Phenotypic traits and performance of Kajali sheep: a lesser known ovine genetic resource of Punjab, India

Abstract

Kajali, a lesser known sheep of Punjab (India), is primarily reared for mutton production. It has two types / colour variants distinguished primarily on the basis of body coat colour namely Black (Kali) Kajali and White (Chitti) Kajali. The animals are large in size with well-built body having Roman nose, long and pendulous ears and long tail touching to ground. The average flock size was 56.45. Both the sexes are polled; however, in some males horn were also noticed. Adult body weight of males and females varied from 30 to 76 kg in males and 26 to 67 kg in females. The overall body length, height at withers, chest girth, ear length and tail length were 73.97±0 .28, 73.36 ±0.20, 84.23±0.27, 21.33±0.08 and 55.83±0.37 cm, respectively. The females showed sexual maturity at about 12 to 15 months. The results indicated that the Kajali sheep is phenotypically different from other sheep breeds of the region and is contributing significantly to the livelihood security of sheep farmers of Punjab. It is well adapted to the geographical area of Punjab (India). Since Kajali have distinct phenotypic characters, it may be registered as a new sheep breed of India.