Drvet.

in 2020
production system need to be proposed. We should ensure stability and
sustainability on war footing, besides containing potentially adverse impacts
on the natural resource base and environment. There is also need to promote
the multi-disciplinary location specific and participatory modes of operation
through enhanced linkages between research institution and in all network and
conservation programmes.

MODULE-34: CURRENT LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY BREEDING

PROGRAMMES IN STATE AND COUNTRY

Learning objectives

This module deals with,

 livestock policy objectives of india,

 cattle and buffalo breeding policy of india and
 cattle breeding policy in different states.

LIVESTOCK POLICY OBJECTIVES OF INDIA

 To augment production of milk, eggs, chicken meat and other animal foods and
increase availability of animal proteins in human diet.
 To encourage livestock production through small holders with low input system.
 To expand organised dairying through synergisation of co-operative and private
sector efforts with a focus on quality and hygienic control.
 To increase production of quality carpet and coarse wool while making efforts for
developing fine wool.
 To enhance participation of women in livestock development programmes and
increase nutritional support and supplementary income to rural farmers.
 To encourage conservation of animal bio-diversity and protection of indigenous
breeds of livestock and poultry while restricting cross breeding to low
producing stock.
 To promote avenues for export of livestock and livestock products by adopting
measures towards supportive fiscal policy as well as hygiene and quality
standards consistent with global trade regime.
 To control and eradicate communicable animal diseases pests and to increase
health cover facilities for optimizing livestock production.
 To augment feed and fodder resources for sustaining livestock and increasing
production.

CATTLE AND BUFFALO BREEDING POLICY OF INDIA

 A reorientation of cattle and buffalo breeding

policy would be attempted with
area specific approach backed up by appropriate programs addressing our
concerns for indigenous cattle breeds and draught animal power. A similar
 Drvet.in 2020
approach has been adopted in the National Project on Cattle and Buffalo
Breeding.
 Indigenous cattle breeds accepted by common farmers shall be further developed
through region specific and breed specific programs aimed at selection in the
breeding tracts and supply of improved quality germplasm on demand by
farmers. The states shall be directed to specifically delineate the areas of native
breeds of cattle, record their numbers breed wise and sex wise and encourage
farmers to conserve them in their home tracts.
 Formation of breed associations for improvement of indigenous breeds shall be
encouraged. Such associations shall be involved in production of quality male
stock. An effective mechanism for providing disease free quality breeding bulls
and quality semen for artificial insemination will be put in place. Breeding
services would be provided at the farmers’ door.
 For sheep breeding also an area specific approach shall be adopted for effecting
qualitative and quantitative improvement in carpet and coarse wool and
developing fine wool. Breeding of sheep and goats will aim at increasing body
weight, reproductive efficiency and control of mortality, besides improvement
in milk yield in goats. Main focus will be on selection of rams and bucks and
their distribution with backup by suitable programs. In high altitude areas
support for breeding of Yaks and mithuns shall continue. Breeding of rabbits
for fur and broiler purpose shall be encouraged in suitable areas. Preservation
and development of pack animals – horses, mules, donkeys and camels - shall
also be considered.
 The indigenous breeds of livestock and poultry are essentially the products of
long term natural selection and are better adopted to withstand tropical
diseases and perform under low and medium input. Many of these breeds may
have useful genes for fast growth, prolificacy and small size. Such utility genes
and breeds shall be identified, conserved and utilized. In recent time,
international actions have been oriented towards conservation of animal
genetic resources. India being a signatory to many such international
agreements, the country will have specific policy focus on conservation of
indigenous breeds of livestock and poultry. State will take up the responsibility
of conserving such threatened breeds through appropriate programmes.

CATTLE BREEDING POLICY IN DIFFERENT STATES


S.No State/UT Breed Breeding Policy
1 Anhra Ongole Selective breeding in Ongole: grading
Pradesh up, non–descript with Ongole
Malvi Selective breeding Malvi in pockets,
grading of Malvi with Tharparkar and
Deoni
Hallikar Selective breeding in Hallikar; grading
up of nondescript with Hallikar
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Non- Grading up, with Ongole, Tharparkar

descript and Deoni cross breeding with Jersy
and Holstein
2 Arunachal Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana and
Pradesh Redsindhi cross breeding with Jersy
3 Assam Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana and
Redsindhi; cross breeding with Jersy
4 Bihar Local cattle Grading up, with Tharparkar Hariana
and Redsindhi; cross breeding with
Jersy
5 Chattisgarh Local cattle Grading up, with Tharparkar Hariana
and Shaiwal; cross breeding with Jersy
and Holstein
6 Gujarat Gir, Kankrej Selective breeding in Gir and Kankrej;
grading up, non–descript with Gir and
Kankrej; cross breeding with Jersy and
Holstein-Friesian
7 Goa Local cattle Grading up, with Redsindhi; cross
breeding with Jersy
8 Haryana Hariana Selective breeding
Shaiwal Selective breeding
Non- grading up, non–descript with Hariana,
descripit Shaiwal, Tharparkar; cross breeding
with Jersy and Holstein-Friesian.
9 Himachal Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana and
Pradesh Redsindhi; cross breeding with Jersy
10 Jammu & Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana and
Kashmir Redsindhi; cross breeding with Jersy
11 Jharkhand Local cattle Grading up, with Tharparkar Hariana
and Redsindhi; cross breeding with
Jersy
12 Karnataka Deoni Selective breeding
Krishna Selective breeding
Valley
Khillari Selective breeding
Amrit Mahal Selective breeding
Hallikar Selective breeding
Non- grading up, non–descript with
Descript Redsindhi; cross breeding with Jersy
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and Holstein-Friesian.
13 Kerala Local cattle grading up, non–descript with
Redsindhi, Kangayam and Tharparkar;
cross breeding with Jersy and Holstein-
Friesian.
Crossbreds Selective breeding with F1 cross bred
bulls obtained from progeny tested
either jersy or Holstein bulls
14 Madhya Nimari Selective breeding
Pradesh Malvi Selective breeding
Kenkatha Selective breeding
Non- Grading up, with Gir, Tharparkar,
descript Hariana Shaiwal and Ongole; cross
breeding with Jersy and Holstein
15 Maharashtra Khillari Selective breeding
Dangi Selective breeding
Gaolao Selective breeding
Nimari Selective breeding
Non- Grading up, with the breeds of the
descript region and Hariana; cross breeding
with Jersy and Holstein
16 Manipur Local cattle Grading up, with Red sindhi; cross
breeding with Jersy
17 Meghalaya Local cattle Grading up, with Red sindhi; cross
breeding with Jersy
18 Mizoram Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana; cross
breeding with Jersy
19 Nagaland Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana; cross
breeding with Jersy
20 Orrisa Local cattle Grading up, with Red sindhi and
Hariana; cross breeding with Jersy and
Holstein
21 Punjab Local cattle Grading up, with Shaiwal and Hariana;
cross breeding with Holstein Friesian
and Jersy
22 Rajasthan Nagori Selective breeding
Malvi Selective breeding
Rathi Selective breeding
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Non- Grading up, with Hariana, Gir,

descript Tharparkar and Rathi; cross breeding
with Jersy and Holstein Friesian
23 Sikkim Siri Selective breeding
Local cattle Grading up, with Hariana; cross
breeding with Jersy
24 Tamilnadu Kangayam Selective breeding
Umblachery Selective breeding
Bargur Selective breeding
Non- Grading up, with Native breeds; cross
descript breeding with Jersy in plains and
Holstein Friesian in hilly areas
25 Tripura Local cattle Grading up, with Tharparkar; cross
breeding with Jersy
26 Uttar pradesh Kenkatha Selective breeding
Non- Grading up, with Hariana, Shaiwal,
descript Tharparkar and Red sindhi; cross
breeding with Jersy and Holstein
Friesian

EXERCISE-1: BREEDS OF CATTLE & BUFFALO AND

MEASUREMENT OF THEIR ECONOMIC TRAITS

Exotic dairy breeds

JERSEY

 Tract : Originated on the Island of Jersey in the English Channel

 Body size : Smaller in size
 Colour : Reddish grey to brown colour with darkening in certain areas of the
body
 Body weight : Bulls: 350 - 500 kg Cows: 300-450 kg
 Milk yield : 4,500 kg per lactation
 Fat content : 4.5%
 Age at first calving : 26 - 30 months
 Calving interval : 13 - 14 months
 Typical characters : Compact, wedge shaped medium sized body, light dished
head, protruding eyes, straight top line.

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN
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 Tract : Originated from the northern part of Netherlands, West Frieze land and
north Holland
 Body size : Largest of the dairy breeds
 Colour : Black and white markings clearly defined. Solid black, solid white,
black in switch, black belly, black encircling leg touching hoof, black and white
inter mixed. Colour other than distinct black and white are disqualification.
 Body weight : Bull: 800 to 900 kg Cow: 550 to 650 kg
 Milk yield : 6000 - 7000 kg.
 Fat content : 3.4%
 Age at first calving : 27 to 30 months
 Calving interval : 13 - 14 months
 Typical characters : Black and white colour, wedge-shaped heavy body, long
and narrow head, large chest, large capacious udder with prominent milk vein

BROWN SWISS

 Tract : Switzerland
 Body size : Fairly large in size. Medium milk producer
 Colour : Light brown to grey in colour.
 Body weight : Bulls: 700 - 800 kg Cows: 500 - 600 kg
 Milk yield : 5000 - 5500 kg
 Fat content : 4%
 Age at first calvin g : 28 - 30 months
 Calving interval : 13-14 months
 Typical characters : Large, wedge shaped body, broad and dished forehead,
thick and loose skin. Dual purpose breed for milk and beef

RED DANE

 Tract : Baltic Islands of Denmark

 Body size : Fairly large in size
 Colour : Red in colour; bulls have darker shade of red
 Body weight : Bulls: 800 - 1000 kg Cows: 500 - 600 kg
 Milk yield : 5000 - 5500 kg
 Fat content : 4.1 %
 Age at first calvin g : 28 - 30 months
 Calving interval : 13-14 months
 Typical characters : Red body colour

INDIAN CATTLE BREEDS

 India has 30 indigenous breeds of cattle in addition to the vast cattle population
which comes under the non-descript category. There are 3 major types of cattle
breeds as per their utility
o Milch breeds: Sahiwal, Gir, Rathi and Red Sindhi (few animals only at
organized farms)
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o Dual-purpose breeds: Deoni, Gaolao, Hariana, Kankrej, Krishna Valley,
Mewati, Ongole and Tharparkar.
o Draught breeds: Amritmahal, Bachaur, Bargur, Dangi, Hallikar,
Kangayam, Kenkatha, Kherigarh, Khillari, Malvi, Nagori, Nimari,
Ponwar, Umblachery, Red Kandhari and Siri.
 Vechur and Punganur are the dwarf breeds. The population of some breeds like
Nagori, Hariana, Ponwar, Kherigarh, Mewati, Hallikar, etc. is declining mainly
due to mechanization of agriculture. In addition to these, there exist some
stable populations in different regions that significantly contribute to the food
and agriculture production of that region. These are Alambadi, Binjharpuri,
Ghumsuri, Pullikulam, Kumauni, Ladakhi, Malnad Gidda, Mampati, Manipari,
Motu, Red Purnea, Shahabadi, Gangatiri, ThoTho, and Tarai. There are no wild
relatives of cattle in India. Some of the crossbred strains developed are
Sunandini, Frieswal, and Karan-Fries. Except Sunandini, the population of
other strains is small.

DAIRY BREEDS OF INDIA

GIR

 Tract : Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar, Rajapudanam, Baroda of Gujarath and
Northern section of Maharastra
 Colour : Mottling in various shades of red to black; white with a few spots of
colour; entire red is also seen. Well defined patch of colour, often of different
shape is seen on sides of the barrel
 Body weight : Bulls - 500 kg Cows - 350 kg
 Horns : Curved downward and backwards, then upwards and inwards taking a
spiral inward sweep ending in a fine taper, giving a half-moon appearance
 Milk yield : 2100 kg
 Fat content : 4.4%
 Age at first calvin g : 51 months
 Calving interval : 17 months
 Typical characters : Long and protruding forehead, pendulous frontward
turned ears, always hanging from the base
 Utility : Cows good milkers; Bullocks used extensively for work; Best beef breed.

