Divergence analysis of performance of Karakul and its crosses and development of Indian Karakul Singh V.K.1, Head, Pant K.P.2, Dean 1Arid Region Campus, C.S.W.R.I., Bikaner. 2College of veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner. Part of Ph.D. Thesis submitted to R.A.U., Bikaner by the senior author. Abstract The diversities among seven genetic groups based on the pelt type score, body weights at birth, 3, 6 and 12 months of age and greasy fleece weight in the first and second six monthly clips were estimated. The three-fourths of Karakul with Malpura, Marwari and Sonadi formed the first cluster, the half-breds of Karakul with Malpura, Marwari and sonadi formed the second and purebred karakul the third cluster. The three-fourths were more closer to Karakul than the half-breds. The three-fcurth pooled group named as Indian Karakul has been compared with karakul in respect of important economic traits. The averages of Indian Karakul were 3.35±0.03, 13.65±0.24. 18.06±0.33 and 25.98±0.15 kg for body weight at birth, 3, 6 and 12 months of age respectively. These were −4.01. 5.41. 2.54 and 1.96% superior to the Karakul. The average of the greasy fleece weight in the first and second clips for Indian Karakul were 0.783±0.025 and 0.526±0.015 kg, respectively. The yields in Indian karakul were lower than Karakul by 3.43 and 8.33%. The percentage of the jacket type pelt was 47.71 (10.72% less than Karakul) and black colour 95.06 (3.71% less than Karakul). The averages of pelt length, pelt width, pelt weight and pelt quality index were 356.9±7.1 mm, 240.6±55.8 mm, 160.3±6.9 g and 0.19±0.007 g/cm2, respectively. These parameters of Indian Karakul were less than karakul by 4.59, 1.05, 8.03 and 1.55% respectively. The Indian Karakul pelts were lighter than Karakul. The mortality rate in the Indian Karakul was lower than the Karakul by 0.31, 6.81, 0.04 and 1. 72% during birth to 15, 16 to 90, 91 to 180 and 181 to 365 days of age, respectively. The overall advantage in Indian karakul in growth and survival was evident. The pelts obtained in the Indian Karakul were lighter and there was possibility of obtaining different colour lines other than black from the base of Indian karakul. Top |