Phenotypic characterization of Nagavali sheep of Andhra Pradesh and husbandry practices adopted by farmers

A study was undertaken to characterize and document the husbandry practices adopted by farmers rearing Nagavali sheep in Andhra Pradesh. It is a mutton type sheep which inhabits the north coastal districts (Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam) of Andhra Pradesh. The name Nagavali derives from Nagavali river which flows into the Bay of Bengal near Kallepalli village in Srikakulam district. Nagavali sheep are medium in size with white coat and black patches around eyes, distal part of ears, both sides of neck region, perineum and lower extremities. However, animals with tan and brown patches are also found in flocks. Horns are present in males and females are generally polled but few females are noticed with rudimentary horns. Adult males have twisted laterally extended horns. The face of animal appears like cobra so the name implies Nag. The nose line is straight; however, a convex nose line was also noticed. Ears are medium to large in size and pendulous and semi-drooping. The tail is very small and thin. The average adult body weight of males and females was 39.42±0.99 and 28.40±0.30), respectively. The overall body length, height and chest girth of adult Nagavali sheep were 60.61±0.35, 71.20±0.38 and 76.73±0.45 cm, respectively. The study reveals that Nagavali sheep are phenotypically different from other sheep breeds in the region and may be registered as a new sheep breed.