Sheeps are found with various breeds adapted to different climates and purposes. Sheep eat grass, hay, legumes, and shrubs. They have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to ferment plant-based food.
Sheep prefer shorter, tender grass and browse bushes. In winter or poor pastures, farmers feed them grains, silage, and mineral supplements. They require 2-4 liters of water daily, depending on weather and diet.
Sheep Breeds
1. Merino are found in Spain, Australia known for fine wool
2. Dorper are found in South Africa are Meat breed, adaptable to dry climates
3. Suffolk are found in UK are large meat breed, black face and legs
4. Karakul are found in Central Asia are known for its unique fat-tailed appearance
5. Jacob Sheep are found in Middle East are distinctive with multiple horns
6. Bighorn Sheep found in North America are Wild species with curved horns
7. Barbados Blackbelly are found in Caribbean with Hair sheep, disease-resistant.
Here are well-known Sheep Sanctuaries in India along with their key features, attractions, and wildlife found:
🐑 Famous Sheep Sanctuaries in India
1. Sheep Breeding Farm Sanctuary, Kullu Himachal Pradesh located in Naggar, Kullu Valley known for breeding high altitude sheep like Gaddi, Merino sheep, surrounded by apple orchards, snow-covered peaks, pine forests
Attractions: Guided tours showing sheep rearing and wool processing, scenic nature walks in the Himalayan foothills, Local Himachali culture.
Wildlife : Himalayan monal, Musk deer, Snow leopards
2. Central Sheep Breeding Farm, Avikanagar Rajasthan is one of the largest sheep breeding centres in India, seen in Rajasthan desert breeds like Marwari, Chokla, Magra
Attractions: Unique desert ecosystem, very close to Sariska Tiger Reserve and Jaipur
Wildlife: Chinkara, Desert fox, Nilgai
3. Sheep Breeding Farm, Hisar Haryana is known for improving wool and mutton breeds
Attractions: Farm tours close to Agroha and historical sites of Hisar
4. Mannavanur Sheep, Rabbit Farm Tamil Nadu is located near Kodaikanal very scenic grasslands, houses Merino sheep, rabbits, angora goats
Attractions : Lake, valley views, pine forests