Kilakarsal
May 06, 2013
The Kilakarsal, also known as Keezhakkaraisal, Karuvai, Keezha Karauvai, Ramnad Karuvi and Adikarasial, is mainly found in the Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu.
They are medium-sized animals, with a dark tan coat with black spots on the head (particularly on the eyelids and the lower jaw), belly and legs. The ears are medium-sized, and the tail is small and thin. Males have thick twisted horns, 2 to 3 cm in length. Lambing percentage in farmers’ flocks is about 80%. The litter size is single. Breeding is generally done on the basis of selection from within the flock.
According to the 18th Livestock Census of 2007 there are 529,357 Kilakarsal sheep in the country. (Refer to maps below)
| Adult Male | Adult Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Body weight (kg) | 30 | 21 |
| Average Body length (cm) | 62 | 58 |
| Average Height at withers (cm) | 70 | 65 |
| Average Chest girth (cm) | 72 | 65 |
Text Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/x6532e/X6532E04.htm#ch3.2.7
Photo Source: CSWRI, Avikanagar
