Evaluation of mutton type sheep in farmers' flocks of Rajasthan

Data on growth profile traits and greasy fleece yield (GFY) pertaining to Malpura and Kheri sheep collected from several farmers' flocks during the year 2000 were utilized in the present study. Certain observations on management practices being adopted by the farmers were also collected. Least-squares means for birth, 3, 6 and 12-month weight were 3.50 13.50, 18.94 and 24.66 kg, respectively, in Malpura whereas corresponding figures for Kheri lambs were 3.25, 13.54, 17.46 and 22.81 kg respectively. Malpura lambs were significantly heavier at all the ages except 3-month weight over their contemporary Kheri lambs (non-descript sheep). Overall least-squares means for 1st GFY adult GFY and annual GFY were 462.71, 390.95 and 1184.52 g respectively. Kheri produced significantly more adult GFY and annual adult GFY than Malpura sheep. In general, farmers disposed off most of the male lambs at about 5-6 months of age and female lambs were retained for increasing breedable ewes and for replacement. The marginal farmers and landless labourers maintain sheep and flocks only on grazing of 8 to 10 hr with seasonal tree lopping. Special treatment was given to breeding rams particularly in breeding seasons. Kheri sheep in the area from where production data were collected is replacing Malpura sheep. Farmers having Kheri sheep are of opinion that these animals are good enough for travelling long distances and can better sustain the lean periods. Further, body weights of these animals go down at lower rate compared to Malpura/crossbred sheep during vegetation scarcity.