Gaddi is a breed of domesticated sheep found in

India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...

. They are one of eight different breeds of sheep found in the northern temperate area of India. The Gaddi is raised primarily for its

wool Wool is the textile fibre obtained from sheep and other mammals, especially goats, rabbits, and camelids. The term may also refer to inorganic materials, such as mineral wool and glass wool, that have properties similar to animal wool. ...

Characteristics

The Gaddi ram is horned while the ewes are found horned only 10 - 15% of the time. The tail is small and thin. The breed is considered medium-sized. The Gaddi ewe averages 56 cm at the withers and weighs on average 26.5 kg. Lambs at birth weigh 2.5 kg and there is no difference in average birth weight between rams or ewes. This breed is small in size. It is strong and a good climber. Ears are also short. Fleece is fine and can grow up to 5m length. Fleece is clip three times a year (Feb, June and October). Fleece yield is 1–1.5kg/year. Wool is used for making shawls and blankets. Generally, the breed is uncolored and white. Occasionally, the Gaddi can be found mixed tan, brown and black.

References

Sheep breeds Sheep breeds originating in India Economy of Himachal Pradesh {{sheep-stub