Morphometric and production characteristics of karakul-purgi cross bred sheep of Kargil (Ladakh)

Sheep rearing is a dominant activity among the farmers in cold desert of Ladakh that not only serves as a source of income but also a source of protein during harsh winter. Government has been trying to improve the sheep from time to time and Karakul sheep introduction in 1985-86 to upgrade local purgi breed is one such example. Since available literature about the karakul and purgi cross is scant, hence the present study was conducted to assess the morphometric and production characteristics at field level. The study findings reviled Karakul-purgi cross are mostly (47.50%) black in colour followed by Sur (23.50%). More than 80% of this cross bred sheep had drooping type of ears and female are hornless while most of the males have horn buds. Ear, head, tail and body lengths noticed were 4.91 ± 0.16, 9.31 ± 1.50, 9.87 ± 0.24 and 24.66 ±0.45 cm respectively at more than 2 years of age. Body weight in male animals was found higher than their female counter part. Contrary to this, adults males were found heavier than females {(41.44 ± 2.06 kg) vs (33.17 ± 1.16 kg)}. Adult animal’s milk and wool production recorded was 177.20 ± 3.53 ml and 744.21 ± 10.83 g respectively and comparatively better than other breed available in the region, indicative of breed improvement. The breed showed good performance, thrives best in existing agro-geo-climatic conditions and demonstrates good scientific interventions for making sheep farming a profitable venture in Kargil Ladakh.