SHEEP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

FOR SOUTHERN INDIA

A L Arora

Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute

Avikanagar, Rajasthan
• Sheep is important livestock in southern India and
mainly contribute meat, wool and skins.

• States and Union Territory that constitute southern

India are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra,
Kerala, TamilNadu and Pondicherry.

• Sheep in theses states contributes 62.70 % of the

sheep population of India

• AP ranks first in sheep population (34.8 % of the

country).
 Sheep population in southern states.

State Population (thousands) Total

Crossbreds Indigenous
Andhra 380 21376 21756
Pradesh
Karnataka 12 7256 7268
Kerala 00 04 04
Maharashtra 52 3094 3146

Tamil Nadu 769 5593 6362

Pandicherry 01 03 04
Total 1214 37326 38540
 SHEEP GENETIC RESOURCES

 In Southern region, meat type breeds viz. Nellore, Deccani,

Bellary, Hassan, Mandya, Mecheri, Kilakarsal, Vembur,
Coimbatore, Nilgiri, Ramnad White, Madras Red,
Trichy Black & Kenguri are predominant.

 Deccani sheep is numerically most important and is largest

contributor to the meat production.

 The number of animals of the Mandya breed in Karnataka is

declining because of high incidence of cryptorchidism resulting
from artificial selection for meaty conformation and shrinkage
in grazing area in home tract.
 Crossbreeding Programmes and their consequences

 East India Company ------- imported exotic breeds. Isolated

crossbreeding experiments and Sheep Development
Activities initiated ------- 19th Century.
 Nilgiri (FW) sheep evolved ------ in the Nilgiri hills (TN) ------
Produced more wool of superior quality.
 CB trials were also undertaken in Mysore and Madras
using South Down and Cape Merino.
 With establishment of Imperial (now Indian) Council of Agri.
Res., Programmes taken up on Sheep Development Regional
Basis ----- Selective/CB.
 1st Five Year Plan :

Regional centres - - U. P. hills, Rajasthan and Deccan

Plateau ….CB trials were undertaken.
 During Second Five-Year Plan:

Sheep breeding farms were established for production of stud

rams and sheep & wool extension centres were started for
carrying out improvement in the field flocks through the
supply of superior breeding rams.
 During Third Five-Year Plan, large number of sheep and wool
extension centres were established
 Realizing the importance of sheep --Southern Regional Research
Station -- C.S.W.R.I. --- established in 1965 for undertaking
fundamental and applied research in Sheep Production and Wool
Utilization and to provide P.G. training in Sheep and Wool
Sciences.
 Ad-hoc Sheep Breeding Policy Committee Constituted by GOI
(1970). This Committee suggested ----- for import of 20,000 stud
rams ( Exotic FW Breeds).
 Indo-Australian (Now CSBF) set up at Hisar: With Corriedale
sheep. Corriedale did not perform well especially with respect to
reproduction and survival and was later replaced by Rambouillet.
 Central Sheep Breeding Farms were established in
Andhra Pradesh (Mamidiapally- Rangareddy, Cintaldevi-
Nellore, Penkonda- Anantpur, Manhar- Warangal,
Palamner- Chittor) & Karnataka
(Challakere- Chitradurga, Kurikuppi- Bellary, Dhanagur-
Mandyal, Angawadi- Bijapur, guttal- Dharwad, suttatti-
Belgaum) to produce exotic purebred or crossbred rams

 The All-India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on

Sheep Breeding was launched in 1971 by ICAR to evolve
ideal breeds suitable for different agro-climatic zones of
India.
 Breed improvement programmes undertaken by CSWRI,
Avikanagar and AICRP (SB) resulted in development of
number of strains for fine/ carpet wool and mutton
production
 Nilgiri-synthetic strains for apparel wool have been evolved
at TNVASU Sandynallah.
 This produces an annual GFY of 1.5 to 2.0 kg with
Average fibre diameter of 21 microns &
 Medullation < 3 % & Staple length-4.5 to 5.0 cm

 Crossbreeding experiments for improving mutton involved

exotic mutton breeds viz. Dorset and Sufflok with
indigenous breeds, viz. NeIlore, Mandya, Deccani and
Madras Red .
 Sheep strains developed.
Genotype with Parent breeds Level of exotic
utility / location Indigenous Exotic inheritance
(%)

Nellore Synthetic Nellore Dorset, Sufflok 50 %

Mandya Synthetic Mandya Dorset, Sufflok 50%
Nilgiri Synthetic, for Nilgiri Rambouillet, 62.5 / 75
apparel wool, Soviet Merino
TNVASU
Sandynallah
 Fleece characteristic of developed strains of sheep in India

Breed Greasy fleece Av. Staple Av. Fibre Medullation

weight (kg) length (cm) diameter (m) (%)

