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CHAPTER 3: THE SOUTHERN PENINSULAR REGION

3.1 Background

This region is semi-arid in the central peninsula and hot and humid along the coast. It comprises the States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other territories in the central area.

3.1.1 Land use

The region has a total reported area, for land utilization purposes, of 95.38 m hectares, of which 48.86 m hectares net sown area and 11.62 m hectares not available for agricultural purposes: 34.90 m hectares are thus available for natural grazing.

3.1.2 Topography

The highlands of Maharashtra are the Sahyadri, Satpura, Gawilgarh and Satmala hills; its tableland is bounded by the Satpura and Gawilgarh hills. Andhra Pradesh has the Nallamali and Erramalai hills of the Rayalseema and Eastern Ghats. The Telegana and Rayalseema tract consists of plateau or elevated plains. East and West Godawari, Krishna, Guntur, Vishakhapatnam and Srikakulum are characterized by fluvial deltas and plains. Karnataka's hilly area is composed mainly of Coorg, Kanara, Chickmangloor, Shimoga and Dharwar, while the remaining districts have tableland. Tamil Nadu, east of the Western Ghats, has a gradual slope to the east extending to the low hills of the Eastern Ghats, while in the western part of the State are the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, primarily the Nilgiris, and the northeast has low scattered hills, south of which lies the Cauvery delta; in the interior of the State lie the plain-lands. The low-lying region of Kerala consists of sandy tracts: the midlands have small hills and valleys and the highlands have mountains covered with dense forests and plantations.

3.1.3 Major soil types

Black soils dominate in Maharashtra, northern Karnataka and northern Andhra Pradesh. Medium black soils are most widespread, with scattered deep black, shallow black and mixed red and black soils. The lower peninsula, comprising southern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, has red sandy soils, with scattered mixed red and black, laterite and red loamy soils. Along the eastern and western coasts, coastal alluvial soil is found, while laterites dominate toward the interior, and in the Thanjavur, Krishna and Godavari deltas, deltaic alluvium and coastal sands are found.

3.1.4 Feed and fodder resources

Perennial grasses: Andropogon spp., Arundinella spp., Bothriochloa pertusa, Cenchrus ciliaris, C. setigerus, Chrysopogon aciculatus, C. fulvus, Cymbopogon coloratus, Cynodon dactylon, Desmostachya bipinnata, Dichanthium annulatum, Eremopogon foveolatus, Heteropogon contortus, Imperata cylindrica, Ischaemum indicum, Iseilema laxum, Panicum repens, Pennisetum clandestinum, Saccharum spp.,Sehima nervosum, Sporobolus marginatus, Themeda spp.

Annual grasses: Andropogon pumilus, Apluda mutica, Aristida spp., Arthraxon spp., Arundinella spp., Brachiaria ramosa, Cenchrus biflorus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Digitaria spp., Dimeria ornithopoda, Dinebra retroflexa, Echinochloa colonum, Eragrostis spp., Microstegium ciliatum, Oropetium thomaeum, Panicum sp., Perotis indica, Poa annua, Pseudanthistiria hispida, Setaria glauca, Tragus biflorus, Tripogon spp., Urochloa panicoides.

Fig. 5 Sheep breeds in the southern peninsular region

Fig. 5

Fig. 6 Goat breeds in the southern peninsular region

Fig. 6

Herbs: Aerva lanata, Alysicarpus spp., Atylosia spp., Cassia tora, Crotalaria prostrata, Desmodium floribundum, Heylandia latebrosa, Indigofera spp., Justicia betonica, Phaseolus spp., Rhynchosia minima, Tribulus terrestris, Trichodesma indica, Vernonia cinerea, Vica indica, Zornia diphylla.

Shrubs and trees: Acacia arabica, A. catechu, A. intsia, A. leucophloea, A. sundra, Adina cordifolia, Albizia amara, Anacardium accidentale, Bauhinia spp., Berberis aristata, Butea monosperma, Capparis decidua, Cassia auriculata, Cycas revoluta, Dalbergia latifolia, Dichrostachys cinerea, Dodonaea viscosa, Grewia asiatica, G. tiliaefolia, Hardwickia binata, Holoptelea integrifolia, Hypericum mysorensis, Indigofera gerardiana, Lannea coromandelica, Madhuca indica, Mimosa rubicaulis, Phoenix sylvestris, Pinus insignis, Prosopis cineraria, P. juliflora, Randia dumetorum, Tectona grandis, Terminalia tomentosa, Wrightia tinctoria, Zizyphus mauritiana.

Main crops: millets, sorghum, small millets, pulses, maize, groundnuts, wheat, cotton, sugar cane, rice, plantation crops, tapioca, etc.

3.1.5 Management practices

Migration. There is very little migration of the kind observed in the northwestern region. In Maharashtra, 79.9% of the sheep are stationary. Most flocks begin migration between October and February and return to their homestead by May to July, at or before the onset of the monsoon. Only a few families move with their flocks; in most, one or more members of the family look after the flock during migration. Most flocks remain within their districts or move only to neighbouring districts. In Andhra Pradesh, 94% of the flocks are recorded as stationary, the migration pattern being similar to that in Maharashtra.

Grazing. The flocks are maintained primarily on grazing and are given hardly any supplementary feed, except occasionally groundnut or horse gram hulls. Most grazing takes place in harvested fields or in forest areas, along roadsides, and on hill slopes. Flocks are grazed eight hours a day; except in summer, grazing is avoided in very early hours.

Penning. About 40% of the flocks are penned in enclosures near the house, the remainder being penned in open fields. In Karnataka, this proportion falls to one third. In Tamil Nadu, animals are generally kept in the open on cultivable fallow land except on rainy days; a movable enclosure (partipadal) is used for penning.

Breeding and lambing season. Breeding coincides with the two rainfall peaks (April to July and September to December), and the lambing season lasts from September to February. Immediately after the rains, there is good natural vegetation available which helps to flush and bring the animals into oestrus.

Shearing practices. Most animals are shorn twice a year. The major shearing seasons are January to March, June to August and October to December. In Karnataka, a small percentage of animals, such as Mandya, are shorn only once a year, most of the remainder being shorn from November to February and May to August.

Disease. Principal causes of mortality are gastro-intestinal parasitism, enterotoxaemia and smallpox. Anthrax and rinderpest outbreaks have also been observed.

