Efforts on to conserve Bandur sheep

Concerned over the dwindling numbers of Bandur sheep, also known as Bannur sheep, the Department of Animal Husbandry is taking steps to conserve the breed, which is known for its special variety of meat.

The Bandur sheep is being reared to increase their number at a farm run by the department at Malavalli in Mandya district.

“There are about 300 to 400 heads of sheep. We want to increase the numbers,” said Harsh Gupta, Secretary to the department. Similar efforts to conserve the breed are under way at a farm in Nagamangala in Mandya district, run by the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, he said.

Mr. Gupta said the Bandur sheep is known for its meat that has fat in the muscle fibre. “It is a premium variety and the pride of Karnataka,” he said.

The department will provide financial assistance up to Rs. 5 lakh to the Society of Shepherds to buy and breed the sheep. The department will also provide training to shepherds, Mr. Gupta said.

Meanwhile, farmers like Ramesh Rangasamudra, who are involved in creating awareness about the need to conserve the Bandur breed, have attributed its dwindling count to the gross mismatch in the number of sheep that should be retained for breeding. Owing to increasing demand, sheep are not retained for breeding, which is leading to the decline in its numbers.