Vol. 9, Issue 4, Part G (2024)

Author(s): Dr. M Jeyakumar and Dr. N Murali

Abstract: An analysis of the migratory sheep production system in Tamil Nadu's southern agro-climatic zone was done. For the study, 100 migratory sheep farmers were chosen at random, and their flocks were categorized into three sizes: small (less than 175), medium (between 175-250), and large (more than 350) based on the average flock size for comparison. Based on information gathered from sheep farmers, staff members of the animal husbandry department, and first hand identification, the migratory tracts were identified. In the study area, 8 migratory routes in Tiruchy black sheep comprising of 3 major and 5 minor tracts and a total of 78 migratory tracts comprising of 28 main and 50 minor tracts in Pattanam sheep were found. In major tracts, the mean radial distance (km) of migration was 317.00±6.21, while in small tracts, it was 148.40±6.21 and overall distance covered is 15 to 128 km and the mean radial migratory distance ranges from 65 to 234 km in major tracts and a range of 15 to 64 km in minor tracts in Pattanam and Tiruchy black sheep respectively.