3.1.6 Population, production and important breeds

This region has the largest sheep population of the country: 20.54 m, i.e. 51.4% of the total. Almost half of these produce no wool; the rest produce very coarse, hairy and coloured fleeces. Most sheep in this region, except the Nilgiri, are maintained primarily for meat.

Nearly 7.22 m kg of wool are produced, constituting about one fifth of the total wool production. Almost all of the wool is below 36s, suitable only for extremely coarse carpets, barrack blankets and kamblies. A very small quantity of Nilgiri wool is above 48s.

Important breeds of sheep of this area are Deccani (Bellary), Nellore, Madras Red, Mandya, Tiruchy Black, Mecheri, Ramnad White, Nilgiri, Coimbatore, Kilaikarsal, Kengiur and Vembur (Figure 5).

The region has 19.52 m goats, representing 29% of the total goat population of the country. The important breeds are Sangamneri, Osmanabadi, Kannaiadu and Malabari (Figure 6).

DECCANIPlate 23
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2 Sheep Breeds

3.2.1 DECCANI (Plate 23)

a) Distribution. The breed is spread over the greater part of the central peninsular region, comprising the semi-arid areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It covers the major part of Maharashtra (especially the Pune Division); parts of Kurnool, Mehboobnagar, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Anantpur, Warrangel and the entire districts of Madak and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh; and Bidar, Bijapur, Gulbarga, and Raichur districts in Karnataka.

b) Numbers. According to the 1972 census, the total sheep population in the Deccani distribution area was 5.106 m, including 0.335 m adult males and 1.777 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
19.2
33.4
12.0–27.2
29.4–42.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
61
37
34–87
14–70
Annual rainfall (cm)75.9 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)38.48 ± 1.06 (47)28.58 ± 0.11 (1 070)
Body length (cm)67.88 ± 0.69 (47)65.21 ± 0.10 (1 070)
Height at withers (cm)67.44 ± 0.71 (47)63.79 ± 0.09 (1 070)
Chest girth (cm)77.96 ± 0.87 (47)70.75 ± 0.10 (1 070)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals, predominantly black or black with white markings; white and brown/fawn animals are also seen. In a Maharashtra survey, distribution of colour was 54.92% completely black, 21% black with white or brown spots on head and 24% black or white with brown spots. A similar survey in Andhra Pradesh showed 57.18% black, 27.64% white and 15.18% mixed coloured and spotted. Rams are horned but ewes are polled. Ears are medium long, flat and drooping; ear length: 16.56 ± 0.06 cm (1 070). Tail is short and thin; tail length: 12.35 ± 0.05 cm (1 070). Fleece is extremely coarse, hairy and open. Belly and legs are devoid of wool.

e) Flock structure. In Andhra Pradesh the average flock size is 72.46 (range: 31 to 264). In Maharashtra, 78.9% of the flocks are stationary and 21.1% are migratory, with average flock sizes of 54 and 26 respectively. The average migratory flock contains 2 rams, 42 ewes and 10 young; the average stationary flock 1 ram, 20 ewes and 5 young. 22.7% of the flocks have no ram.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, lambing percentage on the basis of the ewes available: 75.2%; under farm conditions: 85.5%. Litter size: single.

g) Mortality. Under farm conditions: 0–3 months (7): 5.3%; 3–12 months (7): 1.4%; adults (7): 2.8%. In stationary farmers' flocks: 28.3% in adult rams, 23.9% in adult ewes and 28.1% in lambs; in migratory farmers' flocks: 14.2% in adult rams, 8.0% in adult ewes and 25.9% in lambs.

h) Breeding. Mostly pure breeding, except in limited areas around Pune in Maharashtra and some areas in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where cross-breeding (formerly with Merinos and currently with Corriedale) has been undertaken for improving wool production and quality and meat production.

i) Performance

At birth2.82 ± 0.001 (1 289)
At weaning13.56 ± 0.09 (633)
6 months20.86 ± 0.33 (107)

Dressing percentage on the basis of pre-slaughter live-weight: 49.6 ± 1.8; age at slaughter: 6 months.

Average 6-monthly greasy fleece weight (kg)0.359 ± 0.054 (724)
Staple length (cm)8.58 ± 0.32 (331)
Average fibre diameter (μ)52.42 ± 1.86 (331)
Medullation (%)73.75 ± 2.54 (331)
Fibre density (cm2)734.46 ± 28.90 (331)
Annual greasy fleece weight: 0.74 ± 0.2 kg (225)

3.2.2 BELLARY (Plate 24)

Not very different from Deccani. Sheep found to the north of the Tungabhadra River are called “Deccani” and those to the south of it, “Bellary”.

a) Distribution. Bellary district of Karnataka.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Bellary distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.176 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.165 m; there was thus a small decline. Of these, 0.022 m were adult males and 0.950 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
22.2
32.9
17.4–25.8
29.3–38.1
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
64
41
45–73
22–59
Annual rainfall (cm)51.81 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)35.39 ± 0.99 (18)27.42 ± 0.24 (167)
Body length (cm)70.83 ± 0.45 (18)64.97 ± 0.24 (167)
Height at withers (cm)71.78 ± 0.73 (18)67.01 ± 0.30 (167)
Chest girth (cm)77.78 ± 1.04 (18)71.76 ± 0.27 (167)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals, with body colour ranging from white through various combinations of white and black to black. Of 186 animals surveyed, 36.55% were completely black, 22.04% black with white spots, 13.98% black with brown spots, and the rest mottled black, white and brown. One third of the males are horned; females are generally polled. Ears are medium long, flat and drooping; ear length: 14.93 ± 0.14 cm (167). Tail is short and thin; tail length: 10.83 ± 0.90 cm (167). Fleece is extremely coarse, hairy and open; belly and legs are devoid of wool.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 172 individuals (range: 24 to 100), of which 5 adult rams, 108 adult ewes and 59 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: lambing percentage: 80–85%; litter size: single.

g) Mortality. Young: 20 to 25%; adults: 15%.

h) Breeding. Mostly pure breeding. Rams are selected on the basis of size.

i) Performance

At birth2.60 ± 0.02 (589)
At weaning11.09 ± 0.15 (394)
6 months16.28 ± 0.02 (349)
12 months18.68 ± 0.41 (115)

BELLARYPlate 24
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK
Average 6-monthly greasy fleece weight (kg)0.300(622)
Average fibre diameter (μ)59.03 ± 1.06(36)
Medullation (%)43.43 ± 1.42(81)
Fibre density (cm2)346 ± 9.27(36)

