Economic losses due to morbidity in Marwari breed of sheep in arid zone of Rajasthan

The health records of Marwari sheep (1990 to 1997) from Central Sheep Wool Research Institute, Arid Region Campus, Bikaner, were analyzed for economic losses due to various diseases in different genetic groups i.e. birth to three (suckling), 3 to 6 (weaning), 6 to 12 (hogget) and above 12 months (adult). Diseases were classified on the basis of body systems and tentative diagnosis made by the veterinarian viz. diseases of respiratory system, digestive system-I, digestive system-II, urinary system, reproductive system, blood, skin, eyes, surgical problems, predatory, foot rot, foot-and-mouth disease, tetanus, listeriosis, peste des petits ruminants, mammary gland, pyrexia, heat stroke, iameness and gid. The economic losses were calculated in genetic group, sex and sire group wise in a 16,644 animals flock. The total economic loss was Rs 15,058.08 (Rs. 5.56 per lamb) in 0-3 month, Rs 17,698.95 (Rs. 6.91 per lamb) in 36 month, Rs 31,330.78 (Rs. 13.73 per lamb) in 6-12 month and Rs 58,571.47 (Rs. 29.75 per sheep) for adult group due to sickness of all diseases. The losses due to body weight and treatment were the highest in the progenies of first genetic group followed by the progenies of third and second genetic group in all the age groups. Sexwise, the male and female progenies were having almost equal economic losses in the suckling group, whereas in the second and third groups, the male progenies were cause more economic losses as compare to the female progenies. In the adult group the female progenies accounted for higher economic loss due to higher incidence of reproductive diseases. Among the progenies of the sire group, the progenies of the seventh sire group resulted more body weight loss and cost of treatment followed by the sire group first in comparison the rest of progenies of sire group. The economic loss due to wool weight was Rs 1789.12 in the first clip and Rs 3479.37 in the second clip due to sickness. The highest economic loss was in the first* genetic group followed by the third and second genetic group in both the clip-Male animals showed more economic loss in the first clip, whereas female animals showed more economic losses in the second clip. Sire group wise progenies ofthird sire showed highest economic loss to the rest ofthe groups. The present results indicate that the over all economic loss of Rs 127, 927.77 occurred due to various disease in a sheep flock of 16,644 Marwari sheep (Rs. 7.69/sheep). These economic losses may be reduced by improving the management practices, proper care and attention of the diseased lambs, regular deworming and vaccination schedule, and culling ofthe diseases susceptible sire from the flock.