Status of Newly Developed Wool Strains of Sheep in India - A Review

Sheep development programmes for bringing about genetic improvement In the quality and quantity of carpet wool through selection within the indian breeds, and for fine wool through crossbreeding with exotic breeds viz., Rambouillet and/or Merino have been undertaken during the last four decades. As a result of these efforts, a number of improved strains of sheep like Avivastra, Avikalin, Bharat Marino, Deccani Merino, Gaddi synthetic, Hissardale, Kashmir Merino, Nilgiri, Nilgiri synthetic and Patanwadi synthetic strains of sheep have been evolved from the crossbred foundation stocks. The performance of these synthetic strains of sheep has been presented.