2023, Vol. 8, Special Issue 5

Nellore sheep, one of the most famous mutton purpose sheep breeds of south India is mostly found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and the adjoining states. The present investigation was undertaken to compare the growth performance of Nellore Jodipi sheep in RKVY and non-RKVY flocks under field conditions in farmer’s flocks. The data on body weights (kg) of 1115 Nellore Jodipi sheep at milk teeth, 2, 4, 6 and 8-teeth of age collected from Yerpedu and Srikalahasti mandals of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh was utilized for the present study. Significant effect of flocks (P≤0.05) was observed for body weights at all ages except at 8- teeth. Sex had significant (P≤0.01) influence on body weight at all ages except at 4 teeth age. The animals in RKVY flocks were heavier than those of non-RKVY flocks at all age groups studied.