🐑 Registered Sheep Breeds in India (47 Breeds) – NBAGR Registered Breeds of Sheep

• Indigenous Breeds: 46
• Synthetic Breeds: 1
• Total Registered Sheep Breeds in India: 47

Sheep farming has been an important source of income for human society since ancient times. In India, sheep farming is mainly seen in rural areas. Sheep rearers obtain wool and meat from sheep. In addition, sheep manure makes the land more fertile. Sheep graze on agriculturally unsuitable land and utilize unnecessary grasses that are unusable for other animals.

In India, indigenous breeds of livestock and poultry are registered by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). The headquarters of NBAGR (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources) is located in Karnal, Haryana.

Under the chairmanship of the Deputy Director General (DDG) of Animal Science of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a committee has been formed known as the Breed Registration Committee (BRC). It is the apex body for the registration of new animal species and breeds in the country. This committee approves new livestock and poultry breeds in India.

The 12th meeting of this committee was held on 6 January 2025 at NASC, New Delhi. In this meeting, under the chairmanship of Dr. Raghavendra Bhat (DDG, Animal Science), 10 new livestock and poultry breeds from different states were approved.

After this, the 13th meeting was organized on 12 November 2025 in New Delhi. In this meeting, 13 indigenous (native) and 3 artificial (synthetic) breeds were approved.

Total Registered Breed of Sheep in India (February 2026 Update)

By February 2026, a total of 242 indigenous livestock and poultry breeds have been registered in the country. In addition, 3 crossbred cattle breeds and 1 crossbred sheep breed have also been registered.

As of February 2026, a total of 46 indigenous sheep breeds and 1 crossbred sheep breed are registered in India.

These include indigenous sheep breeds such as Nellore, Mandya, Garole, Chokla, Pugal, Sonadi, Nali, Jaisalmeri, Marwari, Malpura, Magra, Gaddi, Bakharwal, Rampur Bushair, Chotanagpuri, Coimbatore, Deccani, Ganjam, Kendrapada, Kenguri, Kheri, Balangiri, Bellary, Machrela, Bonpala and Kajali, etc.

Sheep Breeds in India – Basic Information (Bio-Data)

• Scientific Name: Ovis aries
• Family: Bovidae
• Uses: Wool, mutton, milk, skin and manure
• Ruminant Animal: Sheep is a ruminant animal. It is generally classified under Small Ruminants.
• Dressing Percentage: Approximately 50%
• Average Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Gestation Period: Approximately 145–150 days
• Age at First Lambing: 12–18 months
• Lambs per Birth: Generally 1–2 lambs

Sheep Terminology – Common Sheep Breeds Vocabulary Guide

• Ram / Tup: An adult male sheep is called a Ram or Tup. In Hindi, it is called “Mendha.”
• Ewe: An adult female sheep is called a Ewe. In Hindi, it is called “Bhedi.”
• Lamb: A young sheep is called a Lamb. In Hindi, it is called “Memna.”
• Ram Lamb / Tup Lamb: A young male sheep.
• Gimmer Lamb: A young female sheep.
• Hogget: A sheep aged 1–2 years.
• Wether / Wedder: A castrated male sheep is called a Wether.
• Bleating: The sound of a sheep is called Bleating.
• Flock: A group of sheep is called a Flock. In rural language, it is also called “Rewad.”
• Pen: The shelter or house of sheep is called a Pen. In rural language, it is also called “Rewada.”
• Shearing: The process of cutting wool from the body of a sheep.
• Lambing: The process of giving birth in sheep.
• Tupping: The act of mating in sheep.
• Seggy: A ram that has been castrated after breeding.
• Suckling: The group of lambs or kids feeding milk from their mother.
• Mutton: The meat of sheep is called Mutton. Generally, people also call goat meat mutton, but goat meat is correctly called “Chevon.”

👉 Note: The term “Kid” is used for a baby goat, not for a sheep.

Sheep Breeds in Rajasthan – Sheep Breeds with Pictures Overview

In Rajasthan, mainly Chokla, Magra, Marwari, Malpura, Nali, Sonadi, Pugal, Jaisalmeri, Kheri, etc., sheep breeds are found.

