021), the details of sheep breeds are classified based on agro-ecological regions
viz. a) North temperate region, b) North Western arid and semi-arid region, c) Southern peninsular region, and d)
Eastern region is depicted below (Table 2a and 2b). In our country, a sizable population of sheep is non-descript due
to indiscriminate breeding and intermixing of breeds.
Fig. 1 shows the percentage distribution of various indigenous breeds of the sheep population. It is
observed that among the indigenous breeds, the Nellore breed contributesthe highest in the category with 19.17%
following which the breeds namely Deccani, Marwari, Bellari, Jaisalmeri, and Mecheri contribute a major share as
shown in the following diagram. There are 27 indigenous breeds whose contribution is less than 1% share of total
indigenous sheep.

Table 1- Leading states in sheep population (20th livestock census 2019)

Population (In million) % share % change over

State 2012 2019 19th census
Telangana 12.8 19.1 25.72 48.51
Andhra Pradesh 13.6 17.6 23.70 30.00
Karnataka 9.6 11.1 14.95 15.31
Rajasthan 9.1 7.9 10.64 -12.95
Tamil Nadu 4.8 4.5 6.06 -5.98
Jammu & Kashmir 3.4 3.2 4.31 -4.19
Maharashtra 2.6 2.7 3.64 3.87
Gujarat 1.7 1.8 2.42 4.66
Odisha 1.6 1.3 1.75 -19.10
Uttar Pradesh 1.4 1.0 1.35 -27.25
India Total 65.07 74.26 100 --
1. About 70% of sheep are found in southern states (mutton and hair wool).
2. About 15% of sheep are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh states (carpet wool and mutton).
3. About 6% of sheep are found in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh (fine wool and mutton).

Fig. 1: Percentage share of indigenous sheep including non-descript population

Source: DAHDF, Based on breed survey (2013)

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Table 2a- Breeds of sheep in northern temperate and north western arid and semi-aridregions in India
Breed Location Major utility
Northern temperate region
Bhakarwal J & K, migratory flock Carpet wool
Changthangi Changthang region of Ladakh Carpet wool
Gaddi Kulu, Kangra&Chamba districts of H.P. Carpet wool
Gurez Gurez tehsil in northern Kashmir Carpet wool
Karnah Karnah in north Kashmir Apparel wool
Kashmir Merino* Merino Kashmir valley Apparel wool
Poonchi Poonch&Rajori districts of J&K Carpet wool
Rampur Bushair Rampur Bushair, Simla, Kinnaur, Nahan, Bilaspur&LahaulSpiti districts of H.P. Carpet wool
North western arid and semi-arid region
Chokla Nagaur, Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan Carpet wool
Jaisalmeri Jaisalmer, Barmer& Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan Mutton& carpet wool
Jalauni Jalaun, Jhansi &Lalitput districts of U.P. Mutton t & carpet wool
Kheri* Merta, Nagaur, Jodhpur, SawaiMadhopur, Tonk districts of Rajasthan Mutton& carpet wool
Magra Bikaner, Nagaur, Jaisalmer and Churu districts of Rajasthan Carpet wool
Malpura Jaipur, Tonk, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Bundi&SawaiMadhopur districts of Rajasthan Mutton& carpet wool
Marwari Jodhpur, Jalor, Nagaur, Pali and Barmer, Ajmer and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan and Mutton& carpet wool
Jeoria region of Gujarat
Munjal* Hissar , Ambala and Karnal districts of Haryana, Patiala and Mutton& carpet wool
Bhatinda districts of Punjab
Muzzafarnagri Muzzaffarnagar, Bulandshahar, Saharanpur, Meerut &Bijnor districts of U.P. and Mutton& carpet wool
Dehradun district of Uttaranchal.
Nali Ganganagar, Churu And Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan Carpet wool
Patanwadi Saurashtra, Kutch, Patan, Kadi, Kalol, Sidhpur and Mehsana districts of Gujarat Carpet wool
Pugal Bikaner & Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan Mutton& carpet wool
Sonadi Udaipur, Dungarpur&Chittorgarh districts of Rajasthan Mutton& carpet wool
Panchali Panchal area of Gujarat Milk & meat
Kajali Sangrur, Barnala, Ludhiana, Moga and adjoining districts in Punjab Mutton
Table 2b- Breeds of sheep in southern peninsular and eastern regions in India
Breed Location Major utility
Southern peninsular region
Bellary Bellary, Davangere, Haveri and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka Mutton& carpet wool
Coimbatore Coimbatore &Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton& carpet wool
Deccani Semi arid areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Mutton
Hassan Hassan district of Karnataka Mutton
Kenguri Raichur district of Karnataka Mutton
Kilakarsal Virudunagar&Ramnathpuram districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Madras red Chingalpet& Madras districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Mandya Mandya and bordering Mysore districts of Karnataka Mutton
Mecheri Salem, Erode &Namakkal districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Nellore Nellore, Prakashan, Ongole districts of A.P. Mutton
Nilgiri Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu Apparel wool
Ramnad white Ramnathpuram&Virdunagar districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Tiruchi black Tiruchy, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, Salem &Dharampuri Mutton
districts of Tamil Nadu
Vembur Tuticorin&Virudunagar districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Katchaikatty Black Vedipatti taluka of Madurai district of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Chevaadu Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu Mutton
Eastern region
Balangir Balangir, Sambalpur and Sundargarh districts of Orissa Mutton& carpet wool
Bonpala Southern part of Sikkim Mutton& carpet wool
Chottanagpuri Chottanagpur, Ranchi, Palamau, Hazaribagh, Singhbhum Mutton& carpet wool
&Dhanbad districts of Jharkhand
Ganjam Koraput,Phulbani and part of Puri districts of Orissa Mutton& carpet wool
Shahbadi Shahabad, Patna & Gaya districts of Bihar Mutton
Tibetan Sikkim and Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh Carpet wool
Garole Sundarban region of West Bengal Mutton&Prolificacy
Kendrapara Kendrapara, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack districts of Orissa Mutton&Prolificacy
* Breeds not included in the list recognized at the National level. Source: NBAGR and Bhatia and Arora (2005).