NELLOREPlate 25
a) JODIPI ADULT FEMALEb) PALIA ADULT FEMALE
c) DORA ADULT MALEd) FLOCK

3.2.3 NELLORE (Plate 25)

Three varieties are distinguished, primarily on the basis of colour: “Palla”, completely white or white with light brown spots on head, neck, back and legs; “Jodipi” (also called “Jodimpu”), white with black spots, particularly around the lips, eyes and lower jaw, but also on belly and legs; and “Dora”, completely brown. A survey of 279 sheep showed 52.7% Palla, 34.04% Jodipi, and 13.43% Dora.

a) Distribution. Nellore district and neighbouring areas of Prakasham and Ongole districts of Andhra Pradesh.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Nellore distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 1.813 m, and according to the 1977 census, 1.740 m; there was thus a slight decline. Of these, there were 0.198 m adult rams, and 0.940 m adult ewes.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
24.4
34.0
20.0–28.2
28.7–39.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
73
61
57–84
46–75
Annual rainfall (cm)85.17 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult maleAdult female
Body weight (kg)36.69 ± 2.56 (13)30.00 ± 0.27 (266)
Body length (cm)68.31 ± 0.63 (13)67.05 ± 0.22 (266)
Height at withers (cm)76.46 ± 1.36 (13)72.75 ± 0.24 (266)
Chest girth (cm)75.39 ± 1.74 (13)72.78 ± 0.23 (266)

ii) Conformation. Relatively tall animals with little hair except at brisket, withers and breech. The rams are horned; the ewes are almost always polled. The ears are long and drooping; ear length: 15.11 ± 0.08 cm (266). The tail is short and thin; tail length: 10.28 ± 0.13 cm (266). 86% of the animals carry wattles.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 99.3 individuals (range: 12 to 400), of which 2.16% adult rams, 63.0% adult ewes and 34.84% young.

f) Reproduction. Age at first lambing: 846 days; lambing percentage on the basis of ewes available (2, 3): 36.72 (2 509), including ⅔ of the ewes bred artificially with Suffolk and Dorset semen. Lambing percentage in natives through natural service: 73%. Lambing interval: 428 days. Litter size: essentially single.

g) Mortality. 0 to 3 months: 14.36% (326); 3 to 12 months: 4.29% (391); adults: 13.40% (1 313).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding; males are selected on the basis of body size.

i) Performance.

At birth2.74 ± 0.03 (349)
At weaning11.98 ± 0.42 (335)
6 months16.60 ± 0.54 (198)
12 months22.72 ± 1.00 (90)

Dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis: 47.00 (39); feed conversion efficiency: 15.06%; age at slaughter: 6 months.

3.2.4 MANDYA (also known as Bannur and Bandur*) (Plate 26)

a) Distribution. Mandya district and bordering Mysore district of Karnataka.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Mandya distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.372 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.329 m; there was thus a slight decline. The actual number of the breed is much smaller, since the census is not based on breed. Information received from the officers of the State Animal Husbandry Department indicates a large movement of Mandya sheep out of the Mandya district because of an increase in irrigated cultivated area, leaving little land with natural vegetation for sheep grazing. Further, there is a large incidence of cryptorchidism in Mandya, possibly due to selection of animals on the basis of meaty conformation. There is need for conservation of this breed, which is perhaps the best meat breed of the country as far as conformation is concerned, although body weights, weight gains, feed conversion efficiency and carcass yield are not very superior to most other breeds.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
19.2
29.6
16.4–21.4
27–34
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
79
49
69–85
21–70
Annual rainfall (cm)69.57 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)34.80 ± 1.55 (7)23.50 ± 0.27 (140)
Body length (cm)63.86 ± 1.28 (7)59.92 ± 0.22 (140)
Height at withers (cm)62.0 ± 0.65 (7)56.71 ± 0.27 (140)
Chest girth (cm)78.57 ± 1.75 (7)65.25 ± 0.31 (140)

ii) Conformation. Relatively small animals. Colour is white, but in some cases face is light brown, and this colour may extend to the neck. Compact body with a typical reversed U-shape conformation from the rear. Ears are long, leafy and drooping; ear length: 14.10 ± 0.10 cm (140). Tail is short and thin; tail length: 9.48 ± 0.19 cm (140). A large percentage of animals carry wattles. Slightly Roman nose. Both sexes are polled. Coat is extremely coarse and hairy.

e) Flock structure. Flocks are generally small.

f) Reproduction. Average age at first lambing (2, 3): 745 days (27); lambing interval (2, 3): 397 days. Lambing percentage: 82.0 ± 0.31% (163); in another study: 80.80% (933); litter size: single.

g) Mortality (2, 14). 0 to 3 months: 5.33% (450); 3 to 12 months: 2.96% (474); adults: 20.07% (1 370).

* Bandur from the name of the village in which the breed is known to have originated.

MANDYAPlate 26
a) ADULT MALE

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are generally selected on the basis of body weight and conformation.

i) Performance

At birth2.09 ± 0.03 (2 411)
At weaning9.71 ± 0.16 (1 822)
6 months12.76 ± 0.29 (1 261)
12 months21.02 ± 1.52 (107)

Dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis (5, 8. 16, 30): for animals slaughtered at 6 months: 45.39 (27); at 8 months: 47.46 ± 2.61 (12); at 10 months: 46.80 ± 2.29 (10); at 12 months: 48.88 ± 3.78 (10). Bone/meat ratio: 1:3.36; feed conversion efficiency in individual feed-lot, from 3 to 6 months: 9.62%.

HASSANPlate 27
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.5 HASSAN
(Plate 27)

a) Distribution. Hassan district of Karnataka.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Hassan distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.233 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.260m; there was thus a slight increase. 0.028 m were adult males and 0.199 m were adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
17.9
28.5
14.7–20.3
24.8–33.2
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
79
58
69–88
31–81
Annual rainfall (cm)89.36 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)25.78 ± 0.69 (18)22.68 ± 0.18 (133)
Body length (cm)61.61 ± 0.73 (18)59.0 ± 0.20 (133)
Height at withers (cm)61.83 ± 0.99 (18)57.18 ± 0.27 (133)
Chest girth (cm)69.56 ± 0.82 (18)65.38 ± 0.27 (133)

ii) Conformation. Small animals. White body with light brown or black spots; of 135 animals surveyed, 18 were completely white, 39% white with light brown or black spots on the head, and the rest white with light brown, brown or black spots on different parts of the body. Ears are medium-long and drooping; ear length: 15.11 ± 0.11 cm (133); 39% of the males are horned; females are usually polled. Fleece is white, extremely coarse and open; legs and belly are generally devoid of wool.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 25 individuals (range: 7 to 57), of which 3 rams, 17 adult ewes and 5 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: lambing percentage: 85%; litter size: single.

g) Mortality. Young: 10 to 20%; adults: 10 to 15%.