SAHIWAL (LOLA)

 Tract : Montgomery District of Punjab (Pakistan), Punjab, Hariyana

 Body size : Heavy breed with symmetrical body and loose skin
 Colour : Reddish dun or pale red with some white patches. In males, colour
darkens towards the extremities
 Body weight : Bulls: 500 - 600 kg Cows: 300 -400 kg
 Horns : Short and thick and do not exceed three inches in length. Loose horns
are common in females
 Milk yield : 2,200 kg
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 Fat content : 4.5%
 Age at first calvin g : 30 - 36 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Typical characters : Muzzle is lighter colour in contrast to Red Sindhi, which
has dark coloured muzzle. Animals are large, deep, fleshy and lethargic, loose
skin, voluminous dewlap
 Utility : Good milkers. Lethargic and slow workers

RED SINDHI

 Tract : Western Sind, Karachi, and Hyderabad districts of Pakistan

 Body size : Medium sized and compact animal
 Colour : Deep dark red, variation from tan yellow to almost dark brown. Bulls
are darker than cows and their extremities are almost black. White markings
on the forehead, a little sprinkling of white along dewlap and underneath
barrel
 Body weight : Bulls: 450 -500 kg Cows: 300 - 350 kg
 Horns : Thick at the base and emerge laterally and curve upward
 Milk yield : 2000 kg
 Fat content : 4.5%
 Age at first calvin g : 44 months
 Calving interval : 14 - 15 months
 Typical characters : Red colour. Compact body with round dropping quarters,
muzzle dark colour, thick horn, heavy hump, pendulous udder
 Utility : Cows for good milk and bullocks for both road and field work

DRAUGHT BREEDS OF INDIA

AMIRTHMAHAL

 Tract : Mysore of Karnataka

 Colour : Mostly white in colour; shades of grey varying from almost white to
nearly black with white grey marking; muzzle, feet and tail are usually black
 Body weight : Bulls: 300-500 kg Cows: 250-400 kg
 Horns : Emerge from top to the poll, fairly close together in an upward and
backward direction and terminate in sharp point
 Milk yield : 1000 kg
 Age at first calvin g : 45 months
 Calving interval : 19 months
 Typical characters : Head is well shaped, long and tapering towards the
muzzle. Forehead bulged out slightly;
 Utility : Cows are poor milkers; bullocks are good workers

HALLIKAR

 Tract : Mysore district of Karnataka

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 Body size : Medium sized, compact body and muscular in appearance
 Colour : Grey or dark grey
 Body weight : Bulls - 340 kg Cows - 200 kg
 Horns : Long and straight, bend forward and slightly inward toward the tips
which are black and sharp
 Milk yield : 540 kg
 Fat content : 5.7%
 Age at first calvin g : 47 months
 Calving interval : 20 months
 Typical characters : Forehead is prominent giving lightly bulgy appearance
and furrowed in the middle; face is long and tapering towards the muzzle;
sheath small and tucked up with the body
 Utility : Good draught animals

KANGAYAM

 Tract : Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu

 Body size : Moderate size with compact body
 Colour : Grey or white. Males have black or very dark colour on the head, hump,
neck and quarters. Calves are red in colour at birth and change to grey at the
age of 3-4 months
 Body weight : Bulls: 400 - 500 kg Cows: 300 - 400 kg
 Horns : Spread apart, nearly straight with a slight curve backwards
 Milk yield : 600 -700 kg
 Fat content : 3.88%
 Age at first calvin g : 44 months
 Calving interval : 16 months
 Typical characters : Broad forehead, black muzzle, short and erect ears, bright
and elliptical shaped eyes; stout and thick horns; short, stout legs with strong
hooves; tight naval flap
 Utility : Good for ploughing and carting

UMBLACHERY

 Tract : Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu

 Body size : Small and compact body with well ribbed barrel
 Colour : Dark grey in colour;
 Body weight : Bulls - 250 kg Cows - 200 kg
 Horns : Small, curving outwards and inwards sometimes spreading laterally
 Milk yield : 300 kg
 Fat content : 5 %
 Age at first calvin g : 53 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Typical characters : Small, broad fore head, sometimes with a slight groove in
the middle; muzzle is broad and black in colour; medium sized and erect
hump; all legs have white markings below the hocks like socks
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 Utility : Draught animals

PUNGANUR

 Tract : Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh

 Body size : Short with tight skin; short legs and long body
 Colour : White or grey or light brown to dark brown
 Body weight : Bulls: 200 - 220 kg Cows: 130 - 200 kg
 Horns : Black, small and crescent shaped; stumpy in males and longer in
females
 Milk yield : 500 kg
 Fat content : 5%
 Age at first calvin g : 37 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Typical characters : Short stature; comparatively tighter skin; extensive
hanging dewlap; concave and broad forehead; medium hump in males; tail
long touching the ground
 Utility : Used for carts and races

VECHUR

 Tract : Vechur in Kottayam district of South Kerala

 Body size : Extremely small in size and have compact body
 Colour : Light red, black or fawn and white
 Body weight : Bulls: 100 - 200 kg Cows: 95 - 150 kg
 Horns : Small, thin and curving forward and downward
 Milk yield : 500 kg
 Fat content : 5 - 7.5%
 Age at first calvin g : 36 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Typical characters : Short legs; small body size and light red in colour; long
head with narrow face; prominent hump in males; small sheath tucked up with
the body; long tail almost touching the ground
 Utility : Dual purpose

DUAL PURPOSE BREEDS OF INDIA

THARPARKAR (White Sindhi )

 Tract : Semi-arid desert tract of South West Sind, Tar desert and Kutch area of
Pakistan and India.
 Body size : Medium size
 Colour : White or light grey. Bulls, usually white grey. Cows and bullocks, white
grey and become white with age
 Body weight : Bulls: 500 to 600 kg Cows: 400 to 450 kg
 Drvet.in 2020
 Horns : Medium sized, emerge laterally in straight line from the poll and curve
upwards and inwards
 Milk yield : 2000 kg
 Fat content : 4.5%
 Age at first calvin g : 41 months
 Calving interval : 14 months
 Typical characters : Short straight and strong limbs, broad poll, slightly
convex fore head, long back
 Utility : Bullocks for work; Cows for good milk

HARIANA

 Tract : Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and U.P

 Body size : Compact and well built body
 Colour : White or light grey with dark grey head, neck, hump and quarters in the
bull
 Body weight : Bulls: 350 to 500 kg Cows: 300 to 400 kg
 Horns : Stumpy, horizontal or slightly curved upwards and inwards
 Milk yield : 1500 kg
 Fat content : 4.3 - 5.3%
 Age at first calvin g : 52 months
 Calving interval : 16 months
 Typical characters : Compact graceful appearance body, long and narrow face,
stumpy horns, short tail - reaching just below the hocks
 Utility
: Dual purpose breed, primarily reared for bullocks

ONGOLE (Nellore)

 Tract : Nellore and Guntur Districts of Andhra Pradesh

 Body size : Long body and short neck
 Colour : White; In males, dark grey markings on the head, neck and hump and
black points on the knees, pasterns of fore and hind legs; muzzle black; black
eye lashes and black ring rounds the eyes
 Body weight : Bulls: 400-600 kg Cows: 400-500 kg
 Horns : Short, stumpy, growing outwards and backwards
 Milk yield : 700 kg
 Fat content : 4.2%
 Age at first calvin g : 50 months
 Calving interval : 17 months
 Typical characters : Large, heavy and muscular body; broad forehead; horns -
thick at the base and stumpy; well developed hump
 Utility : Cows are average milkers and bullocks are good draught animals

DEONI

 Tract : North Western and Western Andhra Pradesh

 Drvet.in 2020
 Colour : Black and white or red and white in irregular patches and spots
distributed over the body
 Body weight : Bulls: 600 - 700 kg Cows: 400 - 500 kg
 Horns : Similar to Gir. Takes an outward and backward curve
 Milk yield : 900 kg
 Fat content : 4.3%
 Age at first calvin g : 47 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Typical characters : Forehead prominent and slightly bulged; ears moderately
long, pendulous and hanging almost perpendicularly with the inner surface
visible from the front; massive hump; heavy dewlap and pendulous sheath
 Utility : Bullocks good for heavy work. Cows- Average milkers

KANKREJ

 Tract : Southeast of Kutch and north Gujarath

 Body size : Heaviest of Indian breeds
 Colour : Silver grey or Iron grey or even steel black. Fore quarters, hump,
hindquarters are darker than the barrel. Black markings on all legs
 Body weight : Bulls 500-600 kg Cows 300- 500 kg
 Horns : Lyre-shaped horns, thick growing outward then upwards turning
inwards towards the body and tip bent forwards
 Milk yield : 1700 kg
 Fat content : 4.8%
 Age at first calvin g : 36 - 40 months
 Calving interval : 15-16 months
 Typical characters : Lyre-shaped horns; forehead dished in the centre;
powerful body, straight back, well developed hump
 Utility : Good milkers and draught animals

RATHI

 Tract : North and West of Alwar in Rajasthan

 Body size : Medium size with symmetrical body
 Colour : Similar to Hariana, white or grey in colour. Usually brown with white
patches all over the body, but complete black or brown with white patches also
seen markings on all legs. Face is broad and slightly dished. Smaller head,
moderate size with flat forehead.
 Body weight : Males: 400 kgs. Females: 300 kgs.
 Horns : Medium, curving outward, upward and inward.
 Milk yield : 1500 kgs per lactation
 Fat content : 3.7%
 Age at first calvin g : 36 - 40 months
 Calving interval : 15-16 months
 Typical characters : Developed from the mixture of Sahiwal. Brown with white
patches.
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 Broad and slightly dished face. Large naval flap. Also known as Rath. Naval flap -
large. Hump: large in males. Dewlap - voluminous. Comparatively short tail.
Tail is fine and tapering to a black switch
 Utility : Good for medium plough work - Cows moderate milkers.

IMPORTANT BREEDS OF BUFFALOES

India possesses the richest source of germplasm of buffalo and the best dairy breeds are
domesticated in north-western region of the country. There are 10 recognised breeds of
riverine buffaloes (2N = 50) in India. These include large sized breeds – Murrah, Nili-
Ravi and Jaffarabadi; and medium sized – Mehsana, Marathwada, Nagpuri,
Pandharpuri, Bhadawari, Surti and Toda. Murrah is the best dairy breed and is most
sought after. There also exist a number of buffalo populations, which have not been
defined as breeds. The local varieties need to be assessed, defined and recognized.
Though number of buffalo breeds has not decreased, but the population of breeds like
Bhadawari, Nili-Ravi and Toda is declining.

MURRAH

 Tract : Punjab and Delhi province

 General characters : Deep massive frame with a comparatively light head and
neck. Short and tightly curved horns. Well developed udder. Long tail reaching
the fetlock ending in a white switch.
 Colour : Jet black with white markings on the tail, face and extremities
 Horns : Short turning upwards and curving inwards in a spiral form.
 Ears : Short, thin and alert. Dewlap: Absent. Naval flap : Small
 Hoof : Black generally.
 Weight : Males: 400 - 800 kgs. Females : 300 - 700 kgs.
 Milk yield : 1500 - 2000 kgs per lactation.
 Fat content : 7 - 8.3%
 Age at first calving : 44 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Utility : Good milch breed.
 Typical characters : Massive body, jet black in colour, broad hip. Curled horns,
hence named as Murrah. Also called as Delhi buffalo referring to the centre of
origin.

NILI - RAVI (PANCHA KALYANI)

 Tract: Sutlej Valley of Punjab state. Parts of Montgomery District of West

Pakistan
 General characters : Medium size, deep and low set frames. Head small,
elongated bulging at the top and is depressed between eyes. Frontal bones
prominent, neck not so thin as in the Murrah. Body massive and barrel shaped.
 Drvet.in 2020
 Colour : A brown colour is not uncommon and black colour is often associated
with white spots in the forehead. White hocks, White tip of tail, Skin is usually
jet black and pliable.
 Horns : Small and coiled tightly
 Weight : Males: 450 - 600 kg Females: 400 - 450 kg
 Milk yield : 1500 - 1850 kg
 Fat content : 5 - 8%
 Age at first calving : 45 months
 Calving interval : 16 months
 Utility : Males used for heavy draught
 Typical characters : White markings on forehead, muzzle and legs; Coiled
horn; Wall eyes

JAFFARABADI

 Tract : Saurashtra region of Gujarath

 General characters : Heaviest Indian breed of buffalo
 Colour : Black
 Horns : Long, emerge out compressing the head, go downward, sideways,
upward, inward forming a ring like structure. Makes eyes to look small
 Weight : Males - 1000 kg Females - 700 kg
 Milk yield : 2200 kg
 Fat content : 7.6%
 Age at first calving : 45 months
 Calving interval : 15 months
 Utility : Females - good milkers Males - good draught animals
 Typical characters : Fore head is very prominent, broad and convex; Heavy
body and black in colour. Horns emerged out compressing head giving study
eye appearance.

