Characterization and evaluation of Karnah sheep of Kashmir Ganai T.A.S., Misra S.S., Sheikh F.D., Banik S. Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama, Alusteng, Srinagar-190006, (J&K) India. E-mail address: ssmisra01@gmail.com. Abstract Karnah sheep are found in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir along the line of control with Pakistan. A survey was undertaken to gather information on breeding tract, population size, physical characteristics, production, reproduction and managemental practices of Karnah sheep. They had distinct physical, productive and reproductive characteristics. The head was slightly convex and wattles were absent. The males had higher body length, length at girth and height at wither compared to the females at birth and three months of age. The males had lower body temperature but higher respiration and pulse rate than the females. Males were slaughtered at an earlier age than females with dressing percentage of around 55%. While the staple and fibre lengths were higher in females than males, the average crimpiness was found more in fibres derived from males. The age at first mating for male was 1.5 to 2 years and the average litter size was 1.04. On an average, the females were found to conceive 6 to 7 times in their life span. Diseases of bacterial and parasitic origin were found common in Karnah sheep. Top Key words Karnah, Management, Production characteristics, Reproduction, Sheep, Wool. Top |