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are selected on the basis of size.

i) Performance. Average annual fleece weight: 300–400 g.

MECHERIPlate 28
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.6 MECHERI (also known as Maiylambadi and Thuvaramchambali in Coimbatore district) (Plate 28)

a) Distribution. Mecheri, Kolathoor, Nangavalli, Omalur and Tarmangalam Panchayat Union areas of Salem district and Bhavani taluk of Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Mecheri distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.956 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.917 m.

c) Climate.

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
22.15
32.3
19.2–25.5
28.9–36.9
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
75
51
67–80
29–67
Annual rainfall (cm)78.86 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)35.44 ± 0.06 (31)21.59 ± 0.18 (159)
Body length (cm)66.66 ± 0.45 (36)58.32 ± 0.15 (293)
Height at withers (cm)72.22 ± 0.66 (36)64.49 ± 0.17 (293)
Chest girth (cm)78.35 ± 0.62 (36)67.74 ± 0.20 (293)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals, light brown in colour. In one survey, 48% of the animals were completely light brown, 14% light brown with white spots on head, 18% light brown with sides of the body white, 18% light brown with white spots on different parts of the body, and 2% completely white. Ears are medium-sized; ear length: 14.2 ± 0.07 cm (159). Both sexes are polled. Tail is short and thin; tail length: 9.37 ± 0.09 cm (159). Body is covered with very short hairs which are not shorn.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 44.38 individuals (range: 4 to 110), of which 4.26 rams, 30.56 adult ewes and 9.56 young.

f) Reproduction. Age at first breeding: 15 months; lambing percentage: 80 to 85%; litter size: single.

g) Mortality. Under farm conditions: 0 to 12 months: 9.29% (4 517); adults: 7.49% (4 792). In farmers' flocks: young and adults: 15 to 20%.

h) Performance

At birth2.24 ± 0.01(2 967)
At weaning9.81 ± 0.04(2 382)
6 months11.04 ± 0.05(1 697)
12 months18.96 ± 0.09(199)

Dressing percentage on the basis of pre-slaughter live-weight (25): 54.70%. The skin is of the highest quality of sheep breeds in India and is highly prized.

KILAKARSALPlate 29
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.7 KILAKARSAL (also known as Keezhakkaraisal, Karuvai, Keezha Karauvai, Ramnad Karuvi and Adikarasial) (Plate 29)

a) Distribution. Ramnathpuram, Madurai, Thanjavur and Ramnad districts of Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Kilakarsal distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.181 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.173 m, of which 0.207 m adult males and 0.981 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
24.0
33.9
20.9–26.3
29.7–37.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
67
51
55–75
37–68
Annual rainfall (cm)90.49 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)29.68 ± 0.72 (41)21.29 ± 0.16 (223)
Body length (cm)61.29 ± 0.58 (41)58.29 ± 0.21 (223)
Height at withers (cm)69.64 ± 0.47 (41)64.83 ± 0.23 (223)
Chest girth (cm)72.16 ± 0.71 (41)64.83 ± 0.22 (223)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Coat is dark tan, with black spots on head (particularly the eyelids and lower jaw), belly and legs. Ears are mediumsized; ear length: 15.29 ± 0.10 cm (22). Tail is small and thin; tail length: 8.57 ± 0.08 cm (223). Males have thick twisted horns, 2 to 3 cm in length. Most animals have wattles.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 41 individuals (range: 20 to 50), of which 1 adult ram, 27 adult ewes and 13 young.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage on the basis of ewes available: 78.6% (1 737). In farmers' flocks: lambing percentage: 80%. Litter size: single.

g) Mortality: 0 to 12 months: 24.94% (1 351); adults: 7.28% (2 842).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are selected on the basis of size.

i) Performance

At birth1.29 ± 0.01(405)
At weaning8.53 ± 0.05(383)
6 months14.15 ± 0.07(356)
12 months27.26 ± 0.55(62)

VEMBURPlate 30
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.8 VEMBUR (also called Karandhai*) (Plate 30)

a) Distribution. Vembur, Melakkarandhai, Keezhakarandhai, Nagalpuram, Kavundhanapatty, Achangulam and some other villages of Pudur Panchayat Union and Vilathikulam Panchayat areas of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Vembur breed distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.262 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.251 m, of which 0.029 m adult males and 0.142 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
24
33.9
20.9–26.3
29.6–37.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
67
51
55–75
37–68
Annual rainfall (cm)90.49 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)34.33 ± 1.71 (14)27.93 ± 0.23 (174)
Body length (cm)69.43 ± 1.28 (74)64.20 ± 0.16 (236)
Height at withers (cm)77.16 ± 0.92 (74)72.68 ± 0.22 (236)
Chest girth (cm)81.57 ± 1.03 (72)72.67 ± 0.24 (236)

ii) Conformation. Tall animals. Colour is white, with irregular red and fawn patches all over the body. Ears are medium-sized and drooping; ear length: 14.95 ± 0.07 cm (174). Tail is thin and short; tail length: 9.42 ± 0.11 cm (174). Males are horned; ewes are polled. The body is covered with short hairs which are not shorn.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 29.6 individuals (range: 8 to 200), of which 1.3 rams, 21.7 ewes and 6.6 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: lambing percentage: 80%; litter size: single. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage on the basis of ewes available: 71.61% (162).

g) Mortality. In farmers' flocks: young: 10 to 15%; adults: 10%. Under farm conditions: 0 to 3 months: 12.93%; 3 to 12 months: 18.81%; adults: 13.22%.

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are selected on body size.

i) Performance. Meat: body weight (kg)

At birth1.97 ± 0.04 (100)
At weaning8.42 ± 0.10 (100)
6 months10.50 ± 0.12 (100)
12 months16.50 ± 0.24 (100)

Based on a random sample of 100 records available from State Sheep Farm, Sattur, Tamil Nadu.

* from the name of the village where the breed appears to have originated.

