Sheep breeds in Rajasthanx

b) Numbers. The total sheep population in the Chokla distribution area was 0.53 m according to the 1972 census and 0.511 m according to the 1977 census, thus showing a slight decline. Of these, adult males and adult females were 0.049 and 0.352 m respectively. Chokla is perhaps the finest carpet-wool breed, although most Chokla wool is now being diverted to the worsted sector because of the dearth of fine apparel-wool in the country. The breeding policy recommended by the National Commission on Agriculture and adopted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Rajasthan State Department of Sheep and Wool, is to cross Chokla with exotic fine-wool breeds (Merino and Rambouillet) to improve apparel-wool production and quality. There is need for conserving the breed, because its numbers are declining for natural reasons and owing to large-scale cross-breeding programmes for converting Chokla into an apparel-wool breed.