Sheep Farming in India: Breeds, Feed, Housing, Costs & Profit

🐑 Sheep Farming in India: Complete Information on Breeds, Feed, Housing, Diseases, Cost, Earnings and Government Schemes

Sheep farming is an important livestock business in India. A large number of farmers and livestock keepers do sheep farming in rural and semi-arid areas of the country. Sheep are mainly reared for meat and wool production. Apart from this, good-quality rams and female sheep are also useful for breeding.

The success of sheep farming in India does not depend only on keeping a large number of sheep. Selection of the right breed, nutritious feed, clean housing, proper breeding management, timely vaccination, disease control and the right market play an important role in making sheep farming profitable.

Small farmers in India can also start sheep farming, but before starting the business, it is necessary to plan for feed, water, housing, veterinary facilities and the market.

📊 1. How Many Sheep Are There in India?

Sheep farming is a part of the large livestock sector in India. According to the 20th Livestock Census, 2019, the number of sheep in India was approximately 7.426 crore (74.26 million).

It is important to note that this is the official figure from the 2019 Livestock Census. It should not be considered the current sheep population for the year 2026.

According to recent analysis by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the pattern of sheep farming in India is also changing over time. There has been a significant increase in meat production, and the importance of meat production in sheep farming has increased considerably in recent times.

In 2024-25, sheep meat production in India was reported to be around 11.85 lakh tonnes. During the same period, wool production was reported to be around 3.46 crore kilograms.

This clearly shows that today, instead of depending only on wool, a sheep farmer should also focus on meat production, breeding animals and the local market.

🐑 2. What is Sheep Farming?

Sheep farming means rearing sheep in a scientific and systematic way to get economic benefits from them.

The main objectives of sheep farming in India are:

• Meat production
• Wool production
• Production of lambs
• Preparing good-quality breeding animals
• Getting additional income for rural families
• Using available pasture and agricultural residues
• Getting organic manure

Sheep farming can be started on a small scale and gradually increased. However, before increasing the number of animals, it is necessary to increase the capacity for feed, housing, animal health and market access.

🌾 3. Why is Sheep Farming Important in India?

The climate and available resources in many areas of India are suitable for sheep farming. Especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and other states, sheep farming is done according to different local conditions.

The important benefits of sheep farming are:

3.1. Availability of Grazing Facilities

In areas where sufficient pasture is available, sheep can be reared through grazing.

3.2. Demand for Meat

There is continued demand for sheep meat in many parts of India. Therefore, meat production can become an important source of income from sheep farming.

3.3. Wool Production

Some special breeds are reared for wool production.

3.4. Sale of Breeding Animals

Good-quality and healthy rams and female sheep can be sold for breeding purposes.

3.5. Opportunity for Small Farmers

With proper management, small farmers can also combine sheep farming with their agricultural activities.

3.6. Integration with Agriculture

Sheep farming can be integrated with crop production and fodder production.

🧬 4. Major Sheep Breeds in India

There are many local breeds of sheep in India. Different breeds have developed according to different climates, geographical conditions and production purposes.

According to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, after the registration of new breeds in 2023, 45 registered sheep breeds were recorded in India.

Some of the major sheep breeds found in India are:

• Nali
• Marwari
• Magra
• Malpura
• Muzaffarnagari
• Mandya
• Nellore
• Deccani
• Garole
• Patanwadi
• Gaddi
• Bhakarwal
• Macherla

Apart from these, different developed breeds and breeding groups have also been developed to improve wool and meat production.

Which is the Best Sheep Breed?

It would not be correct to say that there is one single best breed for the whole of India.

The selection of a sheep breed should be based on these factors:

1. Climate of your area
2. Available feed
3. Grazing facilities
4. Local market
5. Your main purpose of meat or wool production
6. Local veterinary facilities
7. Availability of the breed
8. Health of the animals
9. Breeding ability
10. Experience of local livestock keepers

The best breed is the one that is suitable for your area and your business purpose.

A farmer should avoid buying a breed only because it is popular in another district or state. A breed that is suitable for local conditions can often be a better option.

🏠 5. Housing and Shed for Sheep Farming

A good shed is very important in sheep farming. Proper housing should be available to protect sheep from rain, excessive heat, cold and moisture.

