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Comparative performance of indigenous and exotic sheep in the Indian arid zone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. P. Mittal  and
P. K. Ghosh
J. P. Mittal
Affiliation:
Division of Animal Studies, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India
P. K. Ghosh
Affiliation:
Division of Animal Studies, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India
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Summary

The body weight and fleece weight of Marwari and Magra sheep (rams) of the desert areas of north-western India are compared with those of Corriedale rams, which are being imported into India for improving the productivity of the local stock through cross-breeding. All three breeds showed marked seasonal fluctuation in their body weight. While the Corriedales lost more body weight than the indigenous breeds during peak summer, they appeared to endure the relatively poor winter pasture conditions somewhat better. Between July and October, with the availability of lush monsoonal pasture, all three breeds increased in body weight.

The greasy fleece weight of Corriedale rams was nearly double that of indigenous rams. The potential of the Corriedale ram for improving the productivity of the local stock is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 92 , Issue 2 , April 1979 , pp. 273 - 276
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1979

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