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Sci Tech
Bharat Merino: A fine wool sheep breed
The wool obtained is of very fine quality and is normally used for apparels. The animal's utility value doubles when it is used for meat purposes.
BHARAT MERINO is a fine wool sheep breed evolved at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Rajasthan. This sheep comprises 75 per cent exotic fine wool inheritance (Rambouillet and Merino breeds) in the coarse wool breeds — Nali, Chokla, Jaisalmeri and Malpura.
Taking into consideration the dearth of fine wool breeds in South India, a sizeable number of Bharat Merino was introduced at the Southern Regional Research Centre (of Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute) Mannavannur, Kodaikanal. The performance of this breed under the sub temperate climatic conditions of Tamilnadu has been encouraging.
The average weight at birth was 4.3 kg; at 3 months, it was 20 kg; at 6 months it was 25 kg and at yearling stage it was 33 kg. Comparison of these figures with those of the native breeds of sheep in Tamil Nadu indicates that Bharat Merino scores higher in body weight at all ages.
In order to increase the weight in local breeds of sheep, it would be appropriate to cross them with rams of Bharat Merino. The cross bred progeny would definitely perform better compared to the local natives.
Bharat Merino performs satisfactorily when sufficient grazing land is available. Bharat Merino rams produce on an average about 4.5 kg and ewes about 3.0 kg greasy fleece per year. The wool has a staple length of around 9.4 cm, fibre diameter of 20 and medullation of less than one percent.
The wool obtained is of very fine quality and is normally used for apparels. The animal's utility value doubles when it is used for meat purposes.
The breed has found favour with the farmers of Karnataka, where the government procures rams from Mannavanur to utilise them for their cross breeding programme.
D. Gour, A.S. Rajendran & D. Puthira Prathap
Southern Regional Research Centre
Mannavanur,
Kodaikanal 624 103, T.N.
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