Keep the following points in mind while constructing the shed:

• The land should be high and dry.
• Rainwater should not collect inside the shed.
• There should be proper air circulation.
• There should be enough light in the shed.
• The floor should be easy to clean.
• The floor should not remain excessively wet.
• There should be a separate place for sick animals.
• There should be a safe place for lambs.
• Separate arrangements should be possible for pregnant sheep.
• Feed and water facilities should be nearby.
• The shed should not be overcrowded.

Too much overcrowding can increase the risk of spreading diseases.

🐑 6. Grazing or Shed-Based Sheep Farming?

Sheep farming can mainly be done in two ways.

6.1. Grazing-Based Sheep Farming

In this system, sheep are grazed in natural or community pasture areas.

This system can be useful in areas where sufficient grazing land is available.

However, depending only on grazing is not always sufficient. Pregnant sheep, milk-producing sheep and fast-growing lambs may need additional nutrition.

6.2. Shed-Based Sheep Farming

In this system, sheep are mainly kept in a shed and provided with feed.

Under the current scheme of the National Livestock Mission, shed-based farming is also promoted under the entrepreneurship component for sheep and goat farming.

In this system, the farmer should arrange the following in advance:

• Feed
• Water
• Labour
• Shed
• Veterinary care
• Cleaning

🌿 7. Sheep Feed and Fodder Management

Feed can be one of the most important expenses in sheep farming. Good nutrition plays an important role in the growth, reproduction, disease resistance and development of lambs.

According to their requirements, sheep can be given:

• Green fodder
• Dry fodder
• Grazing
• Agricultural residues
• Balanced feed
• Mineral mixture
• Clean water

It is not correct to give the same quantity of feed to all sheep.

The feed requirement depends on these factors:

• Age of the animal
• Body weight
• Pregnancy
• Milk production
• Growth of the lamb
• Breeding status
• Season
• Breed
• Availability of grazing

Pay Attention to the Diet of Pregnant Sheep

During the final stage of pregnancy, the nutritional requirement of a sheep may increase.

If a pregnant sheep does not get enough nutrition:

• The birth weight of the lamb may be affected.
• The growth of the lamb may become slow.
• The female sheep may become weak.
• Future breeding performance may be affected.

The agricultural advice of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommends giving special attention to the nutrition of pregnant and milk-producing small animals and providing additional feed according to their requirements.

🐣 8. How to Take Care of Lambs?

Proper care of lambs is very important in sheep farming.

After birth:

1. Keep the lamb in a clean and dry place.
2. Make sure that it gets enough first milk, that is, colostrum.
3. Take care of the cleanliness of the navel.
4. Protect it from cold and excessive heat.
5. Keep a special watch on weak lambs.
6. Provide additional feed at the proper time.
7. Provide vaccination and deworming treatment as advised by the veterinarian.

If the following symptoms are seen in a lamb:

• Diarrhoea
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty in breathing
• Continuous coughing
• Excessive dullness

then a veterinarian should be contacted.

💧 9. Water for Sheep

Sheep should always have access to clean and sufficient water.

The water requirement may change according to the size of the animal, season, feed and physical condition.

The need for water may increase during summer.

Water containers should be:

• Cleaned regularly.
• Kept away from dung and urine.
• Protected from mud.
• Kept in sufficient numbers during summer.

Dirty water can affect the health of animals.

❤️ 10. Breeding Management of Sheep

Breeding management is very important in commercial sheep farming.

The farmer should select healthy animals with good genetic ability for breeding.

Characteristics of a Good Ram

• Healthy body
• Good growth
• Strong legs
• Good reproductive organs
• Proper breed characteristics
• No obvious genetic defect
• Good health
• Good breeding history

Characteristics of a Good Female Sheep

• Healthy body
• Good physical condition
• Good mothering ability
• Regular breeding history
• Good record of giving healthy lambs

The agricultural advice of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research mentions the use of approximately one ram for 50 female sheep during the breeding season. The actual ratio may vary according to the breed, breeding system and ability of the animal.

🩺 11. Major Diseases in Sheep

Disease prevention is very important in sheep farming.

