Survivability of Karakul lambs under arid condition of Rajasthan

Karakul breed of sheep is famous for pelt production throughout the world. In India it was first introduced in the year 1975 at CSWRI, Arid Region Campus, Bikaner. Lamb survival rates were estimated from 1977 to 1988 to evaluate this breed under hot arid agro climatic conditions of Rajasthan. The influences of various factors such as year of birth, month of birth and sex of lamb on lamb survivability were studied from 0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and 912 months of age. Overall lamb survivability rates were 59.80±1.66, 63.58±1.55, 63.44±2.07 and 62.24±1.94% from birth to 3, 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 months, respectively. The effect of year of birth on survivability was significant (P<0.01) from birth to 6 months of age. The month of birth also significantly (P<0.01) influenced the survival rates from 0–3, 3–6 and 6–9 months of age. The sex of lamb did not show any influence on the survivability rate at all stages of growth. The survivability rate was highest during 0–3 (75.46%) and 3–6 months (73.89%) of age in the year 1978, from 6–9 months of age in the year 1979 (75.0%) and from 9–12 months of age in the year 1980 (71.85%). Least squares means showed that lamb survivability from birth to 9 months of age was the highest for the lambs born in January as compared to the lambs born in February and March, whereas from 9–12 months of age it was almost similar for the lambs born in March, January and February. The result indicates that this breed is sustainable under hot arid condition of the Rajasthan. Hence it could be used for meat and quality leather production in this state for benefiting the poorer farmers.