Distribution, characteristics and management of Vembur sheep*

Abstract

A survey on Vembur sheep revealed that Vembur sheep were distributed in Tuticorin district and a few adjoining areas of Virudunagar district of Tamil Nadu state, India. As of 1998 the estimated population of Vembur sheep was approximately 31 000. The average flock size was 38.6 of which there were 1 ram, 24.5 ewes and 13.1 lambs. Vembur sheep were tall animals and predominantly white with colour spots and patches all over the body. The mean body length, height at withers and chest girth in adults were 76.0 ± 0.9, 82.2 ± 0.6 and 88.0 ± 0.7 cm for males and 67.0 ± 0.1, 75.1 ± 0.1 and 78.1 ± 0.2 cm for females respectively. The mean body weights of lambs at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 11.9 ± 0.2, 16.1 ± 0.2, 18.7 ± 0.3 and 22.4 ± 0.5 kg respectively. The overall body weights in adults were 43.1 ± 0.9 for males and 29.9 ± 0.2 for females. Attractive colour pattern, distinct height and moderately broad chest are the special features of the breed.