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Source and Distribution of Ganjam sheep:
The Ganjam breed of sheep is native to the Ganjam, Koraput, Phulbani and parts of the Puri districts of Odisha.Ganjam sheep is an important sheep breed in the Orissa State in the eastern region of India. They are reared mainly for meat.
Ganjam Sheep Features:
These are medium-sized, slender and leggy animals with the coat color ranging from brown to dark tan; some have white spots on the face and body. The ears are medium-sized and drooping, and the tail is medium long and thin. The males are horned, while the ewes are polled. The fleece is hairy and short, and is not sheared. Rams, however, have long hair below the neck and hindquarters. Ganjam sheep are primarily maintained for meat. Lambing percentage varies from 60-90% and the litter size is mainly single. Breeding is pure.
According to the 18th Livestock Census the number of Ganjam sheep in the country is only 55. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources has put this breed on the ‘endangered species’ list.
Ganjam Sheep Performance
| Adult Male | Adult Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Body weight (kg) | 26 | 24 |
| Body length (cm) | 61 | 59 |
| Height at withers (cm) | 68 | 65 |
| Chest girth (cm) | 73 | 69 |