Nilgiri 0.90 to 1.40 7.01 to 8.70 21.57 to 27.40 8.40 to 18.00

Merino x 1.50 5.75 22.10 1.60

Deccani

Nilgiri 1.0 to 1.50 4.60 to 5.0 20.60 to 21.60 1.00 to 3.20

Synthetic
 At Livestock Research Station, Palamner , Nellore and
Mandya, the native sheep have been crossed with Dorset and
Suffolk to produce different genetic combinations.
 After evaluating the performance Mandya crosses with Dorset
and Suffolk were grouped in to one group and Nellore crosses
with Dorset and Suffolk formed another group.
 Two crossbred groups have been named as Nellore and
Mandya Synthetics.
 Body weight at six month of age for Mandya, Nellore, Mandya
synthetic and Nellore Synthetic were 17.69, 19.02, 20.97 and
22.60 kg, respectively.
 Twelve-month body weights were 23.54, 24.93, 26.83 and
28.28 kg, respectively
 Growth performance of crossbred (mutton type) sheep (kg.)

Genetic Birth Weight 3- Month 6- Month 12- Month

Group Weight Weight Weight
Dorset x 3.52 13.83 20.28 25.05
Deccani
Dorset x 2.98 12.01 16.49 21.16
Madras Red
Mandya 2.04 13.78 17.69 23.54
Mandya 2.57 15.82 20.97 26.83
Synthetic
Nellore 2.56 15.94 19.02 24.93
Nellore 3.11 16.29 22.60 28.28
Synthetic
• The results of cross breeding on the whole, revealed that
percent improvement in body weight upto 6 months of age is
conspicuous in different crossbreds over contemporary
natives but only marginal improvement is observed at 12
months of age.

• This is indicative of the fact that crossbreds/new synthetics

required high plane of nutrition and if they are managed on
the same feeding regimen as for natives, the differences that
are conspicuous up to 6 months age, narrow down gradually
and become marginal at the age of one year
The crossbreeding  of  hairy  breeds in Southern
region of India with such  mutton  type  breeds  as
Suffolk and Dorset have also shown appearance of
fleece cover  on  the  crossbreds of a very good carpet
quality.  
 Feed lot performance of native and crossbred type sheep.

Genetic Group Initial Final Average FE% Hot Dressing

weight Weight daily gain carcass (%) EWB
Dressing (kg.) (g) weight (kg.)
(kg.)

Mandya 10.23 18.05 87 13.46 08.48 54.50

Mandya 13.89 23.79 110 14.48 10.56 55.20

Synthetic

Nellore 13.45 20.01 91 14.60 10.63 58.22

Nellore 14.78 26.53 134 14.74 12.96 59.34

Synthetic
 Feed lot performance of native and crossbred type sheep.
Genetic Group Initial Final Average FE% Hot Dressing
weight Weight daily gain carcass (%) EWB
Dressing (kg.) (g) weight (kg.)
(kg.)

Deccani 11.18 25.29 119 1302 08.33 52.65

Dorset x 12.17 27.41 143 13.87 10.84 54.97
Deccani

Madras Red 09.29 17.72 87 12.34 08.16 51.43

Dorset x 12.02 26.04 123 14.07 11.07 57.39

Madras Red
• Cross‑breeding work carried out in the country in general
indicated the superiority in body weight over the indigenous
pure‑breds involved in crosses.

• Survival of half‑breds was similar to that of indigenous

breeds involved in the crosses, but crosses containing
higher exotic inheritance did show problems of survival.

• Rambouillet appeared to be superior to other exotic breeds

in cross‑breeding experiments so far as wool yield and
quality is concerned.
• The Network Project on Sheep Improvement (NWPSI) was
initiated on 1.4.1990 for survey, evaluation and
improvement of indigenous sheep breeds under native
environment.

• All the centres of All India Coordinated Research Project on

Sheep Breeding (AICRP‑SB) were converted into NWPSI
Centres.

• Different breeds of sheep are being improved through

selection .
• Presently, there are eight ongoing centres of NWPSI
including

• Farm based units at CSWRI, Avikanagar (Chokla, carpet

Wool), ARC (CSWRI), Bikaner (Marwari, carpet wool),
CIRG, Makhdoom (Muzaffamagri, Dual type), MPKV,
Rahuri (Deccani, Dual type) and ANGRAU, Palamner
(Nellore, Mutton) &

• Field‑based units at RAU, Bikaner (Magra, Carpet wool),

TNVASU, Kattupakkam (Madras Red, Mutton) and OUAT
Bhubaneswar (Garjam, mutton).
 Bharat Merino

