Comparative Phenotypic Traits and Performances of Native Sheep in Naikhongchhari Hilly Area of Bangladesh

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Background: Many studies have been conducted to investigate the performance of native sheep in plains and coastal regions, but no studies have been conducted in hilly regions of Bangladesh. Considering this fact, Coastal, Barind and Jamuna River Basin sheep were evaluated for their phenotypic traits, productive and reproductive abilities to gain insights into their performance in the hilly region. Methods: The Coastal, Barind and Jamuna River Basin sheep were collected from Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka for the first time to Regional Station, Naikhongchhari, BLRI and separated based on their phenotypic characteristics. A breeding program was established to ensure purity, using independent culling levels and selection indexes. Ewes were allowed to lamb throughout the year, mated with rams in a 15-20 to 1 ratio. The sheep were kept in a semi-intensive system. Result: The highest lamb birth weight was observed in coastal Region sheep, both male (1.43 kg) and female (1.22 kg), followed by Barind males (1.36 kg) and females (1.15 kg), respectively. The highest average daily gain was found in coastal region sheep (41.87 g/d), which was significantly higher compared to others. The lowest age at first heat, gestation length, age at first lambing, post-partum heat period, days open, lambing interval was observed in Barind sheep. Finally, the study offers valuable insights into the potentialities of native sheep in hilly regions, guiding future research and extension efforts for sheep farming in these areas.