Evaluation of Local Feeds and Performance of Sheep under Field Condition of Kargil

Physiological and biochemical parameters, chemical composition of commonly available feeds and fodders, wool production performance and slaughter quality of sheep under field condition of Kargil were evaluated. A total of 64 adult sheep from 40 families in 5 blocks of Kargil district (Ladakh Province, India) were selected for physiological, biochemical and wool quality parameters. Commonly available top feeds, grain and straws were evaluated for chemical composition. Slaughter quality of the sheep was observed in 10 animals slaughtered at local market. Glucose, total protein, haemoglobin and blood urea nitrogen were 51.52 mg/dl, 8.71 g/dl, 12.78 mg/dl and 16.43 mg/dl, respectively. Greasy wool production was 1.58 kg/head/annum with hetero and hairy wool was 28.25 and 32.37 percent, respectively. Medullation was around 60 percent while fibre diameter was 34μ. Staple length and crimp (per cm) was 6.07 cm and 0.71, respectively. Mean CP, ether extract, NDF, ADF and ash content of commonly used top fodders were 14.92, 2.59, 42.65, 27.20 and 10.04 percent, respectively. Straws of barley and wheat were of inferior quqlity with low CP, and high fibre content. Dressing percent was 51.92 and the blood loss was 4.45 percent. Fore and hind quarter was 24 and 23 percent of dressed weight. However, inedible offals were around 9 percent. It may be concluded that top fodders are sufficient to meet the protein requirement and wool quality parameters of crossbred sheep is good.