Distribution : The name of the Jaisalmeri sheep breed is derived from its home tract, Jaisalmer. They are distributed across the Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmeri Sheep Breed Characterstics:
Pure specimens are found in south western Jaisalmer, extending up to north western Barmer and southern and western Jodhpur. They are primarily reared by the Raikas and Sindhi Muslim communities. In terms of body size, this is the largest breed among the eight breeds of Rajasthan, and produces good quality carpet-wool. They are tall, well-built animals, with black or dark brown faces, with the colour extending up to the neck. Other characteristics include a typical Roman nose and long drooping ears, generally with a cartilaginous appendage.
Both sexes are polled. The tail is medium to long and the fleece colour is white. Age at first breeding is 15-18 months for rams and 12-15 months for ewes. Lambing percentage is about 55 to 60. Litter size is usually single. Rams are selected on the basis of fleece weight for breeding and are usually bred by flock owners; in some cases they are exchanged with other owners. The ewes are not milked. Shearing is done three times a year.
Reproduction. In farmers’ flocks: age at first breeding; males: 24 months; females: 16 months. Lambing percentage on the basis of ewes bred (20): 68.13 (135); usual tupping percentage: 90%; another estimated lambing percentage, reported from a government farm in Rajasthan, was 75%. Litter size: usually single.
Mortality In adults: 8.20% (121).
Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are selected on the basis of fleece weight and usually bred by the flock owners; in some cases they are exchanged with other owners.
Jaisalmeri Sheep Breed Performance:
| Adult Male | Adult Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Body weight (kg) | 54 | 34 |
| Average Body length (cm) | 77 | 68 |
| Average Height at withers (cm) | 76 | 68 |
| Average Chest girth (cm) | 95 | 82 |