1. Chokla Sheep – Best Sheep Breed in India for Carpet Wool

• The Chokla breed is found in the border areas of Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bikaner, Jaipur and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan. The animals of this breed are light to medium in size and have a Roman (convex) nose. Chokla sheep is called the “Merino of India” and is considered the best among indigenous breeds.

2. Jaisalmeri Sheep

• This breed is found in Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan. Pure Jaisalmeri sheep are found in the south-western Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan.

3. Kheri Sheep

• The Kheri (Khiri) breed of Rajasthan is a major and important sheep breed that plays an important role in the lives of farmers.
• This breed has developed within farmers’ flocks under specific field conditions, especially in areas important for sheep migration. Kheri sheep are known for their ability to walk long distances and survive on limited quantities of coarse fodder.
• These animals can tolerate stress and recover quickly when favorable conditions return, which increases their reproduction rate and number of lambs.

4. Magra Sheep

• This breed is found in Bikaner, Nagaur, Jaisalmer and Churu districts of Rajasthan. The animals are medium to large in size and have a black face.

5. Malpura Sheep

• This breed is found in the adjoining areas of Jaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Bhilwara and Bundi districts of Rajasthan.

6. Marwari Sheep – Triple Purpose Sheep Breed

• This breed is distributed from Jodhpur, Jalore, Nagaur, Pali, Barmer and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan up to the Jeoria region of Gujarat.

7. Nali Sheep

• This breed is found in Ganganagar, Churu, Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan, southern Hisar and Rohtak districts of Haryana.

8. Sonadi Sheep

• This breed is found in Udaipur, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan.

9. Pugal Sheep

• The home tract of this breed is the Pugal area of Bikaner district, and it is found in Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan.

Sheep Breeds List – Other States of India

1. Balangiri Sheep

• This breed is spread in the western districts of Odisha. It is medium in size and found in various colors.

2. Bellary Sheep

• This breed is found in Bellary district of Karnataka, and the animals appear in different colors.

3. Bonpala Sheep

• This breed is found in southern Sikkim and is especially noted for its long legs.

4. Chottanagpuri Sheep

• This breed is spread in various districts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.

5. Coimbatore Sheep

• This breed is found in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, and the animals have bodies of different colors.

6. Deccani Sheep

• This breed is found in the Deccan Plateau in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. They have a thin neck, narrow chest and prominent backbone. Their color is mainly black, and some are brown and grey. Various sub-types are found within this breed.

7. Gaddi Sheep

• Gaddi sheep are found in Kishtwar and Bhadarwah of Jammu & Kashmir; Ramnagar, Udaipur, Kullu and Kangra valleys of Himachal Pradesh; and Dehradun, Nainital, Tehri-Garhwal and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand.

8. Ganjam Sheep

• This breed is spread in some parts of Odisha. It is medium in size and found in different colors.

9. Garole Sheep

• This breed is widely found in the Sundarban region of West Bengal. It is famous for its contribution to the prolific Booroola Merino sheep. Garole sheep is the highest lamb-producing breed among indigenous breeds.

10. Bakharwal Sheep

• This breed is found in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Wool from Bakharwal sheep is used to make a blanket called “Loi.”

11. Patanwadi Sheep

• Patanwadi is also known as Desi, Kutchi, Vadhiyari and Charotari. Generally, these animals are medium to large and have comparatively long legs. Patanwadi sheep also have a Roman (convex) nose.

12. Nellore Sheep – Goat Like Sheep Breed

• The origin of Nellore sheep is considered to be Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It is also called the “goat like sheep.” Among indigenous sheep breeds, Nellore is the largest breed.

Read More About : Ongole Cattle Characteristics

13. Mandya Sheep – Smallest Sheep Breed in India

• Mandya sheep is considered to have originated in Karnataka state. Among indigenous breeds of India, the smallest sheep breed in India is Mandya sheep.

Key Points – Top 10 Sheep Breeds in India Highlights

• Nellore sheep is also called the “goat like sheep breed.”
• Among indigenous sheep breeds, Nellore is the largest breed.
• Among indigenous breeds, the best mutton is obtained from Nellore sheep.
• The smallest sheep breed in India is Mandya sheep.
• Wool of Bakharwal sheep is used to make “Loi.”
• Garole sheep is the highest lamb-producing breed among indigenous breeds due to the Fec-B gene.

