The reported study was taken up on farmers adopted weaner lambs comparing traditional extensive range management (G1) with developed system of semi intensive (G2) and intensive (G3) feeding management to demonstrate relative economics of sheep rearing under the three system. The finishing weight, total gain in the experiments as well as average daily gain was higher (P<0.01) in G2 and G3 than G1. During the study period of 92 days other expenditure on account of grazing charge and health coverage (Rs.65/animal) was similar in G1 and G2 while in G2 additional expenditure was incurred in terms of cost of concentrate input (Rs.276.23/animal). In G3 the cost of complete feed, labor charge and health coverage was Rs.264, 20 and 5/animal, respectively. Accordingly the total expenditure of rearing lamb to marketable age was Rs.737, 1005 and 941/animal, respectively in G1, G2 and G3. The wool yield and sale receipt was higher in G2 and G3 than G1. The return on account of manure was higher in G3 maintained indoor than in G1 and G2 allowed grazing. The receipt on account of disposal of lambs was also higher in G2 (33%) and G3 (23%) than G1. The net balance after deducting total investment in lamb rearing under the three system of feeding management was Rs.266.35, 322.15 and 306.51/lamb in three month's period. The total receipt from disposal of finisher lambs through slaughter was also higher in G2 (Rs.2184) and G3 (Rs.2176) than G1 (Rs.1604). After deducting total expenditure from the receipt, net balance of Rs.867, 1179 and 1235 could be harvested in G1, G2 and G3 in three months period provided the finisher lambs are disposed off by slaughter rather than sale of live animals.
Economics, Extensive, Intensive, Lamb rearing, Mutton production, Semi intensive
