Comparative performance of indigenous and exotic sheep in the Indian arid zone

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Abstract
Summary: The body weight and fleece weight of Marwari and Magra sheep (rams) of the desert areas of north-western India are compared with those of Corriedale rams, which are being imported into India for improving the productivity of the local stock through cross-breeding. All three breeds showed marked seasonal fluctuation in their body weight. While the Corriedales lost more body weight than the indigenous breeds during peak summer, they appeared to endure the relatively poor winter pasture conditions somewhat better. Between July and October, with the availability of lush monsoonal pasture, all three breeds increased in body weight.The greasy fleece weight of Corriedale rams was nearly double that of indigenous rams. The potential of the Corriedale ram for improving the productivity of the local stock is discussed.