• Chokla, Patanwadi, Jaisalmeri sheep, etc., have a Roman (parrot-like) nose.
• Chokla sheep is considered the best carpet wool-producing breed among indigenous breeds of India, therefore it is also called the “Merino of India.” In Rajasthan, it is locally known as Shekhawati, Chapar and Rata Munda (Rata Munda). The finest wool is produced by Chokla sheep.

• Marwari sheep is a triple-purpose (wool, meat, milk) breed. Marwari sheep has the highest disease resistance.
• The only sheep breed in Rajasthan that produces yellow wool is Nali sheep.

• Magra sheep is found in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, therefore it is also known as Bikaneri Chokla. Magra sheep is also called Magreti, Rata Chakriya, Chakri and Buchi Kan Desi.

• Sonadi sheep is also known as Chanothar. It is the highest milk-producing sheep breed of Rajasthan.
• Wool of Gaddi sheep is used to make “Kullu Shawls.”

Top 10 Sheep Breeds in India (Best Sheep Breed Guide 2026)

India is home to some of the best sheep breeds in India, including fine wool, carpet wool, and high-quality mutton breeds. Below is the carefully structured list of the Top 10 Sheep Breeds in India, based exactly on the original content.

1. Chokla Sheep (Chokla) – “Merino of India”

Found In: Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Nagaur (Rajasthan)

Special Identification: This sheep has a slightly convex (Roman nose), similar to a parrot’s beak.

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
It is the best carpet wool-producing breed among indigenous sheep breeds of India. Its wool is very fine (thin and soft). That is why it is called the “Merino of India.” (Merino is a famous foreign wool breed.)

Local Names: In Rajasthan, it is also called Shekhawati, Chapar, and Ratamunda (Rata Munda).

2. Garole Sheep – “The Multi-Lamb Mother”

Found In: Sundarbans region of West Bengal

Special Identification: This sheep is not very large in appearance.

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
It is the highest lamb-producing breed among indigenous sheep breeds in India. While ordinary sheep give 1–2 lambs at a time, Garole can give 2, 3, or even 4 lambs at once. It possesses a special gene (Fec-B gene) that provides this ability. If you want to increase your flock quickly with fewer sheep, this breed is very beneficial.

3. Nellore Sheep – “Largest Sheep Breed in India” (Goat Like Sheep Breed)

Found In: Nellore, Prakasam, Ongole regions of Andhra Pradesh

Special Identification: This sheep somewhat resembles a goat (long legs, slender body), therefore it is also called the “goat like sheep breed.”

Main Feature (Most Important Point):

• It is the largest and tallest among indigenous sheep breeds in India.
• Among indigenous breeds, it is considered to produce the best mutton (meat).

If you are in the meat (goat-sheep farming) business, this breed can prove profitable for you.

4. Mandya Sheep – “King of Mutton” (Smallest Sheep Breed in India)

Found In: Mandya, Mysore, Hassan regions of Karnataka

Special Identification:

• It is the smallest sheep breed in India among indigenous breeds.
• Its body is blocky and filled with meat, somewhat like an inverted “U” (English letter).

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
It is considered one of the finest breeds for mutton production. The meat quality is excellent and has high market demand.

5. Magra Sheep – “Bikaneri Chokla”

Found In: Bikaner, Nagaur, Jaisalmer, Churu districts of Rajasthan (maximum in Bikaner)

Special Identification: Its face color is black.Magra sheep

Main Feature (Most Important Point):

• Its wool is lustrous (shiny), which is very famous for carpet making.
• Since it is found in Bikaner, it is also called “Bikaneri Chokla.”

Local Names: Magreti, Rata Chakriya, Chakri, Buchi Kan Desi.

6. Marwari Sheep – “Triple Benefit, Disease-Resistant Power”

Found In: Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Barmer, Jalore (Rajasthan) and some areas of Gujarat

Special Identification: It is a very strong and hardy breed.

Main Feature (Most Important Point):

• It is a triple-purpose breed – it provides wool, meat (mutton), and milk.
• Among indigenous sheep, Marwari sheep has the highest disease resistance. It does not fall sick easily and can survive on less water and limited fodder.

