It is estimated that
sheep have increased in numbers by more than 41 per
cent during the period from 1986 to 1996.
However, profitability has
not increased due to lack of knowledge of breeding,
management, nutrition, disease control measures, drenching
against endo-parasitic and dipping against ecto- parasitic
diseases.
The district Tharparkar is richest in sheep population,
which possesses 40 per cent of the province's sheep
population and is most suitable for sheep and wool
development.
Other such areas in the
province are those of Nara area of Khairpur and Kohistan of
Dadu.
The Kooka, Kachhi and Pak-Awasi breeds in Sindh are the most
promising for wool production. These are medium-sized, but
Kachhi can produce some milk as well. Fleece of more than
2.0 kg per annum can be obtained from them.
The Kachhi and Pak-Awasi have
good staple length of more than 7.0 cm. Pak-Awasi and Kooka
have more than 60 per cent true wool fibres.
More than one lambing per
year can be obtained from these breeds through good
management practices.
The most fatal enzootic disease is Anthrax which is caused
by a bacillus. It is contracted through water, food
excretions or through a wound infection.
The disease has very low
incubation period of 1-3 days and its first sign is sudden
death or very high fever.
The wool development centres once established at taluka/
union council level, can serve training places for wool
development where owners in the areas be registered and
provided technical assistance and veterinary extension
services.
These services can be
provided through trained leader or an NGO in the village.
Pedigreed rams be also provided to farmers to improve the
breeding.
In Sindh the present population is about 23.5 million sheep
from which 6.12 million kg wool is obtained. It can be
doubled by providing modern techniques such as:
1. Control of ectoparasites;
2. Shearing with modern
electric machines;
3. Keeping quality wool
separate from lower parts wool;
4. Storing and protecting
wool from parasites;
5. Selling wool at a time
when it fetches the highest price.
Courtesy: Dawn News