Some important diseases and health problems found in sheep are:

• PPR
• Foot and Mouth Disease
• Sheep Pox
• Enterotoxaemia
• Pneumonia
• Diarrhoea
• Internal parasites
• External parasites
• Ticks and lice
• Skin-related problems
• Nutritional deficiencies

Any disease should not be treated only on the basis of information available on the internet. It is important to take the help of a veterinarian for the correct identification of the disease and proper medicine.

What is PPR Disease?

PPR, that is, Peste des Petits Ruminants, is a serious infectious disease found in sheep and goats.

This disease can spread rapidly and can cause significant losses to livestock.

Under the Government of India’s Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, a vaccination programme is being carried out to control and eliminate PPR.

The government aims to control and eliminate PPR by the year 2030.

According to the government annual report, around 2.76 crore vaccinations against PPR were carried out in the country during 2024-25.

Farmers should get information about the local date and programme for PPR vaccination from the Animal Husbandry Department of their state.

Foot and Mouth Disease in Sheep

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease.

It can affect cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs.

Under the Government of India’s National Animal Disease Control Programme, sheep and goats have also been included in the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination programme.

Therefore, farmers should get their animals vaccinated during the government vaccination campaign being conducted in their state.

🪱 12. Deworming Treatment in Sheep

Internal parasites in sheep can affect their growth and health.

The 2025 agricultural advisory of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommends deworming treatment approximately every six months for sheep and goats using a broad-spectrum dewormer.

However, the selection and dosage of deworming medicine should be decided according to the animal’s weight, strength of the medicine, local parasite situation and advice of the veterinarian.

The farmer should not decide the medicine dosage on their own.

💉 13. Vaccination of Sheep

The vaccination programme for sheep may vary according to the state and local animal health programme.

Vaccination may be required against some important diseases:

• PPR
• Foot and Mouth Disease
• Sheep Pox
• Enterotoxaemia

In some situations, special vaccination may also be required for pregnant sheep.

When and which vaccine should be given should be decided according to the current advice of the local veterinarian or Animal Husbandry Department.

🛡️ 14. Biosecurity in Sheep Farming

After purchasing new animals, it is not advisable to immediately mix them with the old flock.

It is better to keep the new animals separately for some time and monitor their health condition.

The farmer should adopt biosecurity measures such as:

• Health check-up of new animals
• Arrangement for keeping animals separately
• Regular cleaning
• Separating sick animals
• Avoiding overcrowding in the shed
• Safe disposal of dead animals
• Controlling the movement of outside animals

💰 15. How Much Does Sheep Farming Cost?

The most common question asked by farmers starting sheep farming is:

“How much does it cost to rear 100 sheep?”

It would not be correct to give one fixed answer for the whole of India.

The total cost depends on many factors:

• Sheep breed
• Age of the animal
• Purchase price
• State
• Local market
• Shed cost
• Feed cost
• Availability of grazing
• Labour cost
• Veterinary care
• Vaccination
• Medicines
• Insurance
• Transportation
• Mortality rate

Therefore, it would not be correct to apply one fixed figure given on a website to your district.

The farmer should prepare the project cost based on the actual price of sheep, feed cost and labour cost in their district.

📈 16. How Do You Earn from Sheep Farming?

The major sources of income from sheep farming are:

16.1. Sale of Lambs

The sale of healthy lambs ready for meat can be a major source of income.

16.2. Sale of Breeding Animals

Healthy rams and female sheep of good breeds can be sold to other livestock keepers for breeding purposes.

16.3. Sale of Wool

In suitable wool-producing breeds, wool can be an additional source of income.

16.4. Sheep Manure

Sheep manure can be used as organic manure in agriculture.

16.5. Mixed Farming

Sheep farming can be combined with farming and fodder production for better use of resources.

💡 17. How to Increase Profit in Sheep Farming?

Increasing the number of sheep is not the only way to increase profit.

To increase profit, farmers should focus on:

Good breed + Balanced feed + Low mortality rate + Good breeding + Disease control + Less unnecessary expenses + Right market

Keeping records of every animal is very useful.

The farmer should record the following information:

Records will help the farmer understand how much is actually being spent and where improvement is needed in the business.