MEHSANA

 Tract : Mehsana town in Gujarath

 General characters : Developed by cross between Murrah and Surti. Medium
sized with low set deep body
 Colour : Black
 Horns : Generally sickle shaped
 Weight : Males: 400 to 600 kg Females : 300 to 600 kg
 Milk yield : 2000 kg
 Fat content : 7%
 Age at first calving : 42 months
 Calving interval : 16 months
 Utility : Persistent milk producer
 Typical characters : Medium in size with low set deep body, black in colour
and with sickle shaped horns; fore head is wide with a slight depression in the
middle
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SURTI

 Tract : Vadodara and Surat districts of Gujarath

 General characters : Lighter in body weight compared to heavy breeds.
Animals are of medium size having a straight back
 Colour : Varies from rusty brown to silver grey
 Horns : Flat, medium length and sickle shaped
 Ears : Medium in size with reddish colour inside
 Weight : Males-500 kg Females - 380 kg
 Milk yield : 1300 kg
 Fat content : 7.5 - 8.3%
 Age at first calving : 56 months
 Calving interval : 20 months
 Typical characters : Smaller in size; black or brown in colour; sickle shaped
horns; two white bands below the neck; tail long, thin and ending in a white
tuft

NAGPURI

 Tract : Vidarbha region of Maharashtra

 General characters : Dual breed of buffalo; also known as Berari buffalo
 Colour : Black with white patches on the face , legs and tail
 Horns : Long flat, curved and carried back on the side of the neck nearly to
shoulders
 Weight : Males: 400 - 500 kg Females: 300 - 400 kg
 Milk yield : 1000 kg
 Fat content : 7 - 8.5%
 Age at first calving : 56 months
 Calving interval : 14 months
 Typical characters : Black coloured with long horns; short tail with white
switch

TODA

 Tract : The Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu

 General characters : Medium size and long body with deep chest
 Colour : Fawn at birth and changes to grey, light grey (cream) and dark grey. In
adults the coat colour is fawn and ash-grey
 Horns : Long, set wide apart outward forming a characteristic crescent shape or
semi circle. Thick at the base and tapering and sharp at the tip
 Weight : Male: 380 kg Female: 380 kg
 Milk yield : 500 kg
 Fat content : 8%
 Age at first calving : 40 - 47 months
 Calving interval : 16 months
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 Typical characters : Ash-grey in colour. A band of dense hair covers the skin.
Medium in size with crescent shaped horns. Named after the Toda tribe of the
Nilgiris

MEASUREMENT OF ECONOMIC TRAITS OF CATTLE AND

BUFFALO

The genetic improvement of dairy animals depends on animal breeding technologies. In

most of the developing countries including India the animal breeding technologies are
neither advanced nor widely adopted because of considerable geographical variation in
environment, fragmented farming mostly at a subsistence level, substantial livestock
genetic diversity, lack of awareness of rural households and many other problems
directly and indirectly associated with the genetic improvement of animals. As a result,
in spite of some important genetic resources available in the country, the productivity of
dairy animal in general is very low in India in comparison to the dairy animals of
developed countries. Thus, the reasoning for genetic improvement of dairy cattle and
buffaloes would be critically differentiated in institutional / organised herds and field
condition in our situation.

Measurements of economical traits are important to know the improvement in a

particular character in any farm animal. The following economical traits are important
in cattle and buffalo.

 Age at first calving: Age of a cow or buffalo in days at the time of first calving.
 Lactation length: Number of days in milk from the date of calving to the date
of drying or cessation of milk production (the order of lactation should be
indicated as I, II, III etc.).
 Lactation milk yield: Milk yield in kg from the date of calving to the date of
drying or cessation of milk production (the order of lactation should be
indicated as I, II, III etc.).
 305-day milk yield: Milk yield in kg from the date of calving to 305th day of
lactation. If the lactation length is less than 305 days, the milk yield for the
lactation period is considered as 305-day milk yield. When the lactation length
is more than 305 days, milk yield for the lactation is converted to 305 days
using correction factor.
 180-day milk yield : Milk yield in kg from the date of calving to 180th day of
lactation.
 Peak yield: Highest daily milk yield in kg during the lactation period.
 Average daily milk yield: Average daily milk yield in kg calculated by dividing
the lactation milk yield by the lactation length.
 Average fat percentage: Average of fat tests done with milk samples drawn
during lactation at fortnightly intervals.
 Dry period: Number of days from the date of drying to the date of next calving
(the order of dry period should be indicated as I, II, III etc.).
 Service period: Number of days from the date of calving to subsequent service
resulting in conception.
 Drvet.in 2020
 Calving interval or inter-calving period: Number of days from the date of
one calving to the date of next calving (the order of calving interval should be
indicated as I, II, III etc.).
 Conception rate: Number of services required per conception. It should be
calculated for I calving, II calving etc.
 Breeding efficiency : Overall reproductive efficiency of the animal expressed
as percentage. It is calculated by using a formula given by Tomar (1965).

Breeding efficiency (%) (for cows) =( (No. of calving intervals X 365) + 1020
/Age at first calving + Sum of calving intervals ) X 100

Breeding efficiency (%) (for buffaloes) =( (No. of calving intervals X 365) +

1040 /Age at first calving + Sum of calving intervals ) X 100

LIST OF REGISTERS TO BE MAINTAINED IN A CATTLE OR

BUFFALO FARM

 Birth register
 Youngstock register
 Adultstock register
 Livestock account register
 Milk recording register
 Feed register
 Weighment register
 Insemination register
 Disposal register
 Mortality register
 Veterinary register
 Index card (bull card / cow card)

EXERCISE-2: BREEDS OF SHEEP AND MEASUREMENT OF

THEIR ECONOMIC TRAITS

Exotic sheep breeds

Merino

 This breed, known from as early as the twelfth century, was developed in Spain
and is believed to have been originally brought from Phoenicia and Carthage
with possibly some African sheep inheritance also mixed. The characteristic of
this breed is the fine wool fleece, beautifully crimped. The inner fleece is kept
soft and pliable by a coating of wool oil on the surface which forms a dark
protective covering with dust. Merinos were imported into America in 1801. It
 Drvet.in 2020
has spread very widely in the semi-arid climates of the United States, USSR,
South America, Argentina, France and Germany. Rams weigh about 60-80 kg
and ewes about 45-60 kg. Good ewes shear 7 to 9 kg of wool1 and rams 10 to 14
kg of wool in a year. This breed is medium sized with a short-head. Ewes have
no horns but rams have horns, turning towards the head.

Rambouillet

 This breed was formerly called French Merino. This originated at Rambouillet in
France from 1785 by importations of Merino sheep from Spain. These were
developed into larger sheep with heavier fleece. This breed was imported into
America in 1840. Modern Rambouillet is a large rugged breed with wide heads
and well balanced horns curving backward and outward in rams. Rams weigh
about 100-140kg and ewes about 70-100kg. The animals have good
conformation for mutton. Average annual yield of fleece is about 5 kg of long
fleece with a clean wool percentage of about forty.

Corriedale

 The Corriedale was developed in New Zealand and Australia during the late
1800s' from crossing Lincoln or Leicester rams with Merino females. The
breed is now distributed worldwide, making up the greatest population of all
sheep in South America and thrives throughout Asia, North America and South
Africa. Its popularity now suggests it is the second most significant breed in the
world after Merinos. The Corriedale is a dual-purpose sheep. It is large-
framed, polled with good carcass quality. The Corriedale produces bulky, high-
yielding wool ranging from 31.5 to 24.5 micron fibre diameter. The fleece from
mature ewes weigh from 4.5-7.7 kg with a staple length of 9-15 cm. The yield
percent of the fleece ranges from 50 to 60 percent. Mature rams will weigh
from 80-125 kg, ewe weights range from 60-80 kg. The breed is found in most
sheep areas of Australia, but mainly in the temperate, higher rainfall zones
supporting improved pastures.

Dorset

 The Merino sheep were brought into Southwest England and were crossed with
the Horned Sheep of Wales, which produced a desirable all-purpose sheep
which met the needs of that time. Thus began a breed of sheep which spread
over Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and most of Wales and were called Dorset (two
varieties namely horned and polled). Dorset is a white sheep of medium size
having good body length and muscle conformation to produce a desirable
carcass. The fleece is very white, strong, close and free from dark fiber. Dorset
fleeces average 2.25-4 kg in the ewes with a yield of between 50% and 70%.
The staple length ranges from 6-10 cm with a numeric count of 46's-58's. The
fibre diameter will range from 33.0 to 27.0 microns. Dorset ewes weigh from
70 to 90 kg at maturity, some in show condition may very well exceed this
 Drvet.in 2020
weight. Dorset rams weigh from 100 to 125 kg at maturity. The ewes are good
mothers, good milkers and multiple births are not uncommon.

Suffolk

 The Suffolk is the result of crossing Southdown rams on Norfolk Horned ewes.
Today's Suffolk derives its meatiness and quality of wool from the old original
British Southdown. The Norfolk Horned sheep, now rare, were a wild and
hardy breed. Mature weights for Suffolk rams range from 110-160 kg, ewe
weights vary from 80-110 kg. Fleece weights from mature ewe are between
2.25-3.6 kg with a yield of 50 to 60 percent. The fleeces are considered medium
wool type with a fiber diameter of 25.5 to 33.0 microns and a spinning count of
48 to 58. The staple length of Suffolk fleece ranges from 5-8.75 cm.

Karakul

 This is a fur bearing breed of sheep, native to Bokhara, situated between Pakistan
and Afghanistan in central Asia. The name is derived from the area Karakul
(black lake) which is very unfavourable for raising livestock. This breed
originated by crossing the two different breeds of this area. This was imported
into the United States in 1909. The modern Karakul is a medium-sized breed,
rams weighing about 80-90 kg and ewes about 60-70 kg. This produces light
white fleece of low-grade averaging about 3 kg per year. The breed is poor in
mutton quality. The chief virtue of this breed is the fur pelt of the baby lambs.
The pelt is taken from a prematurely born lamb or Iamb killed within a short
time after birth.

SHEEP BREEDS OF INDIA

 There are 40 breeds of sheep in India. A sizeable population of sheep is

nondescript due to inter-mixing of breeds. These breeds can be classified on the
basis of major product i.e. apparel wool (3 breeds), carpet wool (11 breeds), meat
and carpet wool (13 breeds), and meat (13 breeds). Some of the sheep breeds are
known for their unique characteristics like Magra for lustrous wool; Changthangi
for fine wool; Garole for high fecundity; Chokla and Pattanwadi for best carpet
quality wool; Mandya for mutton; and Marwari, Decanni, Hassan, Jaisalmeri and
Chokla for their hardiness and capability to travel long distances. Some other
population groups like Kheri and Munjal in Rajasthan, Biangi in Himachal
Pradesh and Dumba in Gujarat are also available. Bharat Merino, Avikalin,
Avivastra, Avimanns, Nilgiri Synthetic, Patanwadinsynthetic, Kashmir Merino
and Indian Karakul are synthetic breeds developed in India.
 Attempts have been made to define and document some of the important breeds
of sheep under ad-hoc research scheme financed by the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research. Such efforts were mostly based on the exterior phenotype,
shape and length of ears, length and direction of horns, fleece type, body colour
and tail length, etc. There was little serious consideration to body weight, body
 Drvet.in 2020
measurements, population and flock size and its structure, prevalent
management practices, productivity status and problems associated with their
conservation and further development. The efforts of Acharya, R.M. (1982) to
define some of the existing breeds are based on consideration of agroclimatic
regions and the type of sheep found therein and adult body weights and linear
biometry on representative samples of sexes, and production performance, both
published and unpublished and personal surveys. Based on variable agro-climatic
conditions and over places and type of sheep found in them, the following four
different regions regrouped from 15 agro-climatic zones are distinguishable over
the country.

NORTH-WESTERN REGION

This region comprises the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and the
plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Important breeds of sheep found in this
region are Chokla, Nali, Pugal, Marwari, Malpura, Sonadi, Jaisalmeri, Patanwadi,
Muzaffarnagri, Jalauni and Hissardale. This region is the most important in the country
for carpet wool production. The morphology and other characteristics of different
breeds found in this region may be described as under.

Chokla (Syn. Chapper and Shekhawati)

 It is distributed over Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and the border areas of Bikaner,
Jaipur and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan. Animals true to the breed type are
found in Sikar and Churu districts. Chokla are light to medium-sized animals.
Their face is generally devoid of wool and is reddish brown or dark brown in
colour, which may extend up to the middle of the neck. The skin is pink. The
ears are small to medium in length (7.77+0.09 cm) and tubular. Both the sexes
are polled. The coat is dense though Chokla is perhaps the finest carpet-wool
breed; most Chokla wool is now being diverted to the worsted sector for
scarcity of fine apparel-wool in the country.