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Sheep breeding strategies in India: Lessons from the past and a way ahead
The focus of sheep development in past was essentially on the improvement of quality and quantity of wool
by using different types of exotic fine wool breeds. Several strains were developed through crossbreeding of native
breeds with exotics (Task Force Reprt 1996; Singh et al., 2005). Developed genotypes demonstrated their
production potential in terms of body weight, wool quantity, and quality under experimental farm management
conditions but these could not outdo the natives in field conditions barring a few genotypes due to non-availability
of the required plane of nutrition and climatic conditions. Presently mutton has almost outperformed the wool in
terms of income to the farmers. In addition to the Network Project on Sheep Improvement (NWPSI) and Mega
Sheep Seed Project (MSSP) programs of ICAR, the genetic improvement of indigenous breeds of sheep in their
home tracts at present is being mostly done through state governments. State-wise sheep breeding policies were first
proposed in 1970 by the Ad-hoc Committee on sheep breeding policy set up by the Government of India.
Agriculture is a state subject hence; sheep breeding policies are to be enunciated by the State Government. Well
defined sheep breeding policy in a large number of states is still awaited.
There are several methods of genetic improvement of Indian sheep, which include the 4 step action plan
with a focus on separately identified breeds for meat and wool production. The 4 steps are:
1) Breed improvement of the identified breeds of sheep from amongst the same breed but higher comparative
genetic merit animal (example -Deccani sheep for the higher weight of meat per animal by selective breeding from
amongst the same species better genotypes/phenotypes) – that is pure line high genetic merit breeding.
2) Breed improvement of identified breeds of lesser genetic merit (for example selective breeding of lesser breed,
Chotanagpuri with Deccani sheep) - that is hybrid high genetic merit breeding.
3) Breed improvement of much lower yield but high population non-descript breed which is typically lesser in
genetic merit than the least merit identified breed itself - that is hybrid of low genetic merit non-descript breed with
the high genetic identified breed.
4) Breed improvement through a hybrid of high genetic merit exotic germplasm of suitable genetic traits for higher
meat and wool production.
The following methodology shall be adopted for this,
i. Genetic improvement of identified indigenous descript breeds of sheep through selective breeding for better
yielding breed stock for meat, milk, and wool.
ii. Genetic improvement of non-descript breeds of sheep by germplasm from existing improved descript
indigenous breeds.

Synthetic breeds/strains developed

Table 3 summarizes breeds/strains developed in this category as a result of attempts made for the up-
gradation of indigenous animals with exotic breeds for improving wool production, wool quality, and mutton in
sheep species. Imported breeds used for crossing were (i) Australian/ Russian Merino and Rambouillet for
improvement in wool (ii) Suffolk and Dorset for improvement in meat quality and feed efficiency and (iii) Karakul
for pelt production. The flocks of these synthetic breeds have been developed in some pockets/government
establishments and are being maintained at government-organized farms. Kashmir Merino was, however, evolved in
Jammu and Kashmir under field conditions. Most of these breeds/strains have not done well with the farmers
because of a lack of input, poor health, management, and expertise available under field conditions (Bhatia and
Arora, 2005).

Least discussed breeds

Kajali sheep
Kajali sheep is the large-sized animals with well-built bodies distributed in Sangrur, Barnala, Ludhiana,
Moga and adjoining districts in Punjab. Kajali sheep has two types /color variants: Black (Kali) and White (Chitti)
Kajali. Black Kajali has a complete black or black-brown or brown body. White Kajalihavea completely white coat
with a black or dark brown circle/patch around the eyes, and on the face and ears (Fig. 2). These sheep have a
Roman nose, long and pendulous ears, and long tail touching the ground (about 55 cm). Primarily reared for mutton

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production. Average adult weight is about 57 kg in males and 43 kg in females. It produces white or black/brown
coloured coarse wool (0.8-1 kg). Population size is approximately 6000-8000.

Fig. 2: Kajali female sheep breed. Fig. 3: Dumba (Fat tail) sheep at ICAR-CSWRI,
Source: [Link] Avikanagar Source: ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar

Fig. 4: Avishaan sheep at ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar Fig. 5: Sheep with its multi-facet utility
Source: ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar

Fig. 6: Garole ewe with triplets lamb at ICAR-CSWRI, Fig. 7: Benefits of sheep milk
Avikanagar Source:[Link]/breed_profiles.asp

Dumba (Fait tail) sheep

Sheep are classified according to their utility, i.e. wool, meat, milk, pelt, etc. Fat-tailed sheep are classified
as short fat-tailed, long fat-tailed, and fat-rumped. Fat-tailed sheep constitute 25% of the World's sheep population
(Davidson, 1999). Fat-tailed or fat-rumped sheep are so named because they store a large amount of fat in their tailor
rump region. Fat-tailed sheep breeds are known to deposit up to 20% of their carcass weight as tail fat (Yousefiet al.,
2012). In evolutionary terms, fat-tail is developed for storing nutrients when food is plentiful and utilized as
metabolic energy at the time of food scarcity, particularly during harsh seasonal fluctuations and migration (Atti and
Mahouachi, 2011). Fat-tailed sheep are widely found in Iran, Israel, Jordon, Syria, Turkey, Indonesia, Lebanon,

