Growth performance and economics of Kenguri Ram Lambs under fattening system in Kalyana Karnataka

Fattening system of lambs has emerged as a new livelihood option for rural youths. Kenguri ram lamb fattening undertaken by 20 trained rural youths was studied for a period of five years (2015 to 2020) in semi-arid regions of Karnataka. During the five years period, a significant (P<0.05) increase was recorded in average number of lambs fattened by rural youths (14.00 to 46.75), area covered under fodder production (0.14 to 0.30 ha), body weight of lambs at the time of sale (34.14 to 39.74 kg), net income per lamb (Rs.2688/- to Rs. 4311/-) and cost-benefit ratio (1.51 to 1.62). The body weights of lambs at 6, 9 and 12 months of age were higher under intensive fattening (23.23, 32.93 and 40.94 kg, respectively) than extensive (19.04, 25.18 and 31.81 kg, respectively) system. The study revealed that the fattening of ram lambs to meet the market demand is highly remunerative and served as a sustainable source of livelihood for rural youths.