The premium Bandur sheep, which has been dwindling in number in the State, got a boost with the State government announcing the setting up of a semen bank for protection of indigenous breeds facing extinction.
Several sheep at the Animal Husbandry Department’s Bandur sheep farm at Malavalli near here underwent artificial insemination on an experimental basis.
“The sperm of an elite Bandur ram was used in the artificial insemination. The lambs born out of the experiment are doing fine and a success rate of 80 per cent has been reported,” S.M. Khadri, Assistant Director, Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation, Mysuru, told The Hindu .
The exercise was followed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement in the State Budget to set up semen banks for artificial insemination of sheep and goat at a cost of Rs. 5 crore.
Training
More than 100 veterinarians from across the State were trained in the process of artificial insemination at the veterinary college in Bengaluru recently.
“The procedure involves keeping hormonal swabs in the birth canal of the female sheep for about 8 to 10 days. Within 24 hours of removing the swabs, the sheep will come to heat, presenting the veterinarians with the right opportunity to carry out the artificial insemination. A fertility of 85 per cent can be expected,” he said.
Crucial
Though the breeding technology will be used for all the native breeds in the State, including Deccani, Ballari and Hassan, it is crucial for the conservation of Bandur variety, whose numbers are fast dwindling.
“There may be not more than 4,000 Bandur sheep, found mostly in Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru rural region,” Dr. Khadri said.
The stout variety, known for its meat that has fat in the muscle fibre, is in great demand across the country, particularly during special occasions and festivals.
Veterinarians have attributed the dwindling numbers of Bandur sheep to gross mismatch in the number of sheep to be sold against the number to be retained for breeding. Many elite rams that should be retained for breeding are sold for a high price during festivals and special occasions.
Commercial farming
The semen banks and artificial insemination will not only help conserve the breeds in the first phase, but also promote commercial farming in the subsequent days, Dr. Khadri added.
