Vol. 9, Special Issue 9 (2020)

Author(s):
Qysheed Hussain Want, MT Banday, S Adil, HM Khan and MI Hussain

Abstract:
Kashmir Merino sheep are used by the rural farmers as a source of food and cash and are believed to have adapted to harsh conditions of Kashmir region. There is scanty literature available regarding reproductive performance of Kashmir Merino sheep under field conditions, therefore, the present study was undertaken. The information regarding prolificacy and fine wool yield was obtained through a pre-structured questionnaire from 94 sheep farmers. Majority of the respondents reported autumn season as the main breeding season. Majority reported no oestrous activity during spring and winter season with little oestrous activity during summer season. Majority reported age at sexual maturity between 16-23 months, weight at sexual maturity 28-37 Kg, age at first lambing 20-29 months and weight at first lambing 30-39 Kg. Majority reported 11-12 months lambing interval, age at 2^nd lambing as 35-44 months and 80-100% lambing percentage. Majority kept their rams continuously with the flock throughout the year with source of their breeding rams reported from their own flock.