Nali

 It is distributed in Ganganagar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan and

southern parts of Hisar and Rohtak districts of Haryana. Nali are medium
sized animals. Their face colour is light brown and the skin colour pink. Both
sexes are polled. Ears are large and leafy; tail is short to medium in length and
thin. Fleece is white coarse, dense and long stapled. Forehead, belly and legs
are covered with wool. The total population of Nali in its native place in
Rajasthan was 0.845 million (1972 census). The March and September clips
are yellow but the September clip is golden yellow in colour.

Marwari
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 Deriving its name from its home tract in Marwar, the breed resembles black-
headed Persian sheep but it is of small size and has good fleece yield. It is
distributed in Jodhpur, Jalore, Nagaur, Pali and Barmer districts extending up
to Ajmer and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan and the Heoria region of Gujarat.
The animals are medium sized with black face, the colour extending to the
lower part of neck, ears extremely small and tubular. Both sexes are polled.
Tail is short, medium and thin. Fleece is white and not very dense. The total
Marwari sheep population in Rajasthan and Gujarat as per 1972 census was
4.367 million in 1977 it was 5.018 million. The breed is being improved
through selection for fleece weight and carpet quality. Surplus male lambs are
not retained for breeding but are slaughtered between 6 and 8 months of age.

Magra

 Formerly known as Bikaneri, is also known as Bikaneri Chokla and Chakri.

Although the breed is largely found in Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Churu districts
of Rajasthan, animals true to the breed type are found only in the eastern and
southern parts of Bikaner districts. The animals are medium to large in size.
White face with light brown patches around the eyes is the characteristics of
this breed. Skin colour is pink. Ears are small to medium and tubular. Both
sexes are polled. Tail is medium in length and thin. Fleece is of medium carpet
quality, extremely white and lustrous and not very dense. The total Magra
sheep populations in the area was 0.32 million (1972 census). According to the
1977 census it was 0.84 million. The most important strain of Magra (Bikaneri
Chokla) has flock with extremely white and lustrous fleece and found only in
few villages around Bikaner. Their fleece is good carpet quality. The breeding
programme involves improving this breed through selection; however, there is
much crossing with other breeds in the vicinity.

Jaisalmeri

 Deriving its name from its home tract at Jaisalmer, the breed is largely
distributed in Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan. Pure
specimens are also found in south-western Jaisalmer, extending up to north-
western Barmer and southern and western Jodhpur .The animals are tall and
well built with black or dark brown face, the colour extending up to the neck,
typical Roman nose, long drooping ears, generally with a cartilaginous
appendage. Both sexes are polled. The tail is medium to long. The fleece colour
is white, of medium carpet quality and not very dense. This is the largest breed
in body size of Rajasthan, which produces quality carpet-wool. There is need
for conserving this breed. The total sheep population in the Jaisalmeri
distribution area according to the 1972 and 1977 census was 0.313 and 0.728
million respectively.

Pugal
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 Its name has originated from the Pugal area of Bikaner district, its home tract. It
is also distributed over Bikaner and Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, but pure
specimens are available only in the north-western border of the two districts.
Fairly well built, animals have black face, with small brown strips on either
side above the eyes; lower jaws are of typically light brown colour. The black
colour may extend to neck. Ears are short and tubular. Both sexes are polled.
Tail is short to medium and thin. The fleece is of medium carpet quality but
not very dense. The total sheep population in the Pugal distribution area was
too small, 0.146 million (1972 census) while according to the 1977 census it was
0.293 million. Considering these small numbers, there is need for conservation
of this breed. The breeding policy involves improving this carpet wool breed
through selection for greasy fleece weight and carpet quality.

Malpura

 Though very similar to Sonadi, it is better in wool production and quality and in
body size probably due to better environmental and nutritional conditions in
the Malpura tract in comparison to that in the home tract of Sonadi at Jaipur,
Tonk, Sawaimadhopur and adjacent areas of Ajmer, Bhilwara and Bundi
districts in Rajasthan. The animals are fairly well built with long legs with face
light brown. Ears are short and tubular, with a small cartilaginous appendage
on the upper side. Both sexes are polled. Tail is medium to long and thin.
Fleece is white, extremely coarse and hairy. Belly and legs are devoid of wool.
The total sheep population of Malpura according to the 1972 and 1977 census
was 1.018 and 0.899 million respectively. The milk production averaged 64.50
kg in a lactation period of 90 days. Tupping and lambing percentages in the
spring and autumn seasons, are 61.54, 96.23% and 88.7, 32.7% respectively.
The dressing percentage on the live weight basis at 6 months ranged from
40.90 to 49.49.

Sonadi

 Mainly found in Udaipur and Dungarpur districts of Rajasthan, it also extends to

northern Gujarat. The animals are fairly well built somewhat smaller to
Malpura with long legs, light brown face with the colour extending to the
middle of the neck, ears large, flat and drooping and generally have a
cartilaginous appendage. Tail is long and thin. Both sexes are polled. Udder is
fairly well developed. Fleece is white, extremely coarse and hairy. Belly and
legs are devoid of wool. Its population, according to the 1972 and 1977 census
was 1.76 and 1.667 million respectively.

Patanwadi (Syn. Desi, Kutchi, Kathiawari, Vadhiyari and Charotari)

 The breed includes distinct strains

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o non-migratory, red faced animals with small bodies, yielding relatively
finer fleeces. These are typical Patanwadis and are located in north-
eastern Saurashtra,
o migratory type, with larger body and long legs, typical Roman nose and
long tubular ears. This variety, producing coarser fleeces, is found in
western and northern Gujarat and
o the meat type, with big body, low stature and coarser fleeces, found in
south eastern areas around Palitana. It is distributed in coastal plain
region of Saurashtra and Kutch district and sandy loamy areas of Patan,
Kadi, Kalol, Sidhapur and Chanssama taluks of Mehsana district of
Gujarat. The 1972 and 1977 census contained 0.895 and 0.827 million
Patanwadi sheep in its habitat.

Muzaffarnagri

 Also known as Bulandshahri, it is vastly available a Muzaffarnagar, Bulandshahr,

Saharanpur, Meerut, Bijnor and Dehradun district of Uttar Pradesh and parts
of Delhi and Haryana. Pure specimens are found in Muzaffarnagar district. The
animals are medium to large in size, face lines slightly convex. Face and body
are white with occasional patches of brown or black, ears and face occasionally
black. Both sexes are polled. Males sometimes contain rudimentary horns.
Ears are long and drooping. Tail is extremely long and reaches fetlock. Fleece is
white, coarse and open. Belly and legs are devoid of wool. In 1972 its
population was 0.455 million whereas according to surveys carried out in 1973-
74 by the U.P. State Government, Muzaffarnagri sheep numbered only 10,989
i.e. 0.11% of the total population. As the breed is one of the heaviest, largest
and very well adapted to irrigated areas; its gradual decline in number
necessitates conservation.

Jalauni

 It is distributed over Jalaun, Jhansi and Lalitpur districts of Uttar Pradesh. The
animals are medium sized with straight nose line. Both sexes are polled. Ears
are large, flat and drooping. Tail is thin and medium in length. Fleece is coarse,
short-stapled and open, generally white. Belly and legs are devoid of wool.
According to the 1972 census its population was 0.179 million. The Uttar
Pradesh Government is presently engaged in upgrading Jalauni with Nali to
improve its wool yield and quality. Although Jalauni does not very much differ
from Nali in body size and in general appearance, Nali crosses show
improvement in fleece production as reflected by fleece weight, staple length
and quality.

Hissardale

 The breed was synthesized in the earlier part of the century at the Government
Livestock Farm, Hisar (Haryana) through crossing Australian Merino rams
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with Bikaneri (Magra) ewes by stabilizing the exotic inheritance to about 75%.
The animals are small with short legs, giving them a low set appearance and
leaf-like medium sized ears. Most animals are polled. Colour is predominantly
white, although some brown or black patches can also be observed. A small
flock of Hissardale is located at the Government Livestock Farm, Hisar. The
rams were earlier distributed primarily to the hilly regions of Kulu, Kangra etc.

SOUTHERN PENINSULAR REGION

This region (semi-arid in central peninsular and hot humid region along the coast)
comprises of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and has
19.53 million (47.78%) sheep producing 9.68 million kg (28.0%) wool of which 9.22
million kg is below 36s, mostly coloured and extremely coarse and hairy and only about
0.06 million kg (Nilgiri wool) is above 48s. The important breeds of this region are
Deccani / Bellary, Nellore, Mandya, Mecheri, Ramnad white, Madras Red, Coimbatore,
Hassan, Triruchi black and Nilgiri. About 50% of the population of sheep in this region
does not produce any wool and the rest produce very coarse, hairy and coloured fleeces.
Most of the sheep except Nilgiri, of this region are of meat type.

Deccani

 The breed is spread over the greater part of the Central Peninsular region,
comprising the semi-arid areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
Karanataka. It covers the major part of Maharashtra especially the Pune
Division, parts of Kurnool, Mehboobnagar, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Anantpur,
Warrangel and the entire districts of Medak and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh
and Bihar, Bijapur, Gulbarga and Raichur districts in Karnataka. The animals
are medium sized, predominantly black with white markings. White and
brown/fawn animals are also seen. In a survey in Maharashtra, 54.92%
animals were completely black. 21% black with white or brown spots. Rams are
horned but ewes are polled. Ears are medium long, flat and drooping. Tail is
short and thin. Fleece is extremely coarse, hairy and open. Belly and legs are
devoid of wool. According to the 1972 census the total Deccani sheep in the
area were 5.106 million.

Bellary

 This breed is not very different from Deccani. Animals found to the north of the
Tungabhadra River are called "Deccani" and those to the south of it "Bellary".
Mostly found in Bellary district of Karnataka, the animals are medium sized
with body colour ranging from white through various combinations of white
and black to black. One third of the males are horned, females are generally
polled. Ears are medium long, flat and drooping. Fleece is extremely coarse,
hairy and open. Belly and legs are devoid of wool.

Nellore
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 Based on coat colour, three varieties of this breed are: "Palla" completely white or
white with light brown spots on head, neck, back and Iegs; "Jodipi"(also called
'Jodimpu') are white with black spots particularly around the lips, eyes and
lower jaw but also on belly and legs, and "Dora" are completely brown. The
animals are relatively tall with little hair except at brisket, withers and breech.
The rams are horned but the ewes are almost always polled. The ears are long
and drooping. The tail is short and thin. 86% of the animals carry wattles.
Nellore district and neighbouring areas of Prakasam and Ongole districts of
Andhra Pradesh predominantly contain this breed.

Mandya (Syn. Bannur and Bandur)

 This breed is found in Mandya district and bordering Mysore district of

Karnataka. Relatively small animals are white in colour but in some cases their
face is light brown which may extend to the neck. Possess a compact body with
a typical reversed U-shape wedge from the rear. Ears are long, leaf-like and
drooping. Tail is short and thin. A large percentage of animals carry wattles.
Slightly Roman nosed. Both sexes are polled. Coat is extremely coarse and
hairy. Their population as per 1972 census was 0.372 million and as per 1977
census, 0.329 million. The actual number of the breed is too small. There is
high incidence of cryptorchidism in Mandya, possibly due to selection of
animals for meaty conformation. Being the best meat breed of the country, it
calls for conservation, though its body weight, weight gain, feed conversion
efficiency and carcass yield are not very superior to most other breeds.

Hassan

 This breed is localised to Hassan district of Karnataka. These are small sized
animals with white body and light brown or black spots. Ears are medium-long
and drooping. 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. Their population as per 1972 census was 0.233 million and as per 1977
census, 0.260 million.

Mecheri

 Also known as Maiylambadi and Thuvaramchambali in Coimbatore district, it is

mostly found in Mecheri, Kolathoor, Nangavalli, Omalur and Taramangalam
Panchayat Union areas of Salem district and Bhavani taluk of Coimbatore
district of Tamil Nadu. These are medium sized animals, light brown in colour.
Ears are medium sized. Both sexes are polled. Tail is short and thin. Body is
covered with very short hair, which is not shorn. Their population as per 1972
census was 0.956 million and as per 1977 census, 0.917 million.

Kilakarsal (Syn. Keezhakkaraisal, Karuvai, Keezha Karauvai, Ramnad

Karuvi and Adikarasial)
 Drvet.in 2020
 The breed is found in Rarnnathpuram, Madurai, Thanjavur and Rarnnad
districts of Tamil Nadu. Their population as per 1972 and 1977 census was
0.181 million and 0.173 million, respectively.

Vembur

 This is also called Karnadhai. The animals are tall. Their colour is white with
irregular red and fawn patches all over the body. Ears are medium sized and
drooping. Tail is thin and short. Males are horned but ewes polled. The body is
covered with short hair, which is not shorn. The breed is found in Vembur,
Kavundhanapatty, Achangulam and some other villages of Pudur panchayat
Union and Vilathikulam Panchayat areas of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
The total sheep population in the Vembur breed distribution area, according to
the 1972 census was 0.262 million and according to the 1977 census, 0.251
million.

