Sheep Farming Technology in Indian Practice

Abstract

Sheep farming is the branch of animal husbandry, which deals with the rearing and breeding of domestic sheep. Sheep with its multi-facet utility for wool, meat, milk, skins, and manure form an important component of rural economy for specific breed line “Garole”. The sheep provides a dependable source of income to the rural farmers particularly farm women. The major advantages of sheep farming are they do not need expensive buildings to house them and require less labour than other kinds of livestock. As sheep are mainly high fecundity, the flock can be multiplied in the shortest possible time. They are economical converter of green grass (cellulose) into meat and wool. In India, the development of superior breeds of sheep for production of mutton will have a great scope in the developing economy of India. Financial perspectives are input cost for feed and fodder, veterinary aid and insurance, etc., and output costs, i.e. sale price of animals, penning, etc. Judicious use of feed and fodder resources, proper housing, health care management and controlled breeding practice can be the effective tool of sheep rearing among rural stake holders whose economic solvency is need of the hour.