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Ethiopia, SouthAfrica, Zimbabwe, China,Afghanistan, Pakistan etc. (Pourlis, 2011). More than 96% of Iranian sheep
are fat-tailed and the remaining 4% are thin-tailed and semi-fat-tailed (Kiyanzad, 2005).
In our country, a few fat-tailed sheep of unknown breeds are found in urban - and peri-urban areas of
Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh etc. Most of them are raised on stall feeding for meat production.
These animals are - sold in the market on the occasion of festivals. Fat-tailed Awassi and Karakul sheep are famous
for milk and pelt production. At ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar (Rajasthan) a few
studies on Awassi and Karakul sheep were initiated earlier, but later on, terminated. The present fat-tailed sheep
found in the country is completely different from Awassi and Karakul breeds and are reared for producing meat.
Locally, these sheep are named Dumba. Fat-tailed sheep concerning native breeds in the country are large in body
size and weight, attained body weights of 33 kg at 3 months, 50 kg at 6 months, and 90 kg at 12 months of age. They
produce 70 liters of milk in a lactation period of 90 days with a daily milk yield of 780 g (Anon, 2017). They are
also well-adapted to hot and dry topographies of the country and fetches high prices (>Rs. 1.00 lakh for a male
adult) in the market.
Because of the ever-increasing demand for meat, a large body size with rapid growth efficiency is the
current need for sheep farming in the country. The production of Dumba (Fat tail) sheep seems to be one of the
options for enhancing meat production and bridging the gap between demand and availability of meat in the country
(Mohapatra and Shinde, 2018). Fat-tailed sheep of no specific breeds are found in some parts of India like Agra,
Jaipur, Ajmer, Muzaffarnagar, Delhi etc. Entrepreneurs in urban or peri-urban areas maintained a few numbers of
fat- tailed sheep on stall-feeding and sold them at very high price on the occasion of Eid festival.A small flock of
fattailed sheep is being maintained at ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar and preliminary studies have been initiated on
growth, production, reproduction and wool production (Anon, 2017). The growth performance of Dumba and its
crosses is given below in the (Table 4). The faster growth of these animals as indicated by higher body weights at
different age shows the potential of Dumba sheep in enhancing the mutton production (Fig. 3).

Avishaan
ICAR-Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar released a high performing prolific three
breed cross developed by it on 04.01.2016 on the occasion of Institute foundation day for testing in the farmer’s
field. The prolific cross is a composite cross having 12.5% Garole, 37.5% Malpura and 50% Patanwadi blood (Fig.
4). The average growth performance of Avishaan in farm condition is 3.30 kg at birth, 16.80 kg at 3 month, 25.90 kg
at 6 month and 34.70 kg at 12 month age. Avishaanexcelled by about 30% over native Malpura sheep in terms of
Ewe Productivity Efficiency (EPE) at six month of age. In the current female population 47% females produced 2
lambs and 2% produced 3 lambs in a lambing leading to overall 49% prolificacy. With an enhanced growth, farmers
can get 1.5 times income from rearing of Avishaanwithout extra investments. Boon for sheep rearing for more
lambs, more milk, more live weight and more [Link] enhanced milk production will lead to sustenance of
more lambs, fulfillment of domestic requirement, thus adding up to the nutritional security of the sheep farmers. The
prolificacy of prolific three breed cross ‘AVISHAAN’ is presented in (Table 5).

Breeds exhibiting unique characteristics

All the indigenous sheep breeds are known for adaptability under varied climate conditions, which is
obvious from their long struggle against the natural forces. Some of the unique features have been identified in few
indigenous breeds, which are summarized in (Table 6).

Sheep migratory patterns and production systems in India

Sheep migratory patterns
In spite of a number of sheep development activities in operation in different states of the country, sheep
rearing still continues to be a nomadic/backward proposition and thus mostly concerned to poor and landless people.
For scanty suitable grazing lands in most of the states, the shepherds keep on migrating their flocks over extensive
areas within or even in the neighboring states. Sheep rearing is thus practiced in a diversified form depending upon
the region and the location. In Rajasthan, around 5 lakh sheep are in permanent migration where the flocks do not
return to their home tract at any time of the year. The shepherds, however, keep on relieving one another and return
home in turn. These sheep are mainly grazed in MP, UP, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Rajasthan. Generally there
are two types of migratory flocks:-

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Table 3- Synthetic (crossbred) breeds/strains of sheep in India

Parent Breeds Level of exotic
New breed/strain Location
Indian Exotic inheritance %
Hissardale Govt livestock farm, Hissar Bikaneri (Magra) Merino 75
Bharat Merino CSWRI, Avikanagar Chokla, Nali Rambouillet, Merino 75
Avivastra CSWRI, Avikanagar Chokla, Nali Rambouillet, Merino 50
Avikalin CSWRI, Avikanagar Malpura Rambouillet 50
Avimanns CSWRI, Avikanagar Malpura, Sonadi Dorset, Suffolk 50
Nilgiri Synthetic SRRS, TANUVASU,
Nilgiri Merino 62.5/75
(Sandyno) Sandynallah
Patanwadi synthetic GAU, Dantiwada Patanwadi Rambouillet, Merino 50
Marwari, Malpura,
Indian Karakul CSWRI, ARC, Bikaner Karakul 75
Sonadi
Delaine Merino, Rambouillet,
Kashmir Merino J & K State Gaddi, Bhakarwal 50-75
Soviet Merino
Source: Bhatia and Arora (2005).