COIMBATOREPlate 31
a) ADULT MALEb) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.9 COIMBATORE (also called Kurumbai) (Plate 31)

a) Distribution. Coimbatore and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu and bordering areas of Kerala and Karnataka.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Coimbatore distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.500 m, and according to the 1977 census 0.475 m, of which 0.057 m adult males and 0.271 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
21.6
31.5
16.4–26.3
27.0–37.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
73.6
51.0
55–85
21–70
Annual rainfall (cm)75.06 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)24.97 ± 0.75 (25)20.60 ± 0.18 (245)
Body length (cm)63.22 ± 0.60 (25)59.20 ± 0.18 (245)
Height at withers (cm)62.38 ± 0.56 (25)59.36 ± 0.18 (245)
Chest girth (cm)71.64 ± 0.80 (25)67.05 ± 0.21 (245)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals, white with black or brown spots. Ears are medium-sized and directed outward and backward; ear length: 13.96 ± 0.15 cm (143). Tail is small and thin; tail length: 9.78 ± 0.26 cm (143). 38% of the males are horned; females are polled. Fleece is white, coarse, hairy and open.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 322 individuals (range: 20 to 1 600), of which 10 adult rams, 221 adult ewes and 91 young.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage on the basis of ewes available: 49.93% (715); litter size: single.

g) Mortality. 0 to 3 months: 11.43% (1 304); 3 to 12 months: 17.39% (1 029); adults: 7.75% (2 334).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. There is little selection in the flocks.

i) Performance

At birth2.16 ± 0.02 (281)
At weaning7.50 ± 0.13 (207)
6 months10.83 ± 0.21 (153)
9 months12.90 ± 0.32 (111)
12 months14.77 ± 0.26 (101)

Dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis at 6 months: 38.20% (10); all ages: 39.30% (23).

Average 6-monthly greasy fleece weight (kg)0.365 ± 0.01(119)
Staple length (cm)5.79 ± 0.39(16)
Fibre diameter (μ)41.05 ± 1.83(16)
Medullation (%)58.37 ± 3.05(16)
Fibre density (cm2)376.0 ± 19.3(16)

3.2.10 NILGIRI (Plate 32)

Nilgiri, evolved during the 19th century, originated from a cross-breed base and contains an unknown level of inheritance of Coimbatore, the local hairy breed, Tasmanian Merino, Cheviot and South Down.

a) Distribution. Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. According to the 1972 census, the Nilgiri breed totalled 8 000, and according to the 1977 census 7 677, of which 878 adult males and 4 164 adult females. The breed is well adapted to the conditions of the Nilgiri hills and produces fine fleeces. There is little organized shearing and marketing of wool, the sheep being mostly maintained for manure by tea planters and other flock owners. There is need for conservation of this breed, considering its very small numbers, its adaptation, and the need for meat and apparel wool in the area in which it is located.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
9.1
19.5
5.1–11.2
16.4–22.1
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
78
76
61–91
55–89
Annual rainfall (cm)130.10 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size(sources: 15,28)Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)30.63 (82)25.04 (82)
Body length (cm)64.06 ± 0.42 (98)59.41 ± 0.43 (150)
Height at withers (cm)64.97 ± 0.45 (16)57.95 ± 0.24 (68)
Chest girth (cm)76.83 ± 0.73 (98)75.04 ± 0.36 (150)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Body colour is white; exceptionally there are brown patches on face and body. Face line is convex, giving a typical Roman nose. Ears are broad, flat and drooping; ear length: 12.12 ± 0.10 cm (82). Males have horn buds and scurs; females are polled. The tail is medium and thin; tail length: 19.60 ± 0.41 (82). The fleece is fine and dense.

e) Flock structure. Flocks are small.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage on the basis of ewes available (4): 64.83% (1507); litter size: single.

g) Mortality (4). 0 to 3 months: 17.40% (360); 3 to 12 months: 3.62% (304); adults: 6.66% (1 201).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. There is little selection in the flocks.

NILGIRIPlate 32
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE

i) Performance

At birth2.96 ± 0.04 (371)
At weaning11.84 ± 0.20 (239)
6 months15.04 ± 0.23 (215)
9 months19.15 ± 0.37 (70)
12 months19.77 ± 0.47 (122)
Average 6-monthly greasy fleece weight (kg)0.615 ± 0.028(151)
Average fibre diameter (μ)27.34 ± 0.077(63)
Medullation (%)11.31(63)
Fibre density (cm2)2 199 ± 57(27)

RAMNAD WHITEPlate 33
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.11 RAMNAD WHITE (Plate 33)

a) Distribution. Ramnad district and adjoining areas of Tirunalveli district of Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Ramnad White distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.782 m, and according to the 1977 census 0.750 m, of which 0.086 m adult males and 0.407 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
24
33.9
20.9–26.3
29.7–37.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
67
51
55–75
37–68
Annual rainfall (cm)90.49 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size (source: 27)Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)31.20 ± 0.89 (27)22.52 ± 0.18 (328)
Body length (cm)64.83 ± 0.69 (29)60.10 ± 0.16 (388)
Height at withers (cm)72.91 ± 0.74 (29)67.07 ± 0.18 (388)
Chest girth (cm)75.53 ± 0.89 (29)67.71 ± 0.20 (388)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals, predominantly white; some animals have fawn or black markings over the body. The ears are medium-sized and directed outward and downward; ear length: 13.39 ± 0.09 cm (328). Males have twisted horns; females are polled. Tail is short and thin; tail length: 9.14 ± 0.08 cm (328).

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 52 individuals (range: 10 to 185), of which 2 rams, 34 ewes and 16 lambs.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage: 72.55% (1 371); litter size: single.

g) Mortality. 0 to 3 months: 2.19% (1 371); 3 to 12 months: 24.79% (1 331); adults: 11.37% (1 961). In farmers' flocks: young: 10 to 15%; adults: 10%.

