Coimbatore Sheep Breed: Characteristics, Origin, and Management

Coimbatore Sheep Breed

Coimbatore sheep breed Tamil Nadu sheep breeds Coimbatore sheep characteristics Coimbatore sheep wool quality Indian sheep breeds Coimbatore sheep management system Coimbatore sheep origin Coimbatore sheep migration

Coimbatore Sheep Information

Conservation StatusNot specified (Population data available)
Scientific Classification
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Artiodactyla
  • Family: Bovidae
  • Genus: Ovis
  • Species: Ovis aries
Breed TypeMeat and Wool (Dual-purpose)
Alternate NamesKurumbai Adu, Coimbatore Kurumbai, Sulur Adu, Coimbatore White
OriginBrought by Kurumba/Kuruba shepherds from Karnataka
Breeding Tract
  • Primary: Coimbatore, Erode/Periyar (Tamil Nadu)
  • Migratory Regions: Dindigul, Madurai (Tamil Nadu); Palakkad, Thrissur (Kerala)
Geographical Range
  • Longitude: 76°40′ to 77°58′ E
  • Latitude: 10°10′ to 11°58′ N
Main UsesMeat, Wool (Coarse/Carpet fiber)
Physical Traits
  • Color: White body with black/brown patches on face, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, or back
  • Horns: Mostly polled (no horns); 35% males have medium-large, black, twisted horns
  • Size: Medium, slightly convex head, horizontally placed ears
  • Wool: White, coarse, open fleece; head and face lack wool
Morphology (Avg.)
  • Height: 66.13 cm (Male), 60.44 cm (Female)
  • Body Length: 67.05 cm (Male), 61.27 cm (Female)
  • Heart Girth: 76.06 cm (Male), 68.34 cm (Female)
  • Weight: 32.3 kg (Female), Birth Weight: 2.56 kg (Male), 2.27 kg (Female)
Performance
  • Age at First Parturition: 16.6 months
  • Parturition Interval: 7.7 months
  • Milk Yield: Minimal (171.5g/day by 50th day)
  • Milk Fat: 6.98%
  • Fleece Weight: 0.328 kg/year
  • Staple Length: 4.76 cm
  • Dressing Percentage: 43%
Management
  • System: Extensive, migratory (Transhumant)
  • Feeding: Grazing-based
  • Migration: Flocks move between Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
Population
  • 2005: 246,222 (NBAGR Survey)
  • 2013: 28,725 (Govt. of India Estimate)
Coimbatore sheep breed Tamil Nadu sheep breeds Coimbatore sheep characteristics Coimbatore sheep wool quality Indian sheep breeds Coimbatore sheep management system Coimbatore sheep origin Coimbatore sheep migration

Explore the Coimbatore sheep breed, known for its white fleece and migratory lifestyle. Learn about its origin, physical traits, wool quality, and extensive management system.

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