Distribution. Ramnathpuram, Madurai, Thanjavur and Ramnad districts of Tamil Nadu.
The distribution and characterization of Kilakarsal sheep were studied in its breeding tract. Kilakarsal sheep breed is a medium sized sheep breed with compact body conformation having dark tan coat dorsally with black colouration ventrally especially under belly and inner side of legs
Numbers. The total sheep population in the Kilakarsal sheep distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.181 m, and according to the 1977 census, 0.173 m, of which 0.207 m adult males and 0.981 m adult females.
Kilakarsal Sheep Breed characteristics
| i) Size | Adult males | Adult females |
| Body weight (kg) | 29.68 ± 0.72 (41) | 21.29 ± 0.16 (223) |
| Body length (cm) | 61.29 ± 0.58 (41) | 58.29 ± 0.21 (223) |
| Height at withers (cm) | 69.64 ± 0.47 (41) | 64.83 ± 0.23 (223) |
| Chest girth (cm) | 72.16 ± 0.71 (41) | 64.83 ± 0.22 (223) |
ii) Conformation. Kilakarsal Sheep are Medium-sized animals. Coat is dark tan, with black spots on head (particularly the eyelids and lower jaw), belly and legs. Ears are mediumsized; ear length: 15.29 ± 0.10 cm (22). Tail is small and thin; tail length: 8.57 ± 0.08 cm (223). Males have thick twisted horns, 2 to 3 cm in length. Most animals have wattles.
e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 41 individuals (range: 20 to 50), of which 1 adult ram, 27 adult ewes and 13 young.
f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions: lambing percentage on the basis of ewes available: 78.6% (1 737). In farmers’ flocks: lambing percentage: 80%. Litter size: single.
g) Mortality: 0 to 12 months: 24.94% (1 351); adults: 7.28% (2 842).
h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Rams are selected on the basis of size.
i) Performance
- Meat: body weight (kg)
| At birth | 1.29 ± 0.01 | (405) |
| At weaning | 8.53 ± 0.05 | (383) |
| 6 months | 14.15 ± 0.07 | (356) |
| 12 months | 27.26 ± 0.55 | (62) |