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are selected on the basis of size.

i) Performance

At birth1.68 ± 0.02(192)
At weaning7.31 ± 0.13(184)
6 months8.45 ± 0.11(157)
9 months14.50 ± 0.88(9)
12 months16.30 ± 0.09(151)

MADRAS REDPlate 34
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.12 MADRAS RED (Plate 34)

a) Distribution. Chingalpet and Madras districts of Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Madras Red distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.595 m, and according to the 1977 census 0.571 m, of which 0.065 m adult males and 0.309 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
24.3
32.9
20.3–27.8
28.2–37.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
74
67
58–84
59–76
Annual rainfall (cm)121.15 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size (source: 15)Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)35.54 ± 0.33 (11)23.21 ± 0.59 (120)
Body length (cm)63.73 ± 1.04 (15)58.12 ± 0.30 (217)
Height at withers (cm)72.73 ± 0.81 (15)63.71 ± 0.21 (217)
Chest girth (cm)82.90 ± 1.22 (15)70.97 ± 0.20 (217)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Body colour is predominantly brown, the intensity varying from light tan to dark brown; some animals have white markings on the forehead, inside the thighs and on the lower abdomen. Ears are medium long and drooping; ear length: 13.28 ± 0.10 cm (120). Tail is short and thin; tail length: 9.20 ± 0.10 cm (120). Rams have strong corrugated and twisted horns; the ewes are polled. The body is covered with short hairs which are not shorn.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 83 individuals (range: 10 to 208), of which 2 rams, 55 adult females and 26 young.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage: 92.83% (237); litter size: single.

g) Mortality. 0 to 4 months: 10.38% (212); 4 to 12 months: 2.69% (180); adults: 0.62%.

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Selection is based primarily on body size.

i) Performance.

At birth2.61 ± 0.02(375)
At weaning13.50 ± 0.12(376)
6 months15.72 ± 0.12(364)
9 months21.70 ± 0.30(46)
12 months21.89 ± 0.21(164)

Dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis: 41.15% (10).

TIRUCHY BLACKPlate 35
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.13 TIRUCHY BLACK (also known as Triruchy Karungurumbai) (Plate 35)

a) Distribution. Perambalur and Ariyalur taluks of Tiruchy district, Kallakurichy taluk of South Arcot district, Viraganur area of Attur taluk of Salem district, Tirupathur and Tiruvannamalai taluks of North Arcot district and Dharampuri and a portion of Krishnagiri taluk of Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Tiruchy Black distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.520 m, and according to the 1977 census 0.499 m, of which 0.057 m adult males and 0.271 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
22.6
33.5
19.2–25.5
30.1–36.9
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
75
49
69–80
32–62
Annual rainfall (cm)96.5 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size (source: 15)Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)25.79 ± 1.10 (10)18.51 ± 0.18 (108)
Body length (cm)58.60 ± 0.42 (10)52.88 ± 0.21 (108)
Height at withers (cm)57.60 ± 1.07 (10)54.96 ± 0.26 (108)
Chest girth (cm)66.20 ± 0.60 (10)62.01 ± 0.27 (108)

ii) Conformation. Small animals. Body is completely black. Males are horned; ewes are polled. Ears are short and directed downward and forward; ear length: 9.59 ± 0.47 cm (47). Tail is short and thin; tail length: 8.39 ± 0.14 cm (47). The fleece is extremely coarse, hairy and open.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 37 individuals (range: 13 to 81), of which 2 rams, 24 ewes and 11 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: lambing percentage: 70 to 80%; litter size: single.

g) Mortality. In both young and adults: about 20%.

h) Performance

At birth2.13 ± 0.04 (55)
At weaning9.46 ± 0.28 (53)
6 months10.73 ± 0.28 (48)
12 months16.8 ± 0.40 (40)
KENGURIPlate 36
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.2.14 KENGURI (also known as Tenguri) (Plate 36)

a) Distribution. Hilly tracts of Raichur district (particularly Lingasagar, Sethanaur and Gangarati taluks) of Karnataka.

b) Numbers. The exact number is not known, but the population is small.

c) Climate.

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
22.4
33.3
18.0–28.5
29.1–39.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
65
41
50–78
28–59
Annual rainfall (cm)71.7 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)32.33 ± 2.56 (12)26.69 ± 0.37 (114)
Body length (cm)64.75 ± 1.39 (12)64.11 ± 0.32 (114)
Height at withers (cm)69.42 ± 1.22 (12)68.59 ± 0.28 (114)
Chest girth (cm)74.92 ± 2.07 (12)73.51 ± 0.37 (114)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Body colour is mostly dark brown, but colours ranging from white to black with spots of different shades are also to be observed. Males are horned; females are generally polled.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 59 individuals (range: 20 to 150), of which 3 rams, 32 ewes and 24 lambs.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: lambing percentage: 80 to 85%; litter size: single.

g) Mortality. Young: 10 to 20%; adults: 10%.

SANGAMNERIPlate 37
a) ADULT FEMALE
b) FLOCK

3.3 Goat breeds

3.3.1 SANGAMNERI (Plate 37)

a) Distribution. Poona and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Sangamneri distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 5.692 m, of which 0.396 m adult males and 3.439 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
18.2
32.0
12.0–23.0
27.7–37.9
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
71
46
50–85
20–78
Annual rainfall (cm)71.47 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)38.37 ± 2.44 (6)28.97 ± 0.49 (285)
Body length (cm)69.8 ± 1.30 (6)62.5 ± 0.06 (285)
Height at withers (cm)77.3 ± 1.88 (6)68.0 ± 0.12 (285)
Chest girth (cm)76.0 ± 2.1 (6)71.0 ± 0.30 (285)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Body colour may be white, black or brown, with spots of the other colours. Ears are medium-sized and drooping; ear length: 15.89 ± 0.62 cm (33). Both sexes have horns, directed backward and upward; horn length: 12.36 ± 0.58 cm (33). Tail is thin and short; tail length: 15.72 ± 0.32 cm (33). The hair coat is extremely coarse and short.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 30.5 ± 12.63 individuals (range: 6 to 91), of which 1.0 adult male, 14.5 adult females and 15.0 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 103 ± 15.04%; litter size: singles: 75%; twins: 21.5%; triplets: 3.4%. Under farm conditions, age at first kidding (3, 7, 10): 422.2 days (182); kidding interval (3, 7): 333.37 days (516); service period (2, 10): 155.6 days (98); litter size (10): single: 69.5%; twins: 30.0%; others: 0.5% (213).

g) Mortality. Young: 4.33 ± 3.59%; adults: 8.83 ± 5.29%. Under farm conditions (7): preweaning: 28.9% (1 004); adults: 4.3% (234).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Males are selected on dam's milk yield.

i) Performance

At birth1.86 ± 0.001 (302)
At weaning7.09 ± 0.25 (137)
6 months10.06 ± 0.39 (52)
9 months13.44 ± 0.15 (39)
12 months17.33 ± 2.20 (26)

Dressing percentage on the basis of pre-slaughter live weight (2): at 6 months: 41.16% (4); at 9 months: 44.7% (5); at 12 months: 46.14% (4).

