Importance of Small Ruminants in Indian Agriculture

General Importance

• Crucial for livelihood of small and marginal farmers in arid, semi-arid, and hilly regions.
• Utilize wastelands, unwanted shrubs, and marginal pasture.
• Act as financial insurance during crop failure/drought.
• Provide meat, milk, manure, skin, and wool.
• Suitable for mixed and integrated farming systems.
• Require low initial investment; quick returns.

GOAT – The Poor Man’s Cow

Advantages:

1. Adapted to diverse agro-climatic conditions.
2. No religious restriction on chevon consumption.
3. Low maintenance cost, quick returns, ideal for marginal farmers.
4. Contribute 35% of India’s meat and 3% of milk.
5. 50% of grazing time on tree leaves.
6. Better adapted to high temperatures due to body size and surface area.
7. High crude fiber digestibility.
8. High body weight gain.
9. Moderate milk yield (1.5–2.5 L/day).

SHEEP; Wool and Meat Producer

 Advantages:

1. Adapted to extreme climates.
2. Gregarious in nature – easy to herd.
3. India holds 6% of world sheep population.
4. Act as insurance during monsoon/crop failure.
5. Excellent for mixed farming systems.
6. Thrive in low vegetation areas (close grazers).

Important Goat Breeds in India

Important Sheep Breeds in India

By Region and Purpose:

🔷 Southern Region (Meat)

• Temperate Region (Fine Wool); Gurez, Bharwal, Gaddi, Rampur Bushair
• Western Arid Region (Carpet Wool); Chokla, Nali, Magra, Bikaneri

Wool Potential

• Exotic breeds: 3.5 – 5 kg/year
• Indian breeds: 1 – 2 kg/year

Exotic Sheep Breeds

Nomenclature: Sheep vs Goat

Goat Breed Classification (Purpose)

Sheep Breed Classification (Purpose)