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MECHERI SHEEP RESEARCH STATION, POTTANERI
GENESIS
The origin of this station could be linked to the implementation of an ICAR funded research scheme on “Studies on carcass characteristics of Mecheri and Mandya lambs” at Alamarathupatti village of Kolathur block in Salem district from 12.02.1971. The Mecheri Sheep Research Station was started on 05.06.1978 in Pottaneri Panchayat of Mecheri block in Salem District, with the aim of improving the Mecheri sheep, which was considered to be the indigenous mutton breed.
OBJECTIVES
- To improve Mecheri breed of sheep by planned breeding and management
- To distribute superior males to the farmers to improve their flocks
- To maintain model Tellicherry goat unit
- To serve as a center for imparting training to students and enabling student research
- To serve as a extension resource center for sheep and goat farmers
- To popularize suitable package of practices for improved fodder production
UNITS
- Mecheri sheep unit
- Goat unit
- Agroforestry and pasture development unit
- Health cover unit
MECHERI SHEEP
This Mecheri breed of sheep is distributed among Salem, Erode and Namakkal districts and in parts of Dharmapuri and Karur districts of Tamil Nadu. Animals with true to type are present in Mecheri, Kolathur, Nangavalli, and Omalur and Tharamangalam panchayat unions of Salem district.
- Colour : Light brown in colour with white patches
- Utility : Meat type
Breed characters
- Medium sized animal with compact body
- Males and females are polled
- Ears are medium sized and pendulous
- Tail is short, thin and V-shaped
- Udder is small in size, tightly attached to the belly with small teats placed laterally
- Body is covered with very short hairs which are not shorn
- Skin of good quality in terms of softness, grain tightness and tensile strength
- Special characters: Better adaptability to harsh climatic conditions, high dressing percentage and good quality skin
Average body weight (kg)
Birth |
Male |
2.88 |
Female |
2.77 |
Adult |
Male |
32.13 |
Female |
28.29 |
Carcass characters
| Dressing percentage |
Male |
Female |
54.40 ± 0.41 |
51.84 ± 0.51 |
Reproduction
Males
|
Age at first mating (months) |
12.62 ± 0.09 |
Females |
Age at first Oestrus (months) |
12.06 ± 0.07 |
Age at first mating (months) |
12.35 ± 0.07 |
Age at first lambing ( months) |
17.35 ± 0.07 |
Lambing interval (days) |
225.9 ± 0.71 |
( Source: http://www.tanuvas.tn.nic.in/MSRS.html )
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