Average per clip (g)250–300
Staple length (cm)2.79 ± 0.09 (57)
Average fibre diameter (μ)104.15 ± 1.1 (57)
Medullation (%)90.06 ± 1.02 (57)

3.3.2 MALABARI (Plate 38)

a) Distribution. Calicut, Cannannore and Malapuram districts of Kerala.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Malabari distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.389 m, of which 0.028 m adult males and 0.193 m adult females.

c) Climate.

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
23.7
30.7
24.8–25.9
28.3–32.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
81
74.5
71.5–91.5
62.5–88.5
Annual rainfall (cm)337.5 

d) Breed characteristics.

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)38.96 ± 2.32 (14)31.12 ± 0.9 (115)
Body length (cm)70.2 ± 1.6 (14)63.5 ± 0.5 (115)
Height at withers (cm)71.9 ± 2.1 (14)63.2 ± 0.3 (115)
Chest girth (cm)73.8 ± 2.2 (14)67.4 ± 0.5 (115)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Coat colour varies widely from completely white to completely black. 31% of the goats have long hair. Males and a small percentage of females (13%) are bearded. Both sexes have small, slightly twisted, horns, directed outward and upward. Ears are medium-sized, directed outward and downward; ear length: 16.20 ± 0.17 cm (129). Tail is small and thin; tail length: 13.16 ± 0.06 cm (129). Udder is small and round, with medium-sized teats.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 5.44 individuals (range: 1 to 15), of which 0.40 bucks, 2.02 does and 3.02 kids. Two thirds of flocks do not maintain a breeding male.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: age at first kidding (3, 5, 14): 609.9 ± 15.03 days (91); kidding interval (3, 5, 14): 286.6 ± 7.51 days (399); litter size (1, 3, 5, 6, 12, 14, 15, 16): singles: 50.5%; twins: 42.4%; triplets: 6.6%; quadruplets; 0.5% (969).

g) Mortality (5, 6). Young: 32.8% (666); adults: 11.0% (1 006).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding except in very limited areas near Mannuthy, where cross-breeding with Alpine and Saanen has been undertaken by the Kerala Agricultural University. The cross-breeds showed improvement both in reproduction and milk production.

MALABARIPlate 38
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

i) Performance

At birth1.63 ± 0.01 (664)
At weaning5.76 ± 0.07 (446)
6 months8.73 ± 0.09 (442)
9 months11.41 ± 0.15 (198)
12 months14.12 ± 0.21 (146)
OSMANABADIPlate 39
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.3.3 OSMANABADI (Plate 39)

a) Distribution. Latur, Tuljapur and Udgir taluks of Osmanabad district of Maharashtra.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Osmanabadi distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.219 m, of which 0.020 m adult males and 0.119 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
19.5
32.95
13.65–24
29.45–39.75
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
59
38.5
35–80.5
18–62.5
Annual rainfall (cm)71.0 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)33.66 ± 2.73 (16)32.36 ± 0.55 (194)
Body length (cm)69.12 ± 1.93 (16)67.51 ± 0.38 (194)
Height at withers (cm)77.87 ± 1.68 (16)74.79 ± 0.30 (194)
Chest girth (cm)72.06 ± 2.04 (16)72.04 ± 0.40 (194)

ii) Conformation. Tall animals. Of animals surveyed, 73% were black and the rest were white, brown or spotted. Ears are medium long; ear length: 18.0 ± 0.10 cm (210). Most males (89.5%) are horned; females may be horned or polled, in almost equal proportions. Tail is medium long and thin; tail length: 16.6 ± 0.10 cm (210). The udder is small and round with small teats placed laterally.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 10.73 individuals (130) (range: 1 to 65), of which 0.28 adult males, 6.56 adult females and 3.89 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 80 to 90%; litter size: singles: 50%; twins: 40%; triplets: 10%. In farm conditions (11): kidding percentage: 129.9%; litter size: singles: 70.5%; twins: 29.0%; triplets and others: 0.5%.

g) Mortality. In farm conditions (11): young: 18.0%; adults: 7.1%.

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. There is little selection.

i) Performance

At birth2.39 ± 0.02 (372)
3 months7.34 ± 0.06 (357)
6 months11.07 ± 0.05 (211)
9 months15.12 ± 0.24 (199)
Dressing percentage: 45.7 to 50.0%.

KANNAIADUPlate 40
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

3.3.4 KANNAIADU (also known as Pullaiadu and Karapuadu) (Plate 40)

a) Distribution. Ramnathapuram and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Kannaiadu distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.604 m, of which 0.093 m adult males and 0.295 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
24.0
33.9
20.9–26.3
29.7–37.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
67
51
55–76
76–68
Annual rainfall (cm)90.49 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)35.76 ± 2.06 (17)28.62 ± 0.37 (114)
Body length (cm)71.06 ± 1.36 (17)67.30 ± 0.38 (114)
Height at withers (cm)84.12 ± 1.74 (17)76.15 ± 0.46 (114)
Chest girth (cm)77.53 ± 1.55 (17)70.83 ± 0.44 (114)

ii) Conformation. Tall animals, predominantly black or black with white spots. Ears are medium-long; ear length: 15.67 ± 0.13 cm (131). Males are horned; females are polled. Tail is medium-sized and thin; tail length: 15.77 ± 0.47 cm (131). Udder is small and round, with small teats placed laterally.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 17 individuals (range: 2 to 40 (61)), of which 1 buck, 11 does and 6 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 80 to 85%; litter size: singles: 90%; twins: 10%.

g) Performance. Animals are maintained primarily for meat and are not milked.

REFERENCES

I. SHEEP

1. AHD, AP. 1974 Project Officers' Report. Large-scale sheep-breeding farm, Mamdipalli, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

2. AICRP, SB, Avikanagar. 1975 Proceedings of the Third Workshop on the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Sheep-Breeding, held at Palampur, 13–14 November 1975. Mimeographed. Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

3. AICRP, SB, Avikanagar. 1977 Proceedings of the Fourth Workshop on the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Sheep-Breeding, held at Tirupati Veterinary College, Tirupati, 14–16 April 1977. Mimeographed. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

4. AICRP, SB, Sandynallah. 1978 Progress Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Sheep-Breeding (Fine Wool), Sheep-Breeding Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Sandynallah (Nilgiris), Tamil Nadu.

5. AICRP, SB, Avikanagar. 1979 Project Coordinator's Report, presented at Fifth Workshop on the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Sheep-Breeding, held at Ooty, 20–22 September 1979. Mimeographed. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

6. AICRP, SB, Maharashtra. 1979 Progress Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Sheep-Breeding (Mutton), 1977–78 and 1978–79. Mimeographed. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra.

