Performance of bharat Merino x Bannur (Mandya) crossbreds in Kolar and Chikballapur districts of Karnataka

Bharat Merino (BM) sheep was introduced into Kolar and Chikballapur districts for upgrading of local sheep (Bannur) to improve their meat and wool production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of BM crosses and to document the sheep farming practices. A total of 98 households were surveyed which possess 1406 (16.99%) BM crosses and 6867 (83.01%) Bannur and non-descriptive sheep. The average adult body weights of male and female BM crossbreds were 55.0 and 40.0 kg, respectively. The overall body weights at birth, 3, 6 and 12 months of age were significantly (P<0.01) higher in BM crosses (3.65, 18.54, 28.60 and 43.72 kg) as compared to Bannur (2.51, 11.49, 18.23 and 25.69 kg). The annual mortality rate in lambs ranged from 3 to 8%. Sheep were shorn once in a year. The annual greasy wool yield of adult BM crossbred sheep ranged between 2.3 and 3.0 kg. The BM crossbred sheep were sold for breeding purpose @ Rs. 300 per kg live weight and pure Bannur sheep @ Rs. 350 per kg live weight. The present study revealed that upgrading of Bannur (Mandya) with BM is improving meat and wool production and also the livelihood of farmers in these districts.