Table 4- Body weight (kg) of Dumba sheep in India

Male Female Pooled Maximum
Dumba
Birth 4.16 3.58 3.87 5.6
3 month 30.28 31.18 30.73 39.5
6 month 43.55 44.56 44.06 51.7
9 month 64.6 56.55 60.58 81.6
12 month 81.6 66.25 73.93 90.2
Dumba crosses
Birth 3.65 3.42 3.53 5.3
3 month 19.93 18.45 19.19 29.2
6 month 31.79 27.24 29.51 46.7
9 month 50.75 30.28 40.51 58.8
12 month 72.0 34.22 53.11 72.0
Source: ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar

Table 5-Prolificacy of prolific three breed cross Avishaan sheep

Prolificacy 74.0%
Litter size 1.82
Tupping 99.3%
Lambing (ewe available) 98.5%
Birth weight 3.3 kg
Weaning weight 16.9 kg
EPE at weaning 26.0 kg
Adult survivability 98.6%
Lamb survivability 94.0%
Source: ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar.

Table 6- Some unique sheep breeds of India

Breed Unique characteristics
Changthangi Fiber fineness
Chokla Fine carpet quality fleece
Magra Lustrous carpet quality fleece
Mecheri Chennai Red High-quality skin and mutton
Mandya Excellent meaty conformation, high quality, and meat palatability
Nellore Tallest sheep breed of India
Garole High fecundity- twins and triplets common. Survival under saline conditions
Marwari, Deccani, Jaisalmeri Hardy and capable of walking long distances during migration
Source: Bhatia and Arora (2005).

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(i) Truly nomadic flocks with no fixed centers but following seasonal migratory routes to grazing areas, they are
largely governed by the availability of foraging and drinking water resources.
(ii) Flocks on the fallow land, but following definite migratory routes to the season pastures and returning to their
permanent abodes during other seasons.

Production systems
Sheep in India are mostly maintained on natural vegetation, common grazing lands, wastelands,
uncultivated (fallow) lands, stubbles of cultivated crops, and top feeds (tree toppings). Few farmers rear the sheep
even on grain, cultivated fodder and crop residue. In developing countries such as India, the farming system could
be categorized as intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems (Karthik et al., 2021). In intensive farming, the
animals are fed in confinement with no access to graze. The system involves high cash inputs. The animals are fed
cultivated green fodder and concentrated feed, which allows for greater management of the animals. As India's
population grows, so does the need for mutton. To meet this demand, the intensive farming method must be
implemented in India in order to improve the quality of sheep's meat (Kulkarni et al., 2008). Ewe lambs' body
weight and average daily increase were greater in intensive systems than in semi-intensive and extended systems of
raising in Indian environmental disputes. The ewe lambs in the intensive system reached puberty and first service at
a younger age than in the other two ways of raising (Rangamma et al., 2022).Compared to semi-intensive and
extensive farming, the gross and net income of sheep were greater in the intense system because of larger weight
growth (Karthik et al., 2021). With intensive rearing, the sheep's feed conversion efficiency was greater than that of
the semi-intensive and extended systems of rearing, respectively (Kochewad et al., 2017).
In extensive and semi-intensive farming system, the sheep flocks are let loose for a grazing period of 4–8
hours. This practice helps in increasing the fertility of land via the return of dung and urine, control of waste herbage
growth, reduced fertilizer usage, easier crop management, increased crop yields, and greater economic returns.
Extensive system or pastoralism involves low carrying capacity in situations where land is marginal and plentiful,
which is characterized by low rainfall and grazing. Extensive farming is a way of life in several geographies,
including Australia, Africa, India, Eurasian steppes, Tibetan plateau, and many third world countries (Mbow et al.,
2019). Most of the time, no welldefined pasturelands are available for sheep and they mainly depend on waste lands,
which are otherwise not suitable for crop [Link] in India five types of sheep production systems are
used described in (Table 7).
Table 7- Sheep production systems in India
Extensive More than 90% of landless, small and marginal sheep farmers rear sheep under extensive system on common
property resource. Declining in areas and biomass yield of CPRs are affecting the production (Zero input).
Semi-intensive Sheep graze in grazing lands nearby to their villages and supplemented green and dry and concentrate at stall
after returning from grazing.
Intensive Sheep stall fed on roughage and concentrate for commercial production.
This system is prevalent in urban and peri-urban areas.
Nomadic Small, marginal and landless farmers practice migration during scarcity period to protect their sheep from feed
and water scarcity in arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
More than 70% of sheep in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir reared sheep up hill migration.
Tethering It is a sedentary system and common in the sub-humid and humid regions because of intensive cropping.
This system is suitable for grazing of 4-5 sheep/goat at a time.

Sheep production practices in India

Meat (Mutton) production
By the year 2050, the agriculture sector has the challenge to increase production by over 60% to feed the
world (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2012). In this scenario, meat consumption,
as a strategic source of protein in the human diet, is expected to grow substantially. The projected demand shows
that the leading position will be taken by poultry and pig meats, followed by bovine and sheep meats, respectively.
In India, most sheep and lambs are indigenous dual-purpose animals kept primarily for the production of
lambs for meat or dual-purpose breeds kept for both meat and wool [Link] with its multi-facet utility for
wool, meat, milk, skins, and manure may be called a “FIVE STAR” animal (Fig. 5). Meat production is also a
significant profit center in sheep rearing. Meat sheep producers sell either slaughter lambs or feeder lambs.
Slaughter lambs are usually purchased for immediate slaughter. In the present conditions, the average slaughter
weight for a lamb is 20-35 kg and the Dressing percentage is 40-50%. The average meat yield of Indian sheep (12
kg/animal) is lower than the world average of 15.6 kg (Reddy et al., 2018). It is mostly due to a lack of knowledge

