Distribution and Management Practices of Coimbatore Sheep

Coimbatore sheep is one among the three recognized breeds of wooly sheep reared in Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore sheep were distributed in Sulur and Sultanpet Panchayat Union of Palladam taluk; Madukkarai and Thondamuthur Panchayat union of Coimbatore South taluk and Periyanaiyakkanpalayam Panchayat Union of Coimbatore district. Coimbatore sheep migrate from their villages of origin almost in all directions up to 5 to 8 km depending on the availability of grazing land and harvested paddy fields. Sheep grazing duration was 8 to 12 hours a day with a grazing distance ranged from 5 to 8 km from the penning site. Shearing was done once in a year during the month of May and June. The average annual greasy fleece yield as reported by the farmers was 0.5 kg to 0.75 kg per sheep. Women were found engaged in weaving blankets and rugs.