Kendrapara: A threatened breed of sheep found only in coastal Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts has been conferred ‘rare and singular species’ tag by the Central government.
The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has accorded genetic recognition to the breed of sheep, locally called ‘kuji mendha’, officials said.
“It’s a typical breed of sheep. These sheep are fast breeders giving multiple births while those in other parts of the state give single birth at a time,” said Susanta Kumar Dash, a senior scientist in College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry of OUAT, Bhubaneswar.
With NBAGR conferring it genetically rare status, conserving these domesticated species would receive a boost, said Dash of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics.
Researchers of fisheries and animal resources development (FARD) department, Orissa Livestock Resources Development Society and College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry had earlier conducted scientific study on this rare breed and had found the sheep to be carrying a rare gene mutation.
Researchers from state units had laid claim for accordance of rare genetic status on the breed.
“We are glad to know that NBAGR has registered Kendrapara sheep as a rare genetic breed. Extensive study by us has finally paid dividends,” Dash added.
The sheep that are reared in this part are delicate domestic animals. Sheep in other parts of Orissa are not known for giving multiple births. This characteristic makes them distinctive from other species.
“In Sundarbans area of West Bengal, Garol breed sheep are found that are multiple-breeders. Kendrapara district accounts for about 75,000 ‘kuji’ breed of sheep. Special care is needed to protect them,” said chief district veterinary officer (CDVO), Chaitanya Kumar Sethy.
The rare genetic traits lead to the multiple births syndrome in them. These animals are dwarf in built with the body covered with coarse hair. The average adult sheep weighs 18-20 kg. Kendrapara sheep are primarily used for production of mutton. The other product of economic importance is their hide. They are well adapted to high ambient temperature, high humidity and heavy rains, Sethy said.
Sheep rearing has not assumed commercial proportion in Kendrapara disrict. Because of multiple-birth characteristics, rearing of ‘kuji’ sheep is a profitable livelihood source.
The district animal husbandry department has begun awareness drive to sensitise sheep farmers on the commercial viability of sheep-rearing, the official said. PNN