Coimbatore

 This is also called Kurumbai. It is widely available in Coimbatore and Madurai

districts of Tamil Nadu and bordering areas of Kerala and Karnataka. The
animals are of medium size and white colour with black or brown spots. Ears
are medium in size and directed outward and backward, tail is small and thin.
38% of the males are horned but the females are polled. Fleece is white, coarse
hairy and open. The total sheep population in the Coirnbatore area according
to the 1972 census was 0.500 million and as per 1977 census, 0.475 million.

Nilagiri

 Evolved during the 19th century, the breed has originated from a crossbred base
and contains an unknown level of inheritance of Coimbatore (the local hairy
breed) and Tasmanian Merino, Cheviot and South Down exotic breeds. It is
localised to Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. The animals are medium sized. Their
body colour is generally white with exceptionally brown patches on face and
body. Face line is convex, giving a typical Roman nose. Ears are broad, flat and
drooping. Males have horn buds and scars but the females are polled. The tail
is medium and thin. The fleece is fine and dense. According to the 1972 census
the Nilgiri breed totalled 8,000 and as per 1977 census, 7,677. Well adapted to
the conditions of the Nilgiri hills, the breed produces fine fleece but there is
little organized shearing and marketing of wool. The breed is mostly
maintained for manure by tea planters and other flock owners.

Ramnad White

 This breed is distributed over Ramnad district and adjoining areas of Tirunelveli
district of Tamil Nadu. The animals are medium sized, predominantly white
though some animals have fawn or black markings over the body. The ears are
 Drvet.in 2020
medium sized and directed outward and downward. Males have twisted horns
but females are polled. Tail is short and thin. The total Ramnad sheep
population in the area according to the 1972 census was 0.782 million and as
per 1977 census, 0.750 million.

Madras Red

 It is distributed in Chengalpet and Madras districts of Tamil Nadu. The animals

are medium in sized. Their body colour is predominantly brown whose
intensity varies 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 twisted horns and the ewes are polled. Their body is
covered with short hair, which is not shorn. The total sheep population in the
Madras Red distribution area according to the 1972 and 1977 census was 0.595
million and 0.571 million respectively.

Tiruchi Black

 Also known as Tiruchi Karungurumbai, the breed is largely found in Perambalur

and Ariyalur taluks of Tiruchi district, Kallakurichy taluk of South Arcot
district, Tirupathur and Tiruvannamalai taluks of North Arcot district and
Dharampuri and a portion of Krishnagiri taluk of Dharampuri district of Tamil
Nadu. These are small sized animals with completely black body. Males are
horned but ewes polled. Ears are short and directed downward and forward.
Tail is short and thin. Their fleece is extremely coarse, hairy and open. The
total sheep population in the Tiruchi Black distribution area was 0.520 million
and 0.499 million according to the 1972 and 1977 census respectively.

Kenguri

 This is also known as Tenguri. It is found in hilly tracts of Raichur district

(particularly Lingasagar, Sethanaur and Gangarati taluks) of Kamataka. These
are medium sized animals. Their body colour is mostly dark brown, but colours
ranging from white to black with spots of different shades are also not
uncommon. Males are horned, while the females are generally polled.
Although their exact number is not known, but their population is too small.

EASTERN REGION

 This region (hot and humid) includes Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Assam and
other eastern states and has 3.48 million (8.5%) sheep, producing 1.4 million kg
(2%) of wool, primarily of below quality. This region has no distinguished breeds
of its own except in the case of Bihar where Shahabadi and Chottanagpuri breeds
are found. The sheep in this region are primarily of meat type but for Arunachal
Pradesh, which has a small number of better wool sheep. The quality of wool
 Drvet.in 2020
produced by the sheep of this region in general is small and extremely coarse,
coloured and of hairy quality.
 Chottanagpuri
 This breed is found in Chottanagpur , Ranchi, Palarnau, Hazaribagh, Singbhmn,
Dhanbad and Santhal Parganas of Bihar and Bankura district of West Bengal.
These are small light weight animals, light grey and brown in colour which
possess small ears parallel to the head. Tail is thin and short. Both sexes are
polled. Fleece is coarse, hairy and open which is generally not clipped. The total
sheep population in the Chottanagpur area was 0.647 million according to the
1972 census and 0.524 million as per 1977 census.
 Shahabadi
 This is also known as plain type sheep. It is distributed in shahabad, Patna and
Gaya districts of Bihar. These are medium sized leggy animals. The fleece colour
is mostly grey, sometimes with black spots. Ears are medium sized and drooping.
Tail is extremely long and thin. Both sexes are polled. Fleece is extremely coarse,
hairy and open; legs and belly are devoid of wool. The total population in the
Shahabadi distribution area according to the 1972 census was 0.333 million and
as per 1977 census, 0.596 million.
 Balangir
 This is distributed over North-western districts of Orissa, Balangir, Sarnbalpur
and Sundargarh. These are medium sized animals of white or light brown or of
mixed colours. A few animals are black also. The ears are small and stumpy.
Males are horned and females polled. Tail is medium long and thin. Fleece is
extremely coarse, hairy and open. Legs and belly are devoid of wool. The total
population in the Balangir distribution area was 0.316 million (1972 census).
 Ganjam
 This breed is distributed in Koraput, Phulbani and part of Puri district of Orissa.
These are medium sized animals with coat colour ranging from brown to dark
tan; some have white spots on the face and body. Ears are of medium size and
drooping. Nose line is lightly convex. Tail is medium long and thin. Males are
horned but females polled. Fleece is hairy and short which is not shorn. The total
population in the Ganjarn distribution area was 0.3 million (1972 census).
 Tibetan
 This breed is distributed in Northern Sikkim and Kameng district of Arunachal
Pradesh. These are medium-sized animals, mostly white with black or brown face
and brown and white spots on the body. Both sexes are horned. The nose line is
convex, giving a typical Roman nose. The ears are small, broad and drooping. The
fleece is relatively fine and dense. The belly, legs and face are devoid of wool. The
total number of Tibetan sheep in the area was about 30,000. Tibetan sheep
produce excellent, lustrous carpet-quality wool, which was available in plenty to
the Indian states bordering Tibet when the Indo-Tibetan border was open.
However, after its closer in 1962, little Tibetan wool is available from Tibet.
 Bonpala
 This is found in southern Sikkim. Their number is about 16,000. The animals are
tall, leggy and well-built. Fleece colour ranges from complete white to complete
black with a number of intermediary tones. Ears are small and tubular. Both
 Drvet.in 2020
sexes are horned. Tail is thin and short. Fleece is coarse hairy and open. Belly and
legs are devoid of wool.

NORTHERN TEMPERATE REGION

 This region comprises of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and hilly parts
of Uttar Pradesh and has approximately 3.69 million (9.04% of the country’s
sheep population) sheep. They produce about 3.08 million kg wool (8.27% of the
country's wool production) of which 0.77 million kg is of 36 to 46 quality, suitable
for carpets. The rest 2.32 million kg is of 48 and above standard and is suitable
for apparel and superior quality carpets. The important breeds of this region are
Rampur Bushair, Kashmir Vally, Gurez, Karnah and Gaddi. Around 1/3rd of
sheep in Jammu and Kashmir and about 15-20% in other parts of this region are
expected to be the crosses of native breeds with exotic fine wool breeds. They
have been named as Kashmir Merino in Jammu and Kashmir. The description of
various breeds of this region is as under:
 Gaddi
 Also known as Bhadarwah, the breed is distributed in Kishtwar and Bhadarwah
tehsils in Jammu provinces of Jammu and Kashmir state, Hamirpur, Ramnagar,
Udhampur and Kulu and Kangra valleys of Himachal Pradesh and Dehradun,
Nainital, Tehri Garhwal and Chamoli districts of Uttar Pradesh. These are
medium sized animals, usually white, although tan, brown and black and mixture
of these are also seen. Males are entirely horned but females to the extent 10 to 15
% are horned. Tail is small and thin. The fleece is relatively fine and dense. Total
sheep population in the Gaddi distribution area was 0.686 million as per the 1972
census and according to the 1977 census, 0.804 million.
 Rampur Bushair
 This is distributed in Simla, Kinnaur, Nahan, Bilaspur, Solan, Lahul and Spiti
districts of Himachal Pradesh and Dehradun, Rishikesh, Chakrota and Nainital
districts of Uttar Pradesh. These are medium sized animals. The fleece colour is
predominantly white, but brown, black and tan colour is also seen on the fleece in
varying proportions. The ears are long and drooping. The face line is convex,
giving a typical Roman nose. The males are horned but most of the females are
polled. The fleece is of medium quality and dense. Legs, belly and face are devoid
of wool. The total sheep population in the Rampur Bushair distribution area
according to the 1972 census was 0.550 million.
 Bhakarwal
 The breed has derived its name from a nomadic tribe which rears these sheep.
Due to its entirely migratory nature, there is no distinct home tract of this breed.
These are medium sized animals, with a typical Roman nose. The animals are
generally white, although coloured fleeces are also occasionally observed. All
animals are spotted, fawn or grey. Rams are horned and the ewes polled. Ears are
long and drooping. Tail is small and thin. Fleece is coarse and open. The adult
ewes weigh between 29 and 36 kg, and rams as much as 55 kg. In adult females at
withers is around 62 cm, body length 65 cm and chest girth 82 cm. The sheep are
shorn thrice a year and the total annual wool produced ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 kg
 Drvet.in 2020
per animal. The wool quality is from 36 to 40 with fibre diameter varying from 6
to 38.
 Poonchi
 This breed is distributed in Poonch and part of Rajouri districts of Jammu
provinces. The animals are similar in appearance to Gaddi except being lighter in
weight. Animals are predominantly white in colour, including the face but
spotted sheep varying from brown to light black are also seen. Ears are medium
long. Tail is short and thin. Legs are also short, giving a low-set conformation.
The weight of the adult ram ranges from 35 to 40 kg and that of a ewe from 25 to
30 kg. Wool is of medium to fine quality, mostly white in colour. Sheep are shorn
three times a year which produce between 0.9 to 1.3 kg greasy wool sheep per
year. Fibre length ranges between 15 to 18 cm and the fibre diameter between 22
and 30 µ.
 Karnah
 This is distributed in Karnah, a mountainous tehsil in North Kashmir. These are
generally large animals. The rams have large curved horns and a prominent nose
line. Wool is generally white in colour. The sheep are shorn twice a year, in spring
and autumn which produce between 1.0 to 1.5 kg of wool per animal per year.
Staple length ranges from 12 to 15 cm and the average fibre diameter between 29
and 32 µ.
 Gurez
 The breed is distributed in the Gurez area of Northern Kashmir. A largest of the
sheep breeds of Jammu and Kashmir, generally white in colour, although some
animals are brown or black or have brown or black spots. A small proportion of
the animals have small, pointed horns. Tail is thin and short. Fleece is generally
coarse and hairy. Ears are long, thin and pointed. The annual greasy-fleece
weight ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 kg per animal.
 Kashmir Merino
 This breed has originated from crosses of different Merino types (at first Delaine
Merinos, and subsequently Rambouillet and Soviet Merinos) with predominantly
migratory native sheep breeds, viz. Gaddi, Bhakarwal and Poonchi. The level of
inheritance in the crossbred animals included in Kashmir Merino predominantly
varies between 50 - 75% but may vary from very low to almost 100% Merino. As
the animals are highly diversified because of a number of native breeds lived, no
definite description of the breed can be given. Some flocks of Kashmir Merino are
maintained at the state farms.
 Changthangi
 This beed is distributed in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The animals are
strongly built. large framed with good fleece cover of an extraordinarily long
staple. Animals are usually shorn twice a year, generally in May/June and
September/October but in some cases shearing is done only once a year, in
July/August Greasy-wool production ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 kg per animal per
year. The wool is of a good carpet / medium apparel quality.

MEASUREMENT OF ECONOMIC TRAITS OF SHEEP

 Drvet.in 2020
Sheep rearing acts as a major source of livelihood for majority of landless agricultural
labourers and supplements their meagre income. Besides meat and skin, a small income
is also derived through penning which is a very common practice followed to fertilise the
fields. Out of all the rural poverty alleviation programmes implemented, sheep rearing is
giving best results. The calculations of the following economical traits are important in
sheep for successful running of the sheep farm. They are

 Age at first lambing : Age of a ewe in days at the time of first lambing.
 Tupping percentage : Number of ewes mated to the number of ewes put to
ram.
 Lambing percentage : Number of ewes lambed to the number of ewes put to
ram.
 Weaning percentage : Number of lambs weaned to the number of ewes put to
ram.
 Twinning percentage : Number of twin births to the total number of births
(total number of ewes lambed).
 Lambing interval: Number of days from the date of one lambing to the date of
next lambing (the order of lambing interval should be indicated as I, II, III
etc.).
 Birth weight : Weight of a lamb in kg at birth (weighed within 24 hours).
 Weaning weight : Weight of a lamb in kg at 90 days of age (weaning).
 Weight at market age : Weight of a lamb in kg at the market age of 180, 270 or
365 days. Usually for Indian sheep, 9th month weight is called as market
weight.
 Growth rate
o Pre-weaning growth rate : Daily weight gain in grams from the date of
birth to date of weaning.

