MECHERI SHEEP RESEARCH STATION, POTTANERI

GENESIS

The origin of this station could be linked to the implementation of an ICAR funded research scheme on “Studies on carcass characteristics of Mecheri and Mandya lambs” at Alamarathupatti village of Kolathur block in Salem district from 12.02.1971. The Mecheri Sheep Research Station was started on 05.06.1978 in Pottaneri Panchayat of Mecheri block in Salem District, with the aim of improving the Mecheri sheep, which was considered to be the indigenous mutton breed.

OBJECTIVES

• To improve Mecheri breed of sheep by planned breeding and management
• To distribute superior males to the farmers to improve their flocks
• To maintain model Tellicherry goat unit
• To serve as a center for imparting training to students and enabling student research
• To serve as a extension resource center for sheep and goat farmers
• To popularize suitable package of practices for improved fodder production
  

UNITS

• Mecheri sheep unit
• Goat unit
• Agroforestry and pasture development unit
• Health cover unit
  

SALIENT FINDINGS

Studies on cryo-preservation of ram semen revealed that the ram semen could be frozen successfully with tris-egg yolk diluents. A lambing rate of 42.30 % with intra- cervical insemination of frozen semen was achieved.

Survey, evaluation and characterization of Mecheri breed of sheep has been made and the breed descriptor was developed
The lambs fed with ration containing 40% Lucerne meal and 60% concentrate performed better than those with 50% Lucerne meal and 50% concentrate.

Growth study of lambs raised on cereal and legume combination of fodder revealed that the animals fed with Cenchrus ciliaris and subabul in 3:1 ratio gave better results compared to Cenchrus ciliaris and Clitoria ternate.
The cotton shells currently wasted as manure and fuel can be ground and used as a fibre replacement at 50% level in sheep ration.

Groundnut cake can be replaced by water treated neem seed karnal cake in sheep feed at 50% level to minimise the cost of feed

Groundnut hulls and coir pith can be used as a litter material for deep litter system of sheep rearing
Application of 30 kg nitrogen and 90 kg phosphorus /hectare will increase the green fodder yield of Stylosanthus hemata to the tune of 24.98 tonnes/hectare

MECHERI SHEEP

This Mecheri breed of sheep is distributed among Salem, Erode and Namakkal districts and in parts of Dharmapuri and Karur districts of Tamil Nadu. Animals with true to type are present in Mecheri, Kolathur, Nangavalli, and Omalur and Tharamangalam panchayat unions of Salem district.

• Colour : Light brown in colour with white patches
• Utility : Meat type

Breed characters

• Medium sized animal with compact body
• Males and females are polled
• Ears are medium sized and pendulous
• Tail is short, thin and V-shaped
• Udder is small in size, tightly attached to the belly with small teats placed laterally
• Body is covered with very short hairs which are not shorn
• Skin of good quality in terms of softness, grain tightness and tensile strength
• Special characters: Better adaptability to harsh climatic conditions, high dressing percentage and good quality skin

Average body weight (kg)

Birth
Male	2.88
Female	2.77
Adult
Male	32.13
Female	28.29

Carcass characters

	Male	Female
Dressing percentage	54.40 ± 0.41	51.84 ± 0.51

Reproduction 

Males
Age at first mating (months)	12.62 ± 0.09
Females
Age at first Oestrus (months)	12.06 ± 0.07
Age at first mating (months)	12.35 ± 0.07
Age at first lambing ( months)	17.35 ± 0.07
Lambing interval (days)	225.9 ± 0.71

FACULTY

Dr. K.Karunanithi, Professor and Head
Dr. M.Sundaravinayaki, Assistant Professor
Dr. K.Chinnamani, Assistant Professor
Dr. N.Arulnathan, Assistant Professor
Dr. R.Thangathurai, Assistant Professor