The Bandur sheep of Malavalli taluk has garnered attention, often confused with Bannur and mispronounced. Although not officially registered under the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), this breed holds significant importance in Karnataka’s livestock heritage.
While NBAGR lists 44 sheep breeds, including Bellary, Hassan, and Mandya from Karnataka, Bandur isn’t mentioned. Nonetheless, the Bandur Sheep Breeding Centre in Dhanagur, Malavalli taluk, under the Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation (KSWDC), has been diligently involved in conserving and developing the Bandur breed since 1965.
According to the NBAGR manual, the Bandur sheep is considered a variant of the Mandya breed, known for its meaty conformation and quality, offering a marbling effect to the mutton due to its intra-muscular fat content. However, Dr. P Ramesh, the head of the Bandur Sheep Breeding Centre, asserts that the Mandya breed mentioned in the manual is, in fact, the Bandur breed itself.
The centre, which initially operated under the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department before transitioning to KSWDC in 2005, has played a crucial role in the breeding and distribution of Bandur sheep. Residential training camps were conducted for farmers pre-pandemic, focusing on Bandur sheep breeding techniques.
Currently, the centre houses 450 Bandur sheep, with 18 rams and 432 ewes. The distribution of rams to beneficiaries is carefully regulated, with each recipient receiving only one ram for breeding purposes. Dr. Ramesh explains the breeding process, emphasizing the gradual increase in Bandur characteristics over generations.
Looking ahead, the introduction of artificial insemination (AI) for Bandur sheep breeding is on the horizon, with plans to implement it within six months. This development is expected to further enhance breeding practices and preserve the unique genetic traits of the Bandur breed.