(Weaning weight (90th day) – Birth weight ) / 90

o Post-weaning growth rate : Daily weight gain in grams from the date
weaning to date of marketing

Weight at market (180, 270 or 365 days) – Weaning weight

Age at market (180, 270 or 365 days) – 90

 Mortality percentage
o Pre-weaning mortality : Number of lambs died from birth to 90th day
(weaning) to the number of lambs born alive.
o Post-weaning mortality : Number of lambs died from weaning to 365
days to the total number of lambs weaned.
o Adult mortality : Number of adult sheep died during the year to the
number at the beginning of the year.

WOOL CHARACTERISTICS
 Drvet.in 2020
 Fleece weight
o Grease fleece weight : Weight of raw fleece in kg shorn in a year (usually
first shearing at six months and then annually).
o Clean fleece weight : Weight of clean fleece in kg derived from raw
fleece.
 Fibre thickness or fineness of wool: Average diameter of a wool fibre in microns.
 Fibre density : Average number of wool fibres per square centimetre area.
 Staple length: Length of a wool fibre in centimetre obtained by measuring the
natural staple without stretching the crimp.
 Medullation percentage: Number of medullated fibres to the total number of
fibres examined.

LIST OF REGISTERS TO BE MAINTAINED IN A SHEEP FARM

 Birth register
 Youngstock register
 Adultstock register
 Livestock account register
 Disposal register
 Mortality register
 Weighment register (Young stock and adult stock)
 Ram performance register
 Ewe performance register
 Wool register
 Mating register
 Feed register
 Veterinary register
 Index card (ram card / ewe card)

EXERCISE-3: BREEDS OF GOAT AND MEASUREMENT OF THEIR

ECONOMIC TRAITS

Exotic goat breeds

Saanen

 The Saanen dairy goat originated in Switzerland, in the Saanen Valley. Saanen
does are heavy milk producers and usually yield 3-4 percent milk fat. It is
medium to large in size, weighing approximately 65kg with rugged bone and
plenty of vigor. Saanens are white or light cream in color. Ears should be erect
and alertly carried, preferably pointing forward. The face should be straight or
dished. The breed is sensitive to excessive sunlight and performs best in cooler
conditions. The provision of shade is essential and tan skin is preferable.

Toggenburg
 Drvet.in 2020
 The Toggenburg is a Swiss dairy goat from Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland.
They are also credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed. This breed is
medium size, sturdy, vigorous, and alert in appearance. Slightly smaller than
the other Alpine breeds. Does weight is 55kg. Colour is solid varying from light
fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade. Distinct white
markings and varying degrees of cream markings are acceptable. The ears are
erect and carried forward. Facial lines may be dished or straight, never roman.
Toggenburgs perform best in cooler conditions. They are noted for their
excellent udder development and high milk production, and have an average
fat test of 3.7 percent.

Alpine

 Alpine is a breed of goat that originated in the Alps. There are varieties of Alpine
namely French Alpine and British Alpine. No distinct colour has been
established, and it may range from pure white through shades of fawn, grey,
brown, black, red, bluff, piebald, or various shadings or combinations of these
colours. Both sexes are generally short haired, but bucks usually have a roach
of long hair along the spine. The beard of males is also quite pronounced. The
ears in the Alpine should be of medium size, fine textured, and preferably
erect. Mature females weigh not less than 60 kg. Males weigh not less than 75
kg. Alpine females are excellent milkers and usually have large, well-shaped
udders with well-placed teats of desirable shape. These are hardy, adaptable
animals that thrive in any climate while maintaining good health and excellent
production.

Angora

 The Angora goat originated in the district of Angora in Asia Minor. Angora stock
was distributed to different countries. The most valuable characteristic of the
Angora as compared to other goats is the value of the mohair that is clipped.
The average goat shears approximately 2.4 kg of mohair per shearing and are
usually sheared twice a year. They produce a fiber with a staple length of
between 12 and 15cm. The mohair is very similar to wool in chemical
composition but differs from wool in that it is has a much smoother surface
and very thin, smooth scale. Consequently, mohair lacks the felting properties
of wool. Mohair is very similar to coarse wool in the size of fiber. It is a strong
fiber that is elastic, has considerable luster, and takes dye very well. Mohair
has been considered very valuable as an upholstering material for the making
of covering materials where strength, beauty, and durability are desired. The
market valuation of mohair fluctuates more than does that of wool, but, in
general, satisfactory prices are obtained for the clip. During depressed times,
the market has favored fine hair and because fine hair is normally shorn from
young goats, selection for fertility has also become increasingly important.
Both sexes are horned. The bucks usually have a pronounced spiral horns,
whereas, the horn of the female is comparatively short, much smaller, and has
 Drvet.in 2020
only a very slight tendency to spiral. The Angora goat is a small animal as
compared to sheep, common goats, or milk goats. Mature bucks weigh from 80
to 100 kg but do not reach their maximum weight until after five years of age.
Does weight ranges from 30 to 50 kg. The Angora goat is not as prolific as
other goats and twins are not the usual birth.

Boer

 The Boer is animproved indigenous South African breed with some infusion of
European, Angora and Indian goat breeding many years ago. The Boer goat is
primarily a meat goat. It is a horned breed with lop ears and showing a variety
of color patterns. The Boer goat is being used very effectively in South Africa in
combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and limited impact on the
grass cover. The mature Boer male weighs between 110-135 kg and Boer
females between 90 and 100 kg. Performance records for this breed indicate
exceptional individuals are capable of average daily gains over 200 g/day in
feedlot. More standard performance would be 150-170 g/day. A kidding rate of
200% is common for this breed. Puberty is reached early, ususally about 6
months for the males and 10-12 months for the females.

GOATS BREEDS IN INDIA

 Diversity in goats, represented by 20 breeds, is related with the geography and

ecology of the region, environmental variations, production system and genetic
potential of the breed. Goats of temperate Himalayan region(Changthangi and
Chegu) possess the finest quality under-coat called cashmere or pashmina. The
goat breeds found in north and north-western region viz. Jamunapari,
Marwari, Zalawadi, Beetal, Kutchi, Sirohi, Barbari, Mehsana, Surti, Jhakrana
and Gohilwadi are large in size and primarily used for meat and milk purpose.
In the southern and peninsular part of India, goats with dual production of
meat and milk viz. Sangamneri, Osmanabadi, Kanai Adu and Malabari are
found. The highly prolific meat breeds (Ganjam and Black Bengal) are found in
the eastern region. Some other populations are also found in different parts of
India like Andaman Feral goat, Barren goat, Teressa (A & N Islands); Bidari
(Karnataka); Assamese hill goat (Assam) and Attapady Black (Kerala). Wild
relatives of domesticated goat include Markhor, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan
Tahr and Nilgiri Tahr.

BARBARI

 Distribution
 District of Rajasthan, Etah, Agra and Aligarh districts of Uttar Pradesh, and
Bharatpur. The total goat population in the Barbari distribution area, according
to the 1972 census, was 0,444 m, of which 0,028 m adult males and 0,270 m
adult females. Officials of the State Animal Husbandry Department state that
Barbari goats true to breed number only about 30000. The breed, quite
 Drvet.in 2020
important for milk and meat, is a dwarf breed highly suited for rearing under
restrained and stall-feeding conditions. In addition to being a good milkier, it is
highly prolific. Considering the number of animals reported, there is serious need
for undertaking conservation measures. It was observed in personal surveys that
most males are castrated early in life and fattened for slaughter at religious
festivals, and that a sizeable number of non-descript goats are kept for milk
production by owners who maintain Barbaris, as all the milk of the latter is
allowed to be suckled by their kids to ensure good growth.
 Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 37.85 22.56
Body length 70.45 58.68
Height at withers 70.67 56.18
Chest girth 75.53 64.31

 Conformation
 Small animals, with compact body. The orbital bone is quite prominent, so that
eyes appear bulging. There is wide variation in coat color, but white with small
light brown patches, is the most typical. Ears are short, tubular, almost double)
with the slit opening in front, erect, directed upward and outward. Both sexes
have twisted horns, medium in length and directed upward and backward; horn
length: 11.17 cm. Bucks have a large thick beard.
 Reproduction

Days
Age at first kidding 648
Kidding interval 348
Service period 70
Kidding percentage (%) 70.2
Litter size: (%)
Singles 49.64
Twins 49.32
Triplets 1.04
Quadruplets

 Performance
 Drvet.in 2020

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 107.120
Lactation length (days) 150.13
Meat (kg.)
At birth 1.739
At weaning 6.661
6 months 7.800
9 months 12.566
12 months 14.517

BENGAL

Individuals of this breed are sometimes distinguished by color as Black, Brown, Gray
and White Bengal. Personal surveys suggest that the breed could be separated into two
types, one found in the hot humid plains of West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, and the
other in the sub-temperate and humid uplands and plains of Assam and other
northeastern States. The latter were earlier known as Assam Plain and Assam Hill goats,
depending on their location but are not substantially different from the former.

Distribution

Distributed throughout all eastern and northeastern India, from Bihar through northern
Orissa to all West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
T he total Bengal-type goat population in the States of West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa,
according to the 1972 census, was 14.164 m, of which 2.198 m adult males and 6.257 m
adult females. In Assam and other northeastern States, the goat population was 1.501 m,
of which 0.304 m adult males and 0.543 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa

Adult males Adult females
Body weight 32.7 20.38
Body length 63.2 51.2
Height at withers 58.3 55.4
Chest girth 72.0 63.2
 Drvet.in 2020

Assam and other North-estern region

Adult males Adult females
Body weight 15.38 14.27
Body length 53.8 54.8
Height at withers 49.5 49.3
Chest girth 58.7 59.1

Conformation

Small animals. The predominant coat color is black; brown, gray and white are also
found, the former two sometimes with black markings along the back and on the belly
and extremities. In a survey of 230 goats in Assam, 96 were completely black, 51
completely white, 11 brown, 45 white with black markings, and 17 brown with black
markings. In another survey in Bihar, the proportion of gray to brown was 35:65. The
hair coat is short and lustrous. The nose line is slightly depressed. Both sexes have small
to medium horns, directed upward and sometimes backward; average horn length: 6.4
cm (range: 5.8 to 11.5 cm). Beard is observed in both sexes. The ears are short, flat and
carried horizontally; average ear length: 13.8 cm (range: 11.5 to 14.1 cm).

Reproduction

Kidding percentage (%) 71.16

Litter size: (%)
Singles 44.6
Twins 51.3
Triplets 4.1

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 58
Lactation length (days) 118
Meat (kg.)
At birth 1.31
 Drvet.in 2020

At weaning 6.09
6 months 8.80
9 months 12.60

CHIGU

Distribution

Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, arid Uttar Kashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh
districts of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Tibet. Mountainous ranges with the altitude
varying from 3500 to 5000 m. The area is mostly cold and arid.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 39.42 25.71
Body length 75.8 69.3
Height at withers 68.6 60.0
Chest girth 80.70 73.3

Conformation

Medium-sized animals. The coat is usually white, mixed with grayish red. Both sexes
have horns, directed upward, backward and outward, with one or more twists. These
goats are not very different in conformation from Changthangi.

Reproduction

Days
Age at first kidding 615.8
Kidding interval 272.8
Service period
Kidding percentage (%) 65.4
Litter size: (%)
Singles 99.2
 Drvet.in 2020

Twins 0.8

Performance

Meat (kg.)
At birth 2.10
At weaning 8.41
6 months 12.17
9 months 14.75
12 months 18.46
Hair
Average fiber length (cm) 5.9
Average production (g) 120.31
Average fiber diameter (µ) 11.77

GADDI

Distribution

Chamba, Kangra, Kulu, Bilaspur, Simla, Kinnaur and lahaul and Spiti in Himachal
Pradesh and Dehradun, Nainital, Tehrigarhwal and Chamoli hill districts in Uttar
Pradesh. The total goat population in the Gaddi distribution area, according to the 1972
census, was 0.770 m, of which 0.125 m adult males and 0.468 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 27.45 24.72
Body length 69.5 65.2
Height at withers 61.3 58.1
Chest girth 72.2 69.3

Conformation

Medium-sized animals. Coat color is mostly white, but black and brown and
 Drvet.in 2020
combinations of these are also seen. Both sexes have large horns, directed upward and
backward and occasionally twisted. Ears are medium long and drooping. The nose line
is convex. The udder is small and rounded, with small teats placed laterally. The hair is
white, lustrous and long. Flock size ranges from 20 to 500.