🏛️ 18. Government Scheme for Sheep Farming

Under the Government of India’s National Livestock Mission, support is provided for entrepreneurship and breed development related to sheep and goat farming.

According to the current guidelines, eligible entities for sheep and goat entrepreneurship include:

• Individual beneficiaries
• Self Help Groups
• Farmer Producer Organizations
• Farmer Cooperative Societies
• Joint Liability Groups
• Section 8 Companies

💵 19. Sheep Farming Subsidy under the National Livestock Mission

According to the current guidelines, the maximum capital subsidy for the prescribed unit sizes is as follows:

The government may provide support of up to 50 percent of the capital cost of the project, within the prescribed limit.

It is very important to understand that ₹50 lakh does not mean that every farmer will get ₹50 lakh for free.

₹50 lakh is the maximum subsidy limit, which applies to the prescribed unit of 500 females + 25 males.

The actual assistance will depend on:

• Eligibility
• Project cost
• Bank finance
• Approval of the project
• Implementation process of the state
• Other conditions of the scheme

📈 20. Which Expenses Do Not Get Subsidy under the National Livestock Mission?

According to the current guidelines, subsidy is not available for the following expenses under this component of sheep and goat entrepreneurship:

• Working capital
• Personal vehicle
• Purchase of land
• Rent of land
• Cost of land lease

Therefore, before applying, the farmer should confirm the current rules and process with the concerned implementing agency of their state.

💵 21. How Much Subsidy Can You Get for a Sheep Farming Scheme?

According to the government dashboard of the National Livestock Mission, by July 2026, around 2,858 projects had been approved and around ₹967.46 crore subsidy had been approved.

Out of these, around 2,318 projects were reported to be related to the breed development component for sheep and goat farming.

This shows that actual projects are receiving support through this scheme.

However, approval of every application is not guaranteed. Eligibility, project feasibility, financial arrangement and the state-level process are important.

📋 22. What Should You Do Before Starting Sheep Farming?

If you want to start sheep farming for the first time, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Decide the Market

First decide what your main purpose will be:

• Meat production
• Breeding
• Wool production
• Mixed model

Step 2: Get Information About the Local Market

Get information from several buyers in your area:

• Which breed sells more?
• What weight of animal is in demand?
• On what basis is the sale made?
• How much does demand increase during the festival season?
• What is the demand for breeding animals?

Step 3: Select the Breed

Select the breed according to the climate and market of your area.

Step 4: Plan the Feed

Before buying sheep, ask the most important question:

“Where will I get feed throughout the year?”

Step 5: Find Veterinary Facilities

Keep information about the following facilities available near you:

• Veterinary hospital
• Veterinarian
• Vaccination centre
• Testing facility

Step 6: Prepare the Shed

First arrange the shed and feed, and then buy the animals.

Step 7: Start Slowly

A new farmer should start according to their management capacity and available resources.

Step 8: Keep Records

Keep identification and health-related records of every animal.

🔍 23. What Should You Check When Buying Sheep?

When buying sheep, price should not be the only basis for making a decision.

When buying an animal, check:

• Whether the eyes are clean or not
• Whether there is any abnormal discharge from the nose
• Whether there is any breathing problem
• Whether there is any cough
• Whether there is any difficulty in walking
• Whether the body is excessively weak
• Condition of the skin and wool
• External parasites
• Legs and hooves
• Age
• Teeth
• Vaccination record
• Deworming treatment record
• Breeding history

If possible, take the help of a veterinarian or an experienced livestock keeper when buying animals.

⚠️ 24. Common Mistakes Made by Farmers in Sheep Farming

24.1. Buying Sheep Only Because They Are Cheap

Cheap sheep are not always profitable.

24.2. Buying a Breed Without Market Information

Buying a breed that has no demand in your area can be risky.

24.3. Not Planning for Feed

An increase in feed prices can affect the total cost of the entire business.

24.4. Ignoring Vaccination

If a disease spreads, the entire flock can suffer losses.

24.5. Not Separating Sick Animals

Infectious diseases can spread quickly.

24.6. Not Keeping Breeding Records

This makes it difficult to identify animals with poor breeding ability.

24.7. Only Increasing the Number of Animals

More animals do not always mean more profit.

