Evaluation of Carcass and Reproductive Traits of Kow Debar Sheep

Kow Debar sheep are a local sheep population maintained under field conditions in Uttarakhand, India. This study evaluated their reproductive and carcass traits to provide descriptive information on flock performance. Data were collected from randomly selected sheep rearers using a structured interview schedule in Syaldey, Thalisain and Gairsain tehsils of Almora, Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli districts, respectively. Most reproductive traits were recorded for 230 animals, lifetime lamb production for 180 observations and carcass traits for 42 observations. Results were summarised as means and standard errors. The mean ages at sexual maturity were 375.50 ± 3.00 days in males and 407.30 ± 1.80 days in females. Age at first oestrus, oestrus cycle duration and age at first lambing averaged 373.00 ± 1.30, 18.00 ± 0.10 and 554.80 ± 1.70 days, respectively. The mean lambing interval and service period were 260 ± 1.70 and 110 ± 1.20 days, respectively. Mean litter size was 1.02 ± 0.00, and lifetime lamb production was 3.48 ± 0.00. Mean age at slaughter was 958.66 ± 15.42 days, slaughter weight was 22.92 ± 0.55 kg, carcass weight was 11.20 ± 0.26 kg and dressing percentage was 49.12 ± 0.71%. These findings provide a descriptive baseline for Kow Debar sheep. Interpretation should account for the field-based study design and prevailing management conditions.