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among traditional shepherds about the importance of a balanced diet for optimal development rates, as well as a lack
of genetic improvement in sheep. Increasingly, there is a market for slaughter lambs of any weight. Feeder lambs are
lambs that are usually fed to heavier weights before being harvested. Feeder lambs vary in weight, usually from 40-
50 kg. These are mainly meat breeds or selected cross-bred animals. However, in India, the 14 availability of feeder
lambs/meat breeds are very less despite increased demand and profit.
By the year 2019, India produced 27.63 tonnes meat ofin the world according to the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2019). According to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (2020),
India's mutton output was 8.36 percent of the country's total meat production (Table 8). In 2021, India would eat
over 728 million metric tons of sheep meat, which is a significant amount. The total number of metric tons of sheep
meat produced from 2013 to 2020 was 726.76 million metric tons, an increase above the previous year's total of
717.47 million metric tons. Bakrid and Eid, the finale of Ramzan, saw a spike in the consumption of sheep meat,
especially [Link] country is the largest exporter of sheep and goat meat to the world. The country has exported
7,050.55 MT of sheep and goat meat to the world for the worth of Rs. 329.96 Crores/ 44.57 USD Millions and have
the major export destinations to 75.16% UArab Emts, 10.62% Qatar, 5.54% Kuwait, 2.91% Suadi Arab,and 2.69%
Oman according to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA, 2021).

Prolific sheep: A hope for the future sheep industry in India

Considering the importance of multiple births in sheep breeding in special reference to mutton production,
Garole, a small sized (Micro-sheep) indigenous prolific breed of sheep reared for meat and mostly known for high
reproductive (Multiple births, Fig. 6) performance is found in hot, humid, swampy Ganges delta or Sunderban area
of West Bengal (Table 9). It was introduced at CSWRI, Avikanagarin 1997 for improving the reproductive
efficiency of Malpura sheep. The results indicated that the twining percent in Garole × Malpura (GM) half-breed
ewes was 52.24 % and lamb born, as triplets were 7.46%. The average number of lambs born per ewe lambed was
1.64 in GM and 1.08 in Malpura sheep (Kumar et al., 2006; Mishra et al., 2007). Lambing rate in GM was 118.6%
as compared to 89.47% in Malpura ewes (Sharma et al., 2004). It was observed that the body weight at different
ages of GM half-bred was on lower side compared to contemporary Malpura lambs. This was however the first
report that also signified the importance of enhancing Malpura inheritance to 75% for better live weight gain and
mothering ability in prolific crosses. The overall percent gain in prolificacy in GM was 52.38%, which increased to
75.73% in third parity (Mishra et al., 2007). A similar study was also carried out at Nimbkar Agricultural Research
Institute (NARI) Phaltan (Maharashtra) using Deccani and Bellary breed (Nimbkar et al., 2000).
Table 8- Contribution of major states in mutton production
States /UTs Mutton (‘000 tonnes) % share
Telangana 236.59 34.90
Andhra Pradesh 161.55 23.83
Tamil Nadu 60.64 8.94
Rajasthan 51.47 7.59
Karnataka 47.42 6.99
Jammu & Kashmir 21.37 3.15
West Bengal 20.56 3.03
Uttar Pradesh 18.78 2.77
Orissa 17.55 2.59
Maharashtra 12.73 1.88
Haryana 12.52 1.85
Other states 16.81 2.48
India Total 677.99 100.00
Source: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (2020).

Table 9-Reproductive performance of Garole ewes

Age at puberty 226.70 days
Weight at puberty 9.06 kg
Age of first conception 252.67 days
Weight of first conception 9.85 kg
Lambing interval 205.53 days
Lambing rate 173.56/100 ewes
Lambing births Single (41.63%), Twins (43.35%), Triplets (14.81%)
Source: Arora et al. (2005).

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Interventions in genetic improvement for enhancing mutton production

