A threatened breed of sheep,Kendrapara, found only in coastal Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts of Odisha has been conferred ‘rare and singular species’ tag by the central government.
The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has accorded genetic recognition to the breed of sheep, locally called ‘kuji mendha‘. With NBAGR conferring it genetically rare status, conserving these domesticated species would receive a boost.
Kendrapara sheep are fast breeders giving multiple birth while those in other parts of the state give single birth at a time. The rare genetic traits lead to the multiple birth syndrome in them. These animals are dwarf in built with the body covered with coarse hair. The average adult sheep weighs 18-20 kg. Kendrapada sheep are 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 rains. In Sundarbans area of West Bengal, Garol breed sheep are found who are multiple-breeders.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The sheep (Ovis aries) is a quadrupedal, ruminant mammal typically kept as livestock. Sheep move around in large groups called flocks. The female sheep is called an ewe. The young are called lambs and the male is called the ram.
 Ruminants are mammals that are able to acquire nutrients from plant-based food by fermenting it in a specialized stomach prior to digestion, principally through microbial actions. The primary difference between a ruminant and non ruminant is that ruminants have a four-compartment stomach. The four parts are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.