Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Andhra Pradesh
1Network Project on Sheep Improvement, Nellore unit Livestock Research Station, Palamaner-517 408, Andhra Pradesh
A study on the Macherla Brown sheep was undertaken with an objective of morphological characterization in the native breeding tract and results showed dominance of bicolour pattern of dark brown and white combination (61.96%). wattles were present only in 42.86% of animals. Predominant head profile was convex (85.8%) pendulous ear (91.87%). Majority of the animals appeared with black colour muzzle (73.67%) and hoof (99.83%). Horns were observed in both sexes but polled condition was observed in 85.55% animals. Most of the sheep (84.55%) possessed slender type of tail. Further detailed characterization studies on Macherla Brown sheep need to be undertaken for comparison with recognized sheep breeds of India.
Andhra Pradesh, Coat color, Head profile, Macherla Brown sheep
