Poonchi

The Poonchi breed, as its name suggests, is native to the Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The weight of an adult ram ranges from 35 to 40 kg, and that that of a ewe from 25 to 30 kg. The Poonchi breed is similar in appearance to the Gaddi, but lighter in colour. Animals are predominantly white, including the face, but spotted sheep are also seen, varying from brown to light black. The ears are medium long. The tail is short and thin. The legs are also short, giving a low-set conformation. The population of this breed has declined on account of cross-breeding with Merinos to improve greasy wool production. The wool is of medium to fine quality, mostly white in colour. Sheep are shorn three times a year and produce between 0.9 to 1.3 kg of greasy wool each per year. The fibre length ranges from 15 to 18 cm and the average fibre diameter ranges from 22 to 30 μ. 

According to the 18th Livestock Census of 2007, there are 35,282 Poonchi sheep left in India. (Refer to maps below)

Text and Photo Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/x6532e/X6532E06.htm#ch5.2.4 and http://www.indianfarmowners.com/m/articles/view/Sheep-breeds-in-India-POONCHI