Characterization and evaluation of muzaffarnagri sheep

Muzaffarnagri sheep is one of the tallest mutton breeds of India. Information was collected on origin, population status, breed characteristics, body weight and biometry by undertaking a survey of 36 flocks in the breeding tract. The sheep is primarily maintained for mutton purpose although it also produces fleece of coarse carpet quality. The averages body weight recorded on 53 rams and 241 ewes were 50.2 and 39.6 kg, respectively. Average greasy wool production was 600–1000 g/year. The average age at first breeding of males was 10–14 months and a breeding life of 5–6 years. Average age at first lambing in ewes was 16–18 months. Lambing rate ranged from 60–95% with a lambing interval of 6–8 months. An ewe produced 8–12 lambs in its lifetime. The milk yield was 300–500 ml in a lactation length of 120–180 days. The breed purity has been diluted to nearly 40%, mainly due to the non-availability of good breeding rams and lack of grazing land. The current situation and status of the breed warrants its in situ conservation.