“Changthangi Sheep: The Pashmina Wool Producers of Ladakh”

Changthangi Sheep Breed

 "Changthangi Sheep: The Pashmina Wool Producers of Ladakh"
"Changthangi Sheep Breed – Care, Wool Quality & Climate Adaptability"

Changthangi Sheep Information

Conservation StatusNot Listed / Native Breed
Scientific Classification
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Artiodactyla
  • Family: Bovidae
  • Genus: Ovis
  • Species: Ovis aries
Breed TypeFibre (Wool), Meat
Alternate NamesChangluk, Hunyia
OriginThe breed originates from the high-altitude region of Changthang in Ladakh. “Changthang” means northern plains in Tibetan. It has been developed through selection by the traditional Changpa shepherd community.
Distribution
  • State: Jammu & Kashmir (Now Union Territory of Ladakh)
  • District: Leh (Durbuk & Nyoma blocks)
  • Geographical Coordinates:
    • Latitude: 32°50′N to 34°20′N
    • Longitude: 77°0′E to 79°40′E
Physical Traits
  • Coat Colour: White with brown patches on eyelids, ears, muzzle, legs, hocks, and hooves
  • Horns: Present in both sexes; 2 horns curving backward, downward, forward, and upward
  • Wool Type: Coarse / Carpet wool
  • Visible Characteristics: Strongly built animals with good fleece cover and long staple. Legs, face, and tail are wool-free. Medium, drooping ears.
  • Height (Avg): Male – 59.75 cm, Female – 58.83 cm
  • Body Length (Avg): Male – 61.25 cm, Female – 60.5 cm
  • Heart Girth (Avg): Male – 64.87 cm, Female – 63.5 cm
  • Weight (Avg): Male – 38.64 kg, Female – 34 kg
  • Birth Weight (Avg): Male – 2.59 kg, Female – 2.36 kg
Main Use
  • Primary: Wool (used for carpet weaving)
  • Secondary: Meat production
  • Comment: Integral to the livelihood of Changpa nomads, who depend on sheep, goats, and yaks in high-altitude regions
Breed Traits
  • Well adapted to snow, extreme cold, and high-altitude conditions
  • Fleece is of long staple, coarse fibre suited for carpets
  • High resilience and survivability under extensive migratory grazing systems
Reproductive Traits
  • Age at First Parturition: 28 months (avg)
  • Parturition Interval: 12 months
  • Litter Size: 1 (usually single lambing)
Milk Production
  • Milk Yield: Not recorded
  • Milk Fat %: Not recorded
Wool Performance
  • Fleece Weight: 0.95 kg/year (range: 0.9–1.5 kg)
  • Staple Length: 9.4 cm
  • Fibre Diameter: 41.14 µ (micron)
Dressing Percentage41%
Management
  • Management System: Extensive grazing
  • Mobility: Stationary in highland pastures; not brought down to lower altitudes
  • Feeding: Grazing on natural pastures
Breed SocietiesNone
Herd Book or RegisterNo herd book or breed register established
Population
  • 2001: 66,822 (NWP, SKUAST, Srinagar)
  • 2003: 74,180 (Network Project on AnGR, NBAGR, Karnal)
  • 2013: 65,115 (Breed Survey 2013, Government of India)
"Changthangi Sheep: The Pashmina Wool Producers of Ladakh" "Changthangi Sheep Breed – Care, Wool Quality & Climate Adaptability"

“Changthangi sheep, famous for ultra-soft Pashmina wool, thrive in Ladakh’s harsh winters. Learn about their wool quality, diet, and role in cashmere production.”

THE RAJASTHAN EXPRESS