Focusing on quality, health and productivity is more important.

📈 25. Is Sheep Farming Profitable?

Yes, sheep farming can be profitable with proper management.

However, no farmer should assume that sheep farming will definitely provide a fixed percentage of profit.

Profit depends on these factors:

• Purchase price of animals
• Feed cost
• Mortality rate
• Number of lambs
• Growth of lambs
• Animal health
• Breeding ability
• Labour cost
• Market price
• Time of sale
• Transportation cost

If a farm has a high mortality rate, even a large number of animals will not provide profit.

Similarly, if feed costs are very high and the selling price is low, even a large farm can suffer losses.

Therefore, sheep farming should not be considered only as a business of buying animals, but as a systematic livestock farming business.

🚀 26. Future of Sheep Farming in India

The future of sheep farming in India is not limited only to the traditional grazing system.

In the future, there may be more opportunities in these areas:

• Scientific sheep farming
• Better breed development
• Organised breeding
• Meat production
• Wool processing
• Fodder production
• Fodder crops
• Livestock insurance
• Digital records of animals
• Farmer Producer Organizations
• Organised meat market
• Disease monitoring
• Digital veterinary advice
• Artificial Intelligence-based agricultural advice

The National Livestock Mission also focuses on breed improvement, entrepreneurship, fodder development, livestock insurance and related activities.

Therefore, in the future, instead of only increasing the number of animals, it will be more important to focus on productivity per animal, animal health and organised markets.

🧮 27. Easy Business Formula for Sheep Farming

Farmers can remember this formula:

Good Breed
↓
Balanced Feed
↓
Healthy Animals
↓
Low Mortality Rate
↓
Good Breeding
↓
Healthy and Fast-Growing Lambs
↓
Right Market
↓
Better Profit

If there is a problem in any important link of this chain, the overall result of the business can be affected.

🚜 28. Important Information for Farmers

• Sheep Farming in India: Breeds, Feed, Housing, Costs & Profit
• Desi Cow Farming 2026: Best Breeds & Complete Guide
• Goat Farming Loan 2026: Get Government Subsidy & Easy Finance
• Dairy & Animal Farming
• Kisan Credit Card
• PM Kisan Yojana
• Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD)
• National Government Services Portal

❓ 29. Important Questions and Answers Related to Sheep Farming

Q1. How Many Sheep Are There in India?

According to the 20th Livestock Census 2019, there were approximately 7.426 crore sheep in India. This is the figure from the official 2019 census and should not be considered the current number for the year 2026.

Q2. For What Purpose is Sheep Farming Done?

In India, sheep farming is mainly done for meat and wool production. Apart from this, income or usefulness can also be obtained from breeding animals and manure.

Q3. Which is the Best Sheep Breed?

There is no single best breed for the whole of India. The breed should be selected according to the local climate, feed, disease conditions and market.

Q4. Is Government Subsidy Available for Sheep Farming?

Yes. Under the National Livestock Mission, eligible beneficiaries may get capital subsidy for sheep and goat entrepreneurship.

Q5. What is the Maximum Subsidy Available for Sheep Farming?

According to the current guidelines, for the prescribed unit of 500 females + 25 males, a maximum of ₹50 lakh capital subsidy may be available. This is the maximum limit; every farmer does not automatically get ₹50 lakh.

Q6. Is PPR Vaccine Given to Sheep?

Yes. The Government of India is running a vaccination programme for the control and elimination of PPR. Farmers should get their sheep vaccinated according to the programme of the Animal Husbandry Department of their state.

Q7. How Often Should Deworming Medicine Be Given to Sheep?

The agricultural advice of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research mentions deworming treatment approximately every six months. Actual treatment should be done according to the local situation and the advice of a veterinarian.

Q8. Can Sheep Be Reared Without Grazing?

Yes. In shed-based farming, feed is provided to sheep from outside. For this, sufficient feed arrangements throughout the year are necessary.

Q9. What is the Biggest Expense in Sheep Farming?

It depends on the farm system. Purchase of animals, feed, labour, shed, medicines, vaccination and transportation can be among the major expenses.

Q10. Can Sheep Farming Be Started with a Small Number of Sheep?

Yes. An