Reproduction

Essentially single, twinning occurs in only 15 to 20% of births.

Performance

Milk (g.) 380

Hair
Average fleece yield per clip (g) 300
Medullation (%) 74.48
Average fiber diameter (µ) 73.4

GANJAM

Distribution

Southern districts of Orissa: Ganjam and Koraput. The total goat population in the
Ganjam distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.448 m, of which 0.056 m
adult males and 0.103 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 44.05 31.87
Body length 76.2 67.6
Height at withers 84.5 77.1
Chest girth 83.1 74.6

Conformation

Tall, leggy animals. The coat may be black, white, brown or spotted, but black
predominates. Hairs are short and lustrous. Ears are medium sized; ear length: 14.50 +-
0.15 cm. Both sexes have long, straight horns, directed upward; horn length: 20.9+-
 Drvet.in 2020
0.33 cm. Tail is medium-long. The average flock contains 84.5 +- 37.5 individuals range:
20 to 500, of which 2.9 adult males, 59.8 adult females and 21.8 young.

Reproduction

Days
Kidding interval 376
Service period 218.6
Kidding percentage (%) 82
Litter size: (%)
Singles 98.4
Twins 1.6

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 319.44
Lactation length (days) 141.6
Meat (kg.)
At birth 2.31
At weaning
6 months 9.52
9 months
12 months 11.69

JAMNAPARI

The name is derived from the location of the breed beyond the river Jamna (Jamna Par)
in Uttar Pradesh. [A distinct strain.cal1ed Ramdhan (also known locally as Kandari Ka
Khana) originated from a cross between a doe from the Alwar region in Rajasthan and a
Jamnapari buck; it has a typical nose shape, even more like a parrot mouth than is
usual1y observed in the true breed. The strain is known to have better milk production
and growth, but its flocks are very limited in number.

Distribution
 Drvet.in 2020
Agra, Mathura and Etawa districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bhind and Morena districts in
Madhya Pradesh. However the pure stocks are found only in about 80 villages in the
vicinity of Batpura and Chakar Nagar in Etawa district. The total goat population in the
Jamnapari distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.58 m. However,
officials of the Animal Husbandry Department of Uttar Pradesh state that the total
number of pure-bred Jamnapari does not exceed 5000; these are located mostly in the
Chakar Nagar area, between the Jamna and Chambal ravines. There is a serious need for
conservation, multiplication and further improvement of the breed, considering the
extremely small numbers of pure-bred animals remaining. Jamnapari is one of the
largest goats in India; it has been extensively utilized to upgrade indigenous breeds for
meat and milk, and has been taken to neighboring countries for the same purpose.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 44.66 38.03
Body length 77.37 75.15
Height at withers 78.17 75.20
Chest girth 79.52 796.11

Conformation

Large animals. There is a great variation in coat color, but the typical coat is white with
small tan patches on head and neck. The typical character of the breed is a highly convex
nose line with a tuft of hair, yielding a parrot mouth appearance. The ears are very long,
flat and drooping; ear length: 26.79 cm. Both sexes are horned; horn length: 8.69 cm.
Tail is thin and short. A thick growth of hair on the buttocks, known as feathers,
obscures the udder when observed from behind. The udder is well developed, round,
with large conical teats. The average flock contains 16.0 (range 8 to 41) of which 0.25
adult males 8.65 adult females and 7.1 young.

Reproduction

Days
Age at first kidding 737
Kidding interval 229
Service period 101
Kidding percentage (%) 79.6
Litter size: (%)
 Drvet.in 2020

Singles 56.2
Twins 43.1
Triplets 0.7
Quadruplets

Breeding: Flocks are pure-bred. Selection in bucks is based on dam's milk.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 201.96
Lactation length (days) 191
Meat (kg.)
At birth 4.27
At weaning 12.11
6 months 15.56
9 months 24.00
12 months 29.65
Hair (g per year)

MARWARI

Distribution

Marwari region of Rajasthan, comprising Jodhpur, Pal, Nagaur, Bikaner, Jalore,

Jaisalmer and Barmer districts. The breed also extends into certain areas of Gujarat,
especially Mehsana district. The total goat population in the Marwari distribution area,
according to the 1972 census, was 3.914 m, of which 0.072 m adult males and 2.484 m
adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 33.18 25.85
Body length 70.97 63.51
 Drvet.in 2020

Height at withers 74.74 69.29

Chest girth 71.68 68.60

Conformation

Medium-sized animals. Predominantly black with long shaggy hair coat. In about 5% of
individuals, white or brown patches are also observed. Beard is present in both sexes.
Ears are flat, medium in length and drooping; ear length: 16.38 + 0.20 cm. Both sexes
have short, pointed horns, directed upward and backward; horn length: 10.10 + 0.18 cm.
Tail is small and thin. Udder is small and round, with small teats placed laterally.
Average flock size: 46.0 to 48.0 (range: from l0 to 100) containing 0.6 adult males, 36.4
adult females and 11.0 young.

Reproduction

Kidding percentage 52.5

Singles Generally

Breeding

Pure breeding. Breeding males are selected on size and hair production; on, mostly from
within the flock. The Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Rajasthan
has introduced cross-breeding with Jamnapari; to increase milk production.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (kg) 91.39
Lactation length (days) 105.80
Meat (Kg)
At birth 2.29
At weaning 6.00
6 months 8.70
9 months 13.70
12 months 16.25
Hair (g. per year) 302.9
 Drvet.in 2020

MEHSANA

Distribution

Banaskantha, Mehsana, Gandhi Nagar and Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat. The total
goat population in the Mehsana distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was
0.736 m, of which 0.030 m adult males and 0.530 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 37.14 32.39
Body length 71.2 68
Height at withers 80.4 74.3
Chest girth 76.9 73

Conformation

Large animals. The coat is black, with white spots at the base of the ear. Nose line is
straight. The hair coat is long and shaggy. Ears are white, leaf-like and drooping; ear
length: 15.8 cm. Both sexes have slightly twisted horns, curved upward and backward
horn length: 11 cm .The udder is well developed; the teats are large and conical. The
average flock contains 54.7 individuals (range: 20 to 300), of which 0.7 adult males,
39.4 adult females and 14.6 young.

Reproduction

Kidding percentage (%) 69.5

Litter size: (%)
Singles 89.7
Twins 10.3

Breeding

Pure breeding. Males are selected primarily on body size.

Performance

Milk
 Drvet.in 2020

Lactation yield (Kg)/day 1.32

Lactation length (days) 197
Hair (g per year) 210

MALABARI

Distribution

Calicut, Cannannore and Malapuram districts of Kerala. 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.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 38.96 31.12
Body length 70.2 63.5
Height at withers 71.9 63.2
Chest girth 73.8 67.4

Conformation

Medium-sized animals. Coat color 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. Tail is small and thin; tail length: 13.16 +- 0.06 cm. Udder is small and round,
with medium-sized teats. 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.

Reproduction

Days
Age at first kidding 609.9
Kidding interval 286.6
Litter size: (%)
 Drvet.in 2020

Singles 50.5
Twins 42.4
Triplets 6.6
Quadruplets 0.5

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.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 43.78
Lactation length (days) 143.5
Meat (kg.)
At birth 1.63
At weaning 5.76
6 months 8.73
9 months 11.41
12 months 14.12

KUTCHI

Distribution

Kutch district in Gujarat. The total goat population in the Kutch district. According to
the 1972 census was 0.402 m. of which 0.018 m adult males and 0.298 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 43.5 39.29
Body length 77.1 75.0
 Drvet.in 2020

Height at withers 86.4 82.4

Chest girth 78.4 76.1

Conformation

Large animals. The coat is predominantly black but a few white, brown and spotted
animals are also found. The hair is coarse and long. The nose is slightly Roman. The ears
are long, broad and drooping; ear length: 22.0 +- 0.26 cm. Both sexes have short, thick
horns, pointed upward; horn length: 10+- 0.19 cm. The udder is reasonably well
developed; teats are conical.

Flock structure: The average flock contains 83.3+- 14.5 individuals (range: 30 to 300),
of which 2.4 adult males, 70.3 adult females and 10.6 young.

Reproduction

Kidding percentage (%) 75.5

Litter size: (%)
Singles 84.1
Twins 15.2
Triplets 0.7

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg)/day 1.84
Lactation length (days) 117.7
Hair (g per shorn) 229.3 twice a year

KANNAIADU

Distribution

Ramnathapuram and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu. 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.

Breed characteristics
 Drvet.in 2020

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 35.76 28.62
Body length 71.06 67.30
Height at withers 84.12 76.15
Chest girth 77.53 70.83

Conformation

All animals, predominantly black or black with white spots. Ears are medium-long; ear
length: 15.67+- 0.13 cm. Males are horned; females are polled. Tail is medium-sized and
thin; tail length: 15.77 +- 0.47 cm. Udder is small and round, with small teats placed
laterally. The average flock contains 17 individuals (range: 2 to 40 (61), of which 1 buck,
11 does and 6 young.

Reproduction

Kidding percentage (%) 80-85

Litter size: (%)
Singles 90
Twins 10

Performance

Animals are maintained for meat purposes and are not milked.

JHAKRANA

Distribution

Jhakrana and a few surrounding villages near Behror, in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.
The number of anima1s of this breed is rather small. As it is restricted to a very limited
area. Considering that it is a good indigenous dairy breed, there is need for its
conservation.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 57.8 44.48
 Drvet.in 2020

Body length 84.10 77.74

Height at withers 90.40 79.12
Chest girth 86.00 79.13

Conformation

Large animals. The coat, predominantly black with white spots on ears and muzz1e, is
short and lustrous. Face line is straight. Forehead is narrow and slightly bulging. The
breed is quite similar to Beetal, the major difference being that Jhakrana is longer. Ear
length is medium: 13.8 + 0.19. Udder is Plarge, with large conical teats. The average
f1ock consists of 14.2+- 2.1 individuals; (range: 5 to 34), including 0.05 adult males,
9.08 adult females and 5.07 young.

Reproduction

Litter size: (%)

Singles 57
Twins 41
Triplets 2

Breeding

Pure breeding. Males are se1ected on the basis of their dam's mi1k yield. Breeding bucks
are generally produced from within the f1ock. Owners of small f1ocks who do not
maintain a buck utilize services of the buck from a neighbor's f1ock.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 121.80
Lactation length (days) 114.7

SIROHI

Distribution

Sirohi district of Rajasthan.The breed also extends to Palanpur in Gujarat. The total goat
population in the Sirohi; distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.295 m,
of which 0.007 m adult males and 0.204 m adult females.
 Drvet.in 2020
Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 50.37 22.54
Body length 80.0 61.3
Height at withers 85.6 68.4
Chest girth 80.3 62.4

Conformation

Compact, medium-sized animals. Coat color predominant1y brown, with 1ignt or dark
brown patches; a very few individuals are completely white. Most animals are wattled.
Ears are f1at and 1eaf-like. medium-sized and drooping; ear length: 18.8 + _0.6 cm (15).
Both sexes have smal1 horns curved upward and backward; horn 1ength: 7.7 ~ 0.15 cm
(144). Tail is medium in length and curved upward; tai1 1ength: 16.7 ~ 0.14 cm (153).
Udder is smal1 and round with small teats placed laterally. Average f1ock size is 60
(range: 10 to 200) containing 1 adult male, 42 adult females and 17 young.

Reproduction

Kidding percentage 89.3%

Litter size
Singles 91.5%
Twins 8.5%

Breeding

Generally pure breeding. Males are selected on size from within flocks. There is some
introduction of Marwari for increasing hair production.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 71.18
Lactation length (days) 174.8
Meat
At birth 2.82
 Drvet.in 2020

At weaning 9.92
6 months 13.48
9 months 16.95
12 months 21.27

SANGAMNERI

Distribution

Poona and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra. 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.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 38.37 28.97
Body length 69.8 62.5
Height at withers 77.3 68.0
Chest girth 76.0 71.0

Conformation

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

Reproduction

Days
Age at first kidding 422.2
Kidding interval 333.7
Service period 155.6
 Drvet.in 2020

Litter size: (%)

Singles 69.9
Twins 30.0
Triplets 0.5

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

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg) 83.4
Lactation length (days) 165
Meat (kg.)
At birth 1.86
At weaning 7.09
6 months 10.06
9 months 13.44
12 months 17.33
Hair (g per clip) 250-300

OSMANABADI

Distribution

Latur Tuljapur and Udgir taluks of Osmanabadi district of Maharashtra. The total goat
population in the Osmanabadi distribution area. accoriding to the 1972 census, was
0.219 m. of which 0.020 m adult males and 0.119 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 33.6 32.36
Body length 69.12 67.51
Height at withers 77.87 74.79
 Drvet.in 2020

Chest girth 72.06 72.04

Conformation

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

Reproduction

Kidding percentage (%) 129.9

Litter size: (%)
Singles 70.5
Twins 29.0
Triplets 0.5
Quadruplets

Breeding: Pure breeding. There is little selection.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg)/day 0.5-1.5
Lactation length (months) 3-5
Meat (kg.)
At birth 2.39
At weaning 7.34
6 months 11.07
9 months 15.12

ZALAWADI

Distribution
 Drvet.in 2020
Surendranagar and Rajkot districts in Gujarat. The total goat population in the Zalawadi
distribution area according to the 1972 census was 0.341 m. of which 0.013 m adult
males and 0.256 m adult females.