Performance at SRRC, CSWRI, Mannavanur

Body Weight at
3-Month : 18.40 kg
6-Month : 24.33 kg
12-Month : 32.30 kg

Annual GFY : 2.61 kg

Staple Length : 8.11 cm
Fibre Diameter : 19.38 µ
Medullation < 1%
FUTURE STRATEGIES FOR
SHEEP IMPROVEMENT IN
SOTHERN INDIA
 ANDHRA PRADESH

Selective breeding of Nellore, Bellary

and Deccani in the respective native
tract for improving body weight and
prolificacy.
Crossbreeding of Deccani and Bellary
with Rambouillet to improve wool
quality.
 Karnataka
Selective Breeding of Mandya in its
breeding tract.Crossbreeding of
Deccani, Hassan and Bellary may be
undertaken with Rambouillet or Bharat
Merino rams and the exotic inheritance
may be stabilized at 50 % or lower level.
 Kerala
There is no need of any specific breeding
policy. More over the state is not
suitable for increasing sheep production.
The state may obtain its requirement of
sheep for mutton from neighbouring
states.
 TAMIL NADU
• Selective breeding: Madras Red, Mecheri, Ramnad White
and Vembur in their respective tract. Mecheri sheep which
produces skins of excellent quality and texture having
good market value may be improved further through
selection.
• Cross breeding of Coimbatore with Rambouillet, Bharat
Merino and stabilizing exotic inheritance at or below 50
per cent level is recommended.
• Nilgiri Synthetic should be propagated further to increase
the population in the hills. The area would serve as nucleus
for availability of improver ram. In Nilagiri hills and
Kodai hills there is scope for production of apparel wool
by multiplying the Nilgiri Synthetic and Bharat Merino in
the hill region.
 Pondichery

Follow the breeding

policy of adjacent area.
 BREEDING STRATEGIES
General Recommendations
Livestock breeding policy in the fast changing scenario needs
to be reviewed keeping in view the farmers needs and
perception, demand and supply of animal products like
milk, meat and wool, availability of feeds and fodder,
existing species/breeds and their performance,
infrastructure and support system in different agro
climatic zones.

Attention should be given to raise animal productivity from

low to intermediate level rather than providing genetic
potential for productivity that cannot be supported
economically and might seriously hamper sustainability of
natural resources.
• In case of crossbreeding, implementation must be
considered situation specific i.e. resources needed for
crossbreds must be available. Therefore, breeding of
livestock should be in a way that matches the available and
accessible resources.

• Development and transfer of appropriate viable

technologies of livestock production systems and farming
systems deserve urgent attention by researchers involving
farmers.

• Under field conditions, the two important characters to be

considered for selection for improvement in carpet wool
production and quality are: (a) First 6‑monthly greasy
fleece weight, (b) Medullation percentage.
• Apparel wool production may be intensified only in
the temperate areas such as northern temperate
hilly region and Nilgiri and Kodai hills of 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.
• Fecundity may be improved by proper selection for high
prolificacy and adopting appropriate management to support
it. Cross breeding of prolific native Garole sheep with other
indigenous sheep subject to availability of sufficient milk with
the ewes to sustain twin/triplet should be attempted at
different locations of the country so that their reproductive
efficiency could be increased. The fecundity gene should be
detected at an early age in the ram lambs born out from
such crosses.
Sheep Production Technology
Available from CSWRI
For genetic improvement in mutton type sheep

1. Crossbreeding of Awassi rams with

Malpura ewes was started in 1994.

2. AM half-bred lambs exhibited 18.75,

27.05, 19.56 and 14.92 %
improvement over Malpura lambs at
birth, 3, 6 and 12-month weights.

3. AM produced 37 % more 1st GFY

compared to Malpura lambs.
Crossbred wool was found to have
better wool quality with 36-µ Awassi X Malpura (AM)
diameter.

4. AM ewes produced 29 % more milk

than that of Malpura ewes.
 For fine wool

Bharat Merino, CSWRI, Avikanagar

Indigenous - Chokla,
Nali, Malpura, Jaiselmeri
Exotic-Rambouillet,
Russian Merino
Exotic inheritance 75%
For increasing prolificacy
 Crossing of G with M increases
prolificacy from 1.05 to 1.60.

 Lambing rate averaged 91.75

and 148.21 % in M and GM
ewes, respectively.

 Twin lambing % was only 4.71

in M flock; while 51.10 in GM.

 5.72 % of Garole x Malpura

ewes produced triplets also.
FAT LAMB PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Malpura weaner lambs (2 months age) can achieve 25 kg body
weight at about 5 months of age under intensive feeding on
composite ration of the ratio of 60 concentrates and 40 roughage.

The major advantage of this technology is that sheep owners need

to rear the animals only for about 5 months and not for the whole
year. Farmers get profit after 5 month which is at par or even more
than when the lambs are reared for 12 months under extensive
grazing system.

Net profit of about Rs. 370/- per lamb on slaughter basis and Rs.
100/- on live animal sale basis can be obtained.