The GM (GaroleMalpura) carrying the FecB gene was backcrossed with Malpura ewes to generate the GM
x Malpura (GMM) The growth performance of backcrossed progenies was compared to that of current Malpura and
GM lambs. At birth, weaning, and six months of age, GMM lambs gained 53.76, 49.13, and 33.52 percent more
body weight than GM half-breeds, respectively (Naqvi et al., 2014). While GMM sheep were a viable alternative to
Malpura, it was thought that the milk output should be raised to reduce lamb losses and accelerate the growth rate of
lambs owing to repeated birth. Thus, Patanwadi sheep inheritance was introduced to increase the milk supply of
dams in prolific sheep. Lambs born from GMM-Patwandi crosses (GMM as father and Patanwadi as a dam breed)
exhibited a greater body weight, survival, and FecB inheritance than Malpura sheep. At birth, 3, 6, and 12 months,
the average body weight of GMM x Patanwadi crosses was 3.34, 20.34, 30.15, and 41.00 kg, respectively (Arora et
al., 2010). Current data indicate that the three breed crosses with increased body weights have a 33 percent
prolificacy rate, igniting a new era of successful sheep farming. Additionally, using marker-assisted selection for
FecB in the breeding program at CSWRI, three breed crosses with faster increase and total live weight are being
developed on a bigger scale.
Since independence, ICAR has started several sheep crossbreeding programs to address the rising demand
for animal products (Mishra et al., 2017). For each state, an agroclimatic and breed-specific cross-breeding policy is
in [Link] crossbreeding of nondescript animals with foreign germplasm increased productivity and
reproductive potential, but it diluted the local breeds of valuable livestock that were formerly isolated in their natural
breeding area. Due to the success of this approach, several new animal breeds have been created. Romeny Marsh
crossbreeding with indigenous sheep was carried out in both plains and hills in the early twentieth century. Regional
sheep development research programs were initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which
now encompasses nearly all of India's major sheep-rearing states. An Indo-Australian (now Central) Sheep Breeding
Farm was established in Hissar with the Corriedale breed to produce and distribute Corriedale stud rams to other
states for crossbreeding to boost wool and mutton output under the Fourth Plan. Corriedale was eventually replaced
by Rambouillet because of its poor reproductive and survival results. At GLF Hissar, the crossbreeding of Bikaneri
ewes with Australian Merino rams resulted in the creation of a new breed called 'Hissardale'. Similarly, the 'Kasmiri
Merino' breed was formed by the crossing of Gaddi, Bhakrawal, and Poonchi ewes with Merino and Rambouillet
rams. At Avikanagar, indigenous Indian breeds (Chokla, Nali, Malpura, and Sonadi) were crossed with Karakul to
improve pelt output in India. It was discovered via these crossbreed tests that mixing coarse carpet Indian breeds
with Karakul had a high potential for pelt output. Additionally, crossbreds are less able to adapt to hard climates, are
more sensitive to tropical illnesses, and require regular input of sound management practices, in comparison to our
indigenous livestock genetic resources, which greatly outperform them in these areas. Thus, even if crossbreeding
was initially successful, it is vital to conduct large-scale evaluations of crossbred animals (Mishra et al., 2017).
Improving reproductive efficiency toincrease mutton production
For mutton production, animals with a higher growth rate, feed efficiency, physical size, greater climatic
adaptation, disease resistance, and market demand should be favored (Shinde, 2021). Selective breeding should be
used to improve native sheep, and low-producing nondescript sheep should be upgraded by well-defined dominant
breeds with high genetic value (Kumar et al., 2021). Lambs sprung from superior rams are worth more on the open
market. Fat-tailed sheep, for example, should be introduced in areas where environmental conditions and feed
supplies are optimal for boosting meat output in the country's meat industry (Naqvi et al., 2016). At three and six
months of age, fat-tailed lambs weighed 28.50 kg and 43.20 kg, respectively. Fat-tailed sheep are in high demand in
the Indian market and sell for a premium price.
Opportunities for sheep meat (mutton) in India
With the increasing human population and living standard, there is a rising interest in animal protein and
thus demand meat. In India due to certain religious and legal restrictions major meat sources are sheep, goats, and
poultry. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends a minimum amount of 30 gm of
meat/day/head should be taken, but the gap between demand and supply (11 kg of meat/head/annum vs. 5.6
kg/head/annum in India) is predicted to further widen in future. Rising demand and less supply has resulted in record
prices of mutton in India over the past years: 1980 (Rs. 18-20), 2000 (Rs. 90-100), 2021 (Rs. 700-800), 2023 (Rs.
1000-?).

Wool production
Wool was the first commodity to be traded internationally and is the product the public most commonly
associates with sheep. However, the importance of wool (as a product) relative to meat is less because of the quality
of the wool produced. In India because of various reasons and changing agro-climatic conditions, the hair type of the

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majority of Sheep is coarse and carpet type. So, the production of fine wool is very limited. Fine wool brings the
most money in the commodity market. Unfortunately, in India fine wool production is very much limited to Ley-
Lehdak region of Jammu & Kashmir. Feeding, housing, health care, handling, and harvesting are all critical to the
production of high-quality wool.
Due to lower wool output (0.9 kg/sheep/year) than the global average (2.4 kg/sheep/year), India is the 7th
largest producer of wool and contributes around 2% to total world wool production. The total wool production in
India is 36.76 Million Kg (2020) and wool production has declined by -9.05% as compared to the previous year
(40.42 Million Kg in 2019). The Indian wool output fell to 43.05 million kg in 2016-17 and stayed at the same level
in 2017-18 due to difficulties in sheep rearing and an increase in the slaughter rate of sheep from 38 to 65 percent
(43.2 million kgs). In 2018-19, it declined to 40.2 million kilograms. Wool production is predicted to rise as a result
of increased environmental consciousness and efforts to reduce climate change's negative effects on human health
(Kadam, 2021).
The top 5 wool production states are: Rajasthan 12.71 Million Kgs (34.59%), Jammu & Kashmir 7.47
Million Kgs (20.34%), Telangana 3.96 Million Kgs (10.77%), Gujarat 2.23 Million Kgs (6.07%) and Karnataka 1.74
Million Kgs (4.74%) during 2020 (Table 10). The species-wise share in wool production in 2020 is Ewes (70.61%),
Ram (17.10%), and Lamb (12.30%). The state-wise annual growth rate in 2020, Jharkhand (5.73%) has the highest
annual growth rate among all states followed by Haryana (1.53%) and Chhattisgarh (1.27%). The average yield per
season of wool from Ram/Wether in India during 2020 is 1.44 kg per season, which is much lower than the world
average of 2.4 kg per sheep. The state-wise average yield per season of wool from Ram/Wether during 2020, Jammu
& Kashmir has the highest by 5.45 kg per season followed by 2 nd is Punjab with 3.45 kg per season and 3rd is
Himachal Pradesh with 2.80 kg per season. Rajasthan during 2020 has an average yield per season of wool from
Ram/Wether with 1.87 kg per season.
Table 10-Contribution of major states in wool production
States /UTs Wool (‘000 kg) % share
Rajasthan 12716.83 34.59
Jammu & Kashmir 7477.12 20.34
Telangana 3960.14 10.77
Gujarat 2232.72 6.07
Karnataka 1742.14 4.74
Himachal Pradesh 1516.44 4.13
Maharashtra 1412.27 3.84
Uttar Pradesh 1328.64 3.61
Andhra Pradesh 801.14 2.18
West Bengal 762.96 2.08
Haryana 729.52 1.98
Uttarakhand 496.69 1.35
Punjab 525.36 1.43
Madhya Pradesh 411.85 1.12
Bihar 310.78 0.85
Other states 336.41 0.92
India Total 36760.57 100.00
Source: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (2020).

