Agri - Kaleidoscope

Agri - Kaleidoscope - Sheep Genetic Resources of NEH region

According to 17th Livestock Census (2003), the total sheep population in NEH region is about 0.22 million which registered a growth of about 56.6% from 0.14 million in 1997. Among the total 0.22 million sheep in NEH region, Assam accounts for 75.9% followed by Arunachal Pradesh (8.5%), Meghalaya (8%), Sikkim and Manipur (2.7% each). The states of Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Nagaland witnessed increase in sheep population from 1997 to 2003 while there was a declining trend in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. NEH region possess two indigenous sheep breeds viz. Banpala and Tibetan sheep, although majority of the animals are of non-descript type.

Banpala Sheep

Habitat and Distribution

Banpala sheep breed is found in different parts of Sikkim and in neighbouring Western Bhutan and Eastern Nepal. The breed derived its name as it is mostly reared inside the forest (‘ban’ means forest and ‘pala’ reared). This sheep is reared mostly by the traditional shepherd tribe called as “Gurung”.

Physical Characteristics

Banpala sheep is a medium sized animals with compact body covered with coarse wool, which is normally shorn twice a year. The coat colour is predominantly black and white, while other colours like pure black, white, brown and grey are also seen in varying proportions. The head is medium in length with markedly distinct Roman nose. Ears are small and tubular, tail is thin and short. Both sexes are horned. Muzzle is usually black in colour, but sometimes pink in case white or brown coloured animals. Wattle and beard are absent. Coarse wool covers the body of both male and female excepting the head, legs and belly regions which are bare. Udder is small and round, tightly attached to the belly with conical teats placed laterally.

Management Practices

Banpala sheep is reared mainly as migratory animals under an extensive management system. No housing is provided and the animals graze in the jungle vegetation. The only supplement they receive is salt. However, in few places, animals are reared at home in indigenously built sheep pens and such animals are called as ‘Gharpalas”.

Utility

Banpala sheep is a typical dual purpose breed reared for both coarse wool and meat production. These animals produce about one kg of coarse wool per year which is obtained in two shearings. The average fibre diameter, fibre length and medullation percentage are 54.08±1.28 µm, 9.86±0.95cm and 90.87±2.8% respectively. The average adult (1-3 years old) body weight is 51.6±0.76 kg and 44.1±0.37 kg in males and females respectively (Bhutiaet al., 2006). The carcass yield is found to have an average of 50% of the live weight.

Tibetan Sheep

Habitat and distribution

Tibetan sheep is distributed in Northern Sikkim and Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India.

Physical Characteristics

Tibetan sheep is a medium sized animal mostly white with black or brown face; brown and white spots are also observed on the body. Both sexes are horned. The ears are small, broad and drooping and the nose line is convex with Roman nose. The fleece is relatively fine and dense with belly, legs and face devoid of wool.

Utility

Tibetan sheep produce excellent lustrous, carpet quality wool. The average staple length, fibre diameter and medullation percentage are 7.24±0.11 cm, 13.22±1.25 µm and 19.30±0.64% respectively. Animals are shorn twice a year with average greasy fleece weight per clip ranging from 400 to 900 gm.