7. Amble, V.N., Khandekar, N.C. & Garg, J.N. 1967 Statistical studies on breeding data of Deccani and crossbred sheep. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 37: 305–326.

8. Arora, C.L. & Acharya, R.M. 1976 Improvement of Mandya in Karnataka. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 40: 340–345.

9. CSWRI, Avikanagar. 1971 Annual Report 1971. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

10. CSWRI, Avikanagar. 1972 Annual Report 1972. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

11. CSWRI, Avikanagar. 1973 Annual Report 1973. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

12. CSWRI, Avikanagar. 1974 Annual Report 1974. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

13. Dass, M.N. & Rajagopalan, V.R. 1956 Studies on the scope for improvement of Bellary sheep. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 26: 171–183.

14. Ganesakale, D. 1975 Effect of season of mating on the economic trait in sheep. Cherion 4:1: 40–44.

15. Ganesakale, D. & Rathnasabapathy, V. 1973 Sheep breeds of Tamil Nadu. Cherion 2:2: 146–155.

16. Ganesakale, D. & Rathnasabapathy, V. 1974 Effect of two levels of feeding on the performance of Madras Red and Mandya breeds of sheep. Cherion 3:2 141–147.

17. Gangwar, V.S. & Jangnure, N.M. 1970 Effect of lambing season on birth weight and weaning weight of Bannur sheep. Indian Vet. J. 47: 1084–1086.

18. Hasmat, M.A. 1968 Growth rate of lambs in different strains of sheep. Indian Vet. J. 45: 135–139.

19. Krishnamurthy, U.S., Venkatesan, R. & Rathnasabapathy, V. 1975 Effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on body weights, wool yield and fleece characteristics in Merino, Nilgiri and their crosses. Cherion 4: 21–26.

20. Krishna Rao, C. 1966 Studies on reproduction in Indian breeds of sheep: Bannur and Nilgiri breeds. Indian Vet. J. 43: 130–133.

21. Murthy, V.S., Rao, M.V.K. & Rao, C.V. 1972 Trend of growth in Nellore and Mandya lambs. Wool & Woollens of India 9 (1): 32–35.

22. MVC, Madras. 1970 Annual Report of Madras Veterinary College 1969–70. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madras, Tamil Nadu.

23. MVC, Madras. 1971 Annual Report of Madras Veterinary College 1970–71, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madras, Tamil Nadu.

24. MVC, Madras. 1972 Annual Progress Report of the ICAR Scheme “Studies on carcass characteristics of Mecheri and Mandya lambs.” 1971–72. Kolathur, Salem Madras Veterinary College, Madras, Tamil Nadu.

25. MVC, Madras. 1972 Brief Report of the ICAR Scheme “Studies on carcass characteristics of Mecheri and Mandya lambs”, 1971–72. Kolathur, Salem, Madras Veterinary College, Madras, Tamil Nadu.

26. MVC, Madras. 1973 Annual Progress Report of the Scheme “Crossbreeding of Mandya and Madras Red breeds of sheep”, 1972–73. Sheep-Breeding Farm, Kattupakkam, Madras Veterinary College, Madras, Tamil Nadu.

27. Raman, K.S., Gopalkrishnan, C.A. & William, C. 1970 Norms for the Ramnad breed of sheep. Part 1. Body measurements and colour distribution. Indian Vet. J. 47: 325–330.

28. Raman, K.S. & Sivaraman, T. 1974 Breed characteristics of the South Indian wool sheep “Nilgiri”. Cherion 3(2): 138–140.

29. Singh, Gurmej & Singh, V.K. 1978 Lamb weights and their inter-relationships of Coimbatore and its crosses with Corriedale. Paper presented at National Seminar on Animal Breeding, held at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana.

30. Sriramamurthy, V. & Krishna Rao, M.V. 1970 Improvement of sheep industry in Andhra Pradesh. Wool & Woollens of India VII (8): 93–103.

31. WRA, Bombay. 1976 Final Report of the PL 480 Project: Evaluation of the characteristics, processing performance and end-use suitability of various Indian wools. Wool Research Association, Bombay.

II. GOATS

1. AHD, Kerala. 1964 Final Report. Scheme for research in developing strain of goats for milk production at Thiruvazhankunnu Farm. Animal Husbandry Department, Trivandrum, Kerala.

2. AHD, Maharashtra. 1967 Final Report. Scheme for research in development of Angora goats for meat and mohair production. Animal Husbandry Department, Poona, Maharashtra.

3. AICRP, GB, Avikanagar. 1976 Proceedings of the Second Workshop on the All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goat-Breeding, held at NDRI, Karnal, 22–23 March 1976. Mimeographed. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

4. AICRP, GB, Mannuthy. 1975 Annual Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Trichur, Kerala.

5. AICRP, GB, Mannuthy. 1976 Annual Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk. Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Trichur, Kerala.

6. AICRP, GB, Mannuthy. 1977 Annual Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk. Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Trichur, Kerala.

7. AICRP, GB, Rahuri. 1975 Annual Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Mohair. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra.

8. AICRP, GB, Rahuri. 1976 Annual Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Mohair. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra.

9. AICRP, GB, Rahuri. 1976 Progress Report for Workshop, March 1976. All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Mohair. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra.

10. AICRP, GB, Rahuri. 1977 Annual Report, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Goats for Mohair. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra.

11. MAU, Parbani. 1980 Report of the Goat Research Project, 1979–80. Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbani, Maharashtra.

12. Mukundan, G. & Rajagopalan, T.G. 1971 An evaluation of the influence of age of the dam on frequency of multiple births in Malabari goats. Kerala J. of Vet. Sci. 2: 95–98.

13. Pattabiraman, D. 1955 Milch goats of Malabar and their development. Indian Vet. J. 32: 398–402.

14. Raja, C.A.R. & Mukundan, G. 1973 Age at first kidding, kidding rate, and kidding interval in Malabari and Jamnapari x Malabari goats. Kerala J. of Vet. Sci. 4: 165–169.

15. Shanmugasundaram, K.S. 1957 Birth rate among goats. Indian Vet. J. 34: 107–117.

16. Sudarsanan, V. & Raja, C.K.S.V. 1973 Observations on conception, gestation period, multiple birth and infertility in Malabari goats. Kerala J. of Vet. Sci. 4: 96–98.


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