In general, Indian wool is coarse, and considered to be of low quality (28 microns and above); it is
primarily used to manufacture hand-made carpets. During the initial stages, efforts for improving sheep were aimed
at fine wool production by introducing exotic fine wool inheritance. The crossbreeding programs have yielded
encouraging results for improving the quality of wool, through developing several fine wool strains/ synthetics
(mainly Bharat Merino, Kashmir Merino, and Hisardale). Bharat Merino, a fine wool strain of sheep that evolved at
CSWRI with 75% exotic inheritance is now being exhaustively used in the southern region of the country especially
Kodai and Nilgiri hills in Tamilnadu and Karnataka for improving the local sheep breed for wool and body growth.
Kashmir Merino has succeeded in retaining its charm in the Kashmir valley and is being used for improving local
breeds. The wool produced in the temperate region is suitable for apparel and finer carpets, therefore, apparel wool
production may be intensified only in the northern temperate hilly region and Nilgiri and Kodai hills of the southern
region. In these areas, 3/4th crosses of Rambouillet or Merino including Bharat Merino may be propagated and
annual clips may be obtained to meet the requirements for apparel manufacture. In the case of carpet wool, sheep
breeds belonging to Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, and the plains of Uttar Pradesh produce good
quality carpet wool except for the wool of Malpura and Sonadi sheep. Presently in the year 2020, about 46.29

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Million kg of raw wool is being imported ([Link]) to meet the requirements of the industry. While it may
not be possible to produce the apparel wool in the required quantity there is every possibility of meeting the
requirement of carpet wool if suitable and effective development programs are undertaken. India can thrust export
trade by making hand-knotted carpets, druggets, hosiery items, etc. Therefore, improving the quantity and quality of
carpet wool has to be given priority. As far as carpet quality wool production is concerned, CSWRI Avikanagar
developed a strain Avikalin with 50% exotic inheritance that could achieve the defined targets concerning carpet
wool quality. However, at present, the native breeds with superior carpet quality traits such as Nali, Chokla,
Patanwadi, Marwari, Magra, Jaisalmeri, Pugal, Bhakarwal, Gurez, Gaddi and Rampur Bushair are being favored for
enhancing the carpet quality traits and production through selection programs.

Milk production
Sheep husbandry is common for mutton and wool production in almost all the sheep-rearing countries of
the world. However, sheep rearing for milk production is not common and is mostly confined to the Middle East and
Mediterranean countries. About two-thirds of the total sheep milk produced in the world comes from these
[Link] Mediterranean countries, 60% of milk is transformed into special milk products like cheese. The dairy
sheep industry is very small in India. Indian sheep breeds produced a small quantity of milk to meet their offspring’s
requirements and contribute little to human nutrition (Shinde and Naqvi, 2015). Surplus milk if any produced in the
villages is consumed as fluid milk and in certain areas converted into ghee and curd (Karim and Shinde, 2008).
There is no dairy sheep breed in India. Sheep breeds like Patanwadi and Malpura produced 0.8-1.0 kg of milk daily
in early lactation (Saha et al., 2009).The majority of sheep breeds in India produce <0.5 kg milk daily. The milk
yield of Patanwadi and Malpura sheep can be improved by crossbreeding with dairy breeds of the Middle East and
developed as triple purpose (meat, wool, and milk) animals. This approach will increase milk production besides
mutton and provide regular income to farmers from the sale of milk (Shinde and Naqvi, 2015).
Sheep milk is widely produced in different parts of the world. As per the report of FAOSTAT (2019)
China, the mainland produced 1.22 million tonnes of fresh sheep milk followed by Turkey (1.19 million tonnes) and
Greece (0.83 million tonnes). In India fresh sheep milk is produced in small quantities and not reported in the
literature. In most of the countries (China, Syria, Iran, Algeria, Afghanistan, Mali, Niger, Indonesia, Mauritiana,
Egypt, Albania, Burkino Faso) where the traditional system of sheep rearing is practiced, the average milk mil yield
of sheep ranges from 300 to 600 g/day while in other countries like Turkey, Greece, Romania, Italy, and Bulgaria
where semi-intensive system and improved breeds are introduced for dairy sheep farming, milk yield ranges from
600 to 1000 g/day.
Indian sheep breeds and milk yield: No attempts have been made in India for improving the milk yield of
native sheep either through selection or by crossbreeding with dairy sheep of the Mediterranean region. The milk
yield of Indian sheep breeds is presented in (Table 11). A flock of 30 improved dairy sheep of the fat-tailed breed
was imported by Nimbkar Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), Phaltan (Maharashtra) from Israel to improve the
milk production and growth rates of the local Deccani sheep through crossbreeding. Pure Awassi ewes at NARI
produced 475 kg milk (fat content 7-9%) in 238 days ([Link]). At Central Sheep and Wool Research
Institute, Avikanagar (Rajasthan)Awassi rams brought from NARI were crossed with Malpura. Awassi × Malpura
ewes produce 29% more average daily yield than its counterpart Malpura ewes (366 g) (Arora et al., 2004). Narula
et al. (1999) reported that average daily milk yield of 416.86 g and 447.57 g in Malpura and Awassi × Malpura
sheep, respectively. Malpura ewes produced a daily milk yield of 531±11.25 g (Mishra et al., 2009). Daily milk
yield of 783.75±16.64 g in patanwadi and 515.71±16.46 g in Malpura sheep was recorded in a semi-arid region of
Rajasthan under standard feeding and management (Saha et al., 2009).

Sheep milk composition

Sheep milk is rich in proteins, minerals and lipids and its composition is closed to that of buffalo milk. It
contains more calcium, phosphate and magnesium and the lipid fraction contains higher proportions of middle-chain
fatty acids (Fig. 7). For many people, especially infants, milk and dairy products from sheep are also a medicinal
necessity (Haenlein, 1992) as an alternative to cow milk. Sheep milk contains higher total solids and major nutrients
than goat and cow milk (Table 12). The composition of sheep goat and cow milk are different and depends upon
several factors like diet, breed, parity, season, management, environment, stage of lactation etc. Colostrum content is
higher in sheep than in cows: fat is 13.0 and 5.1%. protein 11.8 and 7.1%, lactose 3.3 and 3.6%, mineral 0.9 and
0.9%, total solid 28.0 and 15.06%, respectively (Anifantakis, 1986). Sheep milk has a higher specific gravity
(1.0347-1.0384), viscosity (2.86-3.93), freezing point (0.22-0.25) than goat (1.029-1.039, 2.12, and 0.54-0.57) and
cow milk (1.0231-1.0398, 2.00 and 0.15-0.18) (Shinde and Naqvi, 2015). Lactose in sheep milk in comparison to
goat and cow is similar and less in proportion to their total solid (Ramos and Juarez, 2003). Casein is the major

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protein in sheep milk (76-83% of total protein). Sheep milk whey protein accounts for 17-22% of total protein.
Sheep milk rich in cysteine and methionine (Shinde and Naqvi, 2015).

Other Challenges
The critical gaps in Indian sheep farming are summarized in (Fig. 8).

Table 11- Milk production traits of Indian sheep breeds and crossbred sheep
Breed/strain Daily milk yield Milk yield (kg) Total lactation Reference
(g) in 90 days yield (kg)
Malpura 418.59±4.54 - - Narula et al., (1999)
366.07±5.42 - - Arora et al.,(2004)
531.63±11.25 - - Mishra et al.,(2009)
- Autumn: 66.4; Spring: 53.6 Sahni et al.,(1975)
250.0-500.0 - 21.36 kg in 105 days Acharya (1982)
Awassi × Malpura 472.32±5.09 - - Arora et al.,(2004)
Rambouillet × Malpura - Autumn: 69.9; Spring: 53.6 - Sahni et al., (1975)
Rambouillet × Chokla - Autumn: 60.7; Spring: 46.3 -
Chokla - Autumn: 50.6; Spring: 41.4 -
Garole × Malpura 436.64±8.43 - - Mishra et al.,(2009)
Gaddi - - 35.98 kg Mahajan and Singh (1978)
40.27 kg in 84 days
Sonadi - - 23.75 kg in 105 days Acharya (1982)
Muzaffarnagri 100-500 - -
Jalauni 300-500 - -
Bharat Merino 514±1.0 - 45.3±1.7 Singh (1997)
Rambouillet 418±1.0 - 36.3±2.1
Patanwadi 783.75±16.64 - - Saha et al.,(2009)
Malpura 515±7116.46 - -

Table 12- Average composition of basic nutrients in goat, sheep and cow milk
Composition Sheep Goat Cow
Fat % 7.9 3.8 3.6
Solid-not-fat % 12.0 8.9 9.0
Lactose % 4.9 4.1 4.7
Protein % 6.2 3.4 3.2
Casein % 4.2 2.4 2.6
Albumin, globulin % 1.0 0.6 0.6
Non-protein nitrogen % 0.8 0.4 0.2
Ash % 0.9 0.8 0.7
Calories/100 ml 105 70 69
Source: Park et al.,2007 and Anifantakis et al., 1986.

Fig. 8: Critical gaps in Indian sheep farming

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Conclusion and recommendations

Sheep husbandry in India is an age-old business where the real stakeholders of the genetic diversity of
sheep have been the rural poor farmers and graziers. However, it was seen that the real stakeholders were kept out of
the picture while formulating breeding strategies and executing the research objectives. The new-age approach must
ensure the active participation of the end-user along with his involvement in carrying out the research and
development programs. The following points may be emphasized while formulating the breeding and management
objectives.
Farmer's participatory approach should be followed by working hand in hand with the farmers on their
sheep flocks with scientific data recording and management. Genetic improvement of sheep for mutton and wool
using both farm and field units should be strengthened.
Selection on body weight gain, or live weight at market age, usually six months, which is heritable, should
be encouraged to improve the body weight gains and efficiency of conversion of most indigenous breeds. Prolificacy
may be incorporated in the breeds wherever possible using prolific Garole sheep, looking into the fact that
nutritional and environmental stress is avoided at the best possible and availability of milk with nourished ewes.
Apparel wool production may be intensified only in the temperate areas such as the northern temperate
hilly region and Nilgiri and Kodai hills of the southern region. In these areas, 3/4th crosses of Rambouillet or Merino
including Bharat Merino may be propagated in addition to Kashmir Merino and annual clips may be obtained to
meet the requirements for apparel manufacture. The carpet-type wool-producing breeds such as Nali, Chokla,
Patanwadi, Marwari, Magra, Jaisalmeri, Pugal, Bhakarwal, Gurez, Gaddi and Rampur Bushair etc. should be further
improved through selective breeding by the distribution of good quality rams of the respective breeds. Efforts should
also be made to introduce luster in indigenous carpet wool breeds to harvest maximum returns.
Selection within breeds and pure breeding for most native breeds should be followed for bringing genetic
improvement in body weights and mutton characteristics. Selection intensity should be enhanced and germplasm of
outstanding merit must be used by covering a large sheep population. Grading up with native breeds such as
Muzaffarnagri, Malpura, Mandya etc. may be tried for the non-descript poor-performing breeds for higher growth
rate.
The scientific approach for management of breeding, lambing, nutrition, housing, and healthcare must be
followed for reducing the losses and fetching more returns to the end-user. A co-operative approach in sheep
husbandry at least at a village level may be tried and adopted for better breeding practices, fixation of the prices and
net economic benefit to the end-user.

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