7. Sonadi Sheep – “Milk Mother of Rajasthan”

Found In: Udaipur, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh regions of Rajasthan

Special Identification: It is also locally known as “Chanothar.”

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
It is the highest milk-producing sheep breed of Rajasthan. If you are planning sheep farming for milk business, this breed is suitable.

8. Nali Sheep – “Golden Wool Producer”

Found In: Ganganagar, Churu, Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan) and Hisar, Rohtak (Haryana)

Special Identification: Its wool color is light yellow or golden.

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
It is the only sheep breed in Rajasthan that produces yellow-colored wool. This wool has a unique identity in the carpet industry.

9. Bakharwal Sheep – “Warmth of the Mountains”

Found In: Hilly areas of Jammu & Kashmir (Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar)

Special Identification: This breed lives in extremely cold regions where snowfall occurs.

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
Wool from this sheep is used to make “Loi.” Loi is a type of warm woolen blanket used by hill people to protect themselves from cold.

10. Avishan Sheep – “Gift of Science” (Synthetic Sheep Breed in India)

Found In: Mainly developed in Rajasthan

Special Identification: It is not an indigenous breed, but India’s only registered synthetic sheep breed.

Main Feature (Most Important Point):
Scientists developed it by combining multiple breeds specifically to produce better carpet wool. It is an excellent example of the blend of science and indigenous breeds.

Classification of Sheep Breeds (Sheep Breeds AZ Guide)

Sheep are classified based on wool quality as follows:

1. Fine Wool Breeds

These breeds produce high-quality fine and soft wool.

Major Foreign Breeds:

• Merino – The world’s best fine wool breed
• Rambouillet
• Corriedale
• Polwarth

👉 Merino is considered the most superior fine wool breed in the world.

2. Medium Wool Breeds

These breeds produce wool suitable for carpets and general clothing.

Major Indian Breeds:

• Gaddi (Himachal Pradesh)
• Bakharwal (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Chokla (Rajasthan)
• Nali

3. Carpet Wool Breeds

These breeds produce comparatively coarse wool mainly used in the carpet industry.

• Marwari
• Magra
• Jaisalmeri
• Patanwadi (Gujarat)

4. Mutton Breeds

These breeds are primarily reared for meat production.

• Nellore (Andhra Pradesh)
• Deccani (Maharashtra)
• Mandya (Karnataka)
• Mecheri (Tamil Nadu)

👉 Nellore is considered a major mutton breed in India.

Regional Classification of Sheep Breeds in India

1. North-Western Arid and Semi-Arid Region

(Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana dry parts)

Breeds:

Marwari, Nali, Chokla, Magra, Jaisalmeri, Malpura, Sonadi, Pugal, Kheri, Patanwadi, Panchali, Kajali (Punjab), Avishan (Synthetic – Rajasthan)

👉 This region is mainly famous for carpet wool and mutton production.

2. Northern Hilly Region

(Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal, Sikkim)

Breeds:

Gaddi, Bakharwal, Changthangi, Gurez, Karnah, Poonchi, Rampur Bushair, Muzaffarnagari, Tibetan, Bonpala

👉 Sheep of this region are mainly known for medium to fine wool.

3. Gangetic Plains Region

(Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, plains of Bihar)

Breeds:

Jalauni, Shahabadi, Muzaffarnagari (Western UP region)

👉 This region is mainly famous for mutton production.

4. Eastern and Humid Region

(Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand)

Breeds:

Balangiri, Ganjam, Kendrapada, Garole, Chottanagpuri

👉 These breeds are mainly used for meat production.

5. Southern Peninsular Region

(Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra)

Breeds:

Nellore, Deccani, Bellary, Hassan, Kenguri, Mandya, Machrela, Coimbatore, Kilakarsal, Madras Red, Mecheri, Nilgiri, Ramnad White, Tiruchi Black, Vembur, Katchaikatty Black, Chevaadu

👉 This region is the major mutton production belt of India.

Total Registered Sheep Breeds in India

• Indigenous Breeds – 46
• Synthetic Breed – 1 (Avishan)

✅ Total Breeds = 47 (46 Registered Indigenous Sheep Breeds + 1 Synthetic Breed)