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 38.84 32.99
Body length 75.6 71.8
Height at withers 83.3 78.5
Chest girth 76.8 74.2

Conformation

Large animals. Coat is black and contains long coarse hair. Ears are long, wide, leaf-like
and drooping; ear length: 19.0 +- 0.20 cm. Both sexes have long twisted horns, pointed
upward; horn length: 1673 +- 0.2 cm. The udder is well developed, with large conical
teats. The average flock contains 41.5 individuals (range: 10 to 60), of which 0.9 adult
males, 28.7 adult females and 11.9 young.

Reproduction

Days
Kidding percentage (%) 71.2
Litter size: (%)
Singles 82.1
Twins 17.9

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield (Kg)/day 2.02
Lactation length (days) 197.2
Hair (g per year) 245.3

BEETAL
 Drvet.in 2020

Distribution

Throughout the States of Punjab and Haryana. True-bred animals are however found in
the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Ferozepur in Punjab. The total goat population
in the Beetal distribution area, according to the 1972 livestock census, was 0.159 m, of
which 0.014 m adult males and 0.084 m adult females. The goat population of Punjab
has shown a marked decline. Surveys carried out by the Division of Dairy Cattle
Genetics of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) showed that both the number
of flocks and the number of goats per flock have decreased, primarily owing to an
increase in irrigated cultivated areas and the shortage of natural vegetation available for
browsing. Beetal is a good dairy breed, second to Jamnapari in size but is superior to it
in that it is more prolific and more easily adaptable to different agro-ecological
conditions and to stall-feeding. Jamnapari is more sensitive

Breed characteristics

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 59.07 34.97
Body length 85. 70.42
Height at withers 91.60 77.13
Chest girth 86.0 73.7

Conformation

Large animals. Variab1e coat color, predominantly black or brown with white spots of
differing sizes. In a survey conducted by NDRI in the home tract of the breed, 92.6%
animals were b1ack and 7.4% brown. The coat is short and 1ustrous. The face 1ine is
convex, with typical Roman nose but not as prominent as in Jamnapari. Ears are long
and f1at, curled and drooping ear length: 24.8 t 0.65 cm (18) Both sexes have thick,
medium-sized horns, carried horizontally with a slight twist directed backward and
upward; horn length: 11.95 t 0.76 cm. Tail is small and thin. The udder is 1arge and well
developed, with large conical teats. The average flock contains 21.06 + 1.92 individuals,
of which 1.5 adult males, 11.7 adult females and 7.8 young.

Reproduction

Days
Age at first kidding 761
Kidding interval 368
Service period 160
Kidding percentage 176
 Drvet.in 2020

Litter size: (%)

Singles 40.66
Twins 52.6
Triplets 6.52
Quadruplets 0.22

Breeding

Pure breeding. Breeding males are generally selected on the basis of their dam's milk
yield. The services of a buck of a neighboring owner are commonly utilized when a flock
does not possess a buck.

Performance

Milk
Lactation yield 177.38
Lactation length 187.0
Meat(Kg)
At birth 2.80
At weaning 9.26
6 months 12.18
9 months 15.42
12 months 21.83

CHANGTHANGI

Distribution

Changthang region of Ladakh, at altitudes above 4000 m. The goat population in this
region, according to the 1972 census, was approximately 0.04 m.

Climate: A cold arid region. Average annual precipitation: 9.26 cm, distributed
throughout the year, with maximal during January/April. Summer and winter
temperatures are extreme (+40 ° C to -40 ° C). Most cultivation takes place along the
rivers.

Breed characteristics
 Drvet.in 2020

Adult males Adult females

Body weight 20.37 19.75
Body length 49.8 52.4
Height at withers 49.0 51.6
Chest girth 63.0 65.2

Conformation

Medium-sized animals. Half of the animals are white, the remainder black, gray or
brown. Both sexes have horns, generally large (range: 15 to 55 cm), turning outward,
upward and inward to form a semi-circle, but a wide variation exists in both shape and
size. The flock size ranges from 200 to 300 in flocks belonging to migratory shepherds.
In the stationary flocks, it is between 10 and 15.

Reproduction: In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 65%. Under farm conditions:

kidding percentage: from 80 to 90%.

Performance

Meat (kg.)
At birth 2.18
3months 7.76
9 months 9.18
12 months 11.80
Hair
Average fiber length (cm) 4.94
Scouring yield (%) 65.28
Average fiber diameter (µ) 13.86

MEASUREMENT OF ECONOMIC TRAITS OF GOAT

Goat is known as ‘Poor man’s cow’ in India and is a very important component in dry
land farming system. Marginal or undulating lands unsuitable for other types of animals
like cow or buffalo, goat is the best alternative. With very low investments goat rearing
can be made in to a profitable venture for small and marginal farmers. The following
economical traits are important in goats for their improvements as well as successful
profitable running of a goat farming. They are
 Drvet.in 2020
 Age at first kidding : Age of a doe in days at the time of first kidding.
 Lactation length: Number of days in milk from the date of kidding to the date of
cessation of milk production (the order of lactation should be indicated as I, II,
III etc.).
 Lactation milk yield : Milk yield in kg from the date of kidding to the date of
cessation of milk production (the order of lactation should be indicated as I, II,
III etc.).
 150-day lactation milk yield : Milk yield in kg from the date of kidding to 150th
day of lactation. If the lactation length is less than 150 days, it is taken as 150
days milk yield.
 Kidding interval: Number of days from the date of one kidding to the date of next
kidding (the order of kidding interval should be indicated as I, II, III etc.).
 Incidence of multiple birth : Number of multiple births (twins, triplets,
quadruplets etc.) to the total number of births (total number of does kidded).
 Birth weight : Weight of a kid in kg at birth (weighed within 24 hours).
 Weaning weight : Weight of a kid in kg at 90 days of age (weaning).
 Weight at market age : Weight of a kid in kg at the market age of 180, 270 or 365
days. Usually for Indian goats, 9th month weight is called as market weight.
 Growth rate
o Pre-weaning growth rate : Daily weight gain in grams from the date of
birth to date of weaning.

(Weaning weight (90th day) – Birth weight )/90

o Post-weaning growth rate : Daily weight gain in grams from the date of
weaning to date of marketing

Weight at market (180, 270 or 365 days) – Weaning weight / Age at market
(180, 270 or 365 days) – 90

 Mortality percentage
o Pre-weaning mortality : Number of kids died from birth to 90th day
(weaning) to the number of kids born alive.
o Post-weaning mortality : Number of kids died from weaning to 365 days
to the total number of kids weaned.
o Adult mortality : Number of adult goats died during the year to the
number at the beginning of the year.

LIST OF REGISTERS TO BE MAINTAINED IN A GOAT FARM

 Birth register
 Youngstock register
 Adultstock register
 Livestock account register
 Disposal register
 Mortality register
 Drvet.in 2020
 Weighment register (Youngstock and adultstock)
 Milk recording register
 Buck performance register
 Doe performance register
 Mating register
 Feed register
 Veterinary register
 Index card (buck card / doe card)

EXERCISE-4: BREEDS OF SWINE AND MEASUREMENT OF

THEIR ECONOMIC TRAITS

Breeds of pigs

Pigs are estimated to have been domesticated in the Neolithic period during B. C. 2500-
2400. The domestic breeds were developed from the wild forms in Europe, India and
East Asia independently. There are 3 types of indigenous pigs known, Desi (mostly black
in colour and smaller in size) Ghori and Ankamali. Some locally known populations are:
Nicobari pigs and Andaman wild pigs (A & N Islands), Doom (Assam), and Ghungroo
(West Bengal).

Exotic pig are used for crossbreeding as well as breed substitution in India. The exotic
breeds used in India are: Large white Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc, Berkshire and
Hampshire

Large White Yorkshire

This breed originated in Yorkshire in England. It has been classified into three distinct
types - large, medium and small. They have been developed from Leicester pigs of
Robert Bakewell. These animals moved into the United States in 1893. This is a good
bacon breed which has been recently developed for lean meat. They are white in colour
with small ears tilting to the front. They have broad face with a medium dish.

Landrace

This was developed in Denmark about 1895, by crossing English pigs on native pigs
especially for the bacon industry. The Landrace has some Chinese pig inheritance. They
are white in colour and have a long narrow body.

Duroc

This breed originated in the eastern United States. This is also a breed developed out of
crossing pigs imported from Africa, Spain and Portugal. They were formally called
Duroc Jersey. Subsequently, some Tamworth inheritance also entered into crossing.
They are light golden to dark red in colour. The body is or medium length with tall legs.
 Drvet.in 2020
Adult boars weigh about 450 kg and sow about 350 kg.

Berkshire

This breed has been developed in Berkshire county in South-central England from
crosses of old English hog with sows of Chinese and Siamese origin. The English hog
was a descendent of the European wild boar Sus scrofa. Pigs of this breed are large, long
bodied, heavy-boned animals which stand on long legs and have arched narrow back
they weigh about 500 kg. They are very famous for lean meat. As a breed, they were
established in 1816. They were imported into United States as early as 1823. They have
black coat with white feet and white stripes on the face. They have a dished face.

Indian breeds of pigs

 Andaman and Nicobari pigs

 Ankamali
 Doom
 Ghori
 Ghungroo

MEASUREMENT OF ECONOMIC TRAITS OF SWINE

Pigs convert inedible feeds, forages, certain grain byproducts obtained from mills, meat
by products, damaged feeds and garbage into valuable nutritious meat. Most of these
feeds are either not edible or not very palatable to human beings. Pig grows fast and is a
prolific breeder, farrowing 10 to 12 piglets at a time. It is capable of producing two litters
per year under optimal management conditions. The carcass return is quite high i.e.,
60-80 per cent of live body weight. With a small investment on building and equipment,
proper feeding and sound disease control programme the farmer can profitably utilize
his time and labour in this subsidiary occupation. The faeces of pigs is used as a manure
to maintain soil fertility. The following economical traits are taken in to account for
profitable pig farming.

 Litter size at birth : Number of piglets born in a litter.

 Litter size born alive : Number of piglets born alive in a litter.
 Litter size at weaning : Number of piglets weaned per litter at 56th day.
 Birth weight : Weight of a piglet in kg at birth.
 Litter weight at birth : Weight of all piglets of a litter in kg at birth.
 Weaning weight : Weight of a piglet in kg at 56 days of age (weaning).
 Litter weight at weaning : Weight of all piglets of a litter in kg at weaning.
 Weight at market age : Weight of a piglet in kg at the market age of 154 or 210
days.
 Growth rate
 Drvet.in 2020
o Pre-weaning growth rate : Daily weight gain in kg from the date of
birth to date of weaning.

(Weaning weight (56th day) – Birth weight) / 56

o Post-weaning growth rate : Daily weight gain in kg from the date of

weaning to date of marketing

(Weight at market (154 or 210 days) – Weaning weight ) / (Age at market

(154 or 210 days) – 56 )

 Feed efficiency
o Weaning to 154 days : Weight of feed consumed in kg for producing
one kg of live weight from weaning to 154 days.
o Weaning to 210 days : Weight of feed consumed in kg for producing
one kg of live weight from weaning to 210 days.
 Mortality percentage
o Pre-weaning mortality : Number of piglets died from birth to 56th
day (weaning) to the total number of piglets born alive.
o Post-weaning mortality : Number of piglets died from weaning to
154 or 210 days to the total number of piglets weaned.
o Adult mortality : Number of adult pigs died during the year to the
number at the beginning of the year.

LIST OF REGISTERS TO BE MAINTAINEDIN A SWINE FARM

 Birth register
 Youngstock register
 Adultstock register
 Disposal register
 Mortality register
 Weighment register
 Farrowing and growth record
 Service register
 Boar performance register
 Sow performance register
 Veterinary register
 Feed register

EXERCISE-5: BREEDS OF POULTRY AND MEASUREMENT OF

THEIR ECONOMIC TRAITS

Breeds of poultry