Thangaraj Ravimurugan

Chevaadu Breed of Sheep of Tamil Nadu, India: an Economically and Culturally Important Sheep Thangaraj Ravimurugan

Southern Peninsular region of India is considered as a biodiversity hot spot. The Tamil Nadu state, being located in this biodiversity hot spot possesses different livestock species that demand the proper evaluations and utilizations. Sheep rearing is an important component and the most interesting sheep in the state is Chevaadu. This sheep is primarily used for meat and manure purposes. This sheep also plays an important role in the socio-cultural life of the local inhabitants. This sheep is considered as a ceremonial animal for various social rituals. In this book an attempt has been made to compile available information of Chevaadu sheep like origin, habitat and distribution, breed characteristics, reproduction, husbandry practices, socio-economic status of farmers, microsatellite marker analysis and phylogenetic relationship with other sheep breed etc. Hope this book will be of great use and help to the scientist and researchers as well as those involved in livestock development programmes.