Paradip, July 9: The Centre has conferred the "rare and singular species" tag on a threatened breed of sheep found only in the coastal areas of Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts.

The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has accorded the genetic recognition to the breed of sheep that is locally called "kuji mendha".

"It is a typical breed of sheep. These are fast breeders that give multiple births while sheep in other parts of the state give a single birth at a time. With NBAGR conferring it genetically rare status, conserving these domesticated species will receive a boost," said Susanta Kumar Dash, a senior scientist at the department of animal breeding and genetics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry of OUAT, Bhubaneswar.

Researchers at the fisheries and animal resources development (Fard) department, Odisha Livestock Resources Development Society and College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry of OUAT had earlier conducted a scientific study on this rare breed and found it to be carrying a rare gene mutation. Researchers from state units had asked for accordance of rare genetic status on the breed. "We are glad to know that the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources has registered kuji mendha as a rare genetic breed. Our extensive study has finally paid dividends," said Dash.

"The sheep that are reared in these parts are delicate domestic animals. Sheep in other parts of Odisha are not known to give multiple births. This characteristic makes them different from other sheep species. In the Sunderbans in Bengal, the Garol breed of sheep are found and those are multiple-breeders. An estimated 75,000 "kuji" sheep are found in Kendrapara. Special care needs to be taken to protect them," said chief district veterinary officer Chaitanya Kumar Sethy.

The animals are short in stature with their body covered with coarse hair. The average adult weighs between 18 to 20kg and is primarily used for production of mutton. The other product of economic importance is their skin. They are well adapted to high ambient temperature, high humidity and heavy rain, Sethy said.

The sheep are not commercially reared in Kendrapara by many farmers. Because of its multiple-birth characteristic, the rearing of 'kuji' sheep is a profitable livelihood source. The district animal husbandry department has started an awareness drive to sensitise sheep farmers on the commercial viability of sheep-rearing, he said.