A threatened breed of sheep found only in coastal Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts of Odisha has been conferred ‘rare and singular species’ tag by the central government.
The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has accorded genetic recognition to the breed of sheep, locally called 'kuji mendha', officials said.
"It s a typical breed of sheep. These sheep are fast breeders giving multiple birth while those in other parts of the state give single birth at a time," said Susanta Kumar Dash, a senior scientist in College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry of OUAT, Bhubaneswar.
With NBAGR conferring it genetically rare status, conserving these domesticated species would receive a boost, said Dash of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics.
Researchers of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) Department, Odisha Livestock Resources Development Society and College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry had earlier conducted scientific study on this rare breed and had found the sheep to be carrying a rare gene mutation.
Researchers from state units had laid claim for accordance of rare genetic status on the breed.
"We are glad to know that NBAGR has registered Kendrapada sheep as a rare genetic breed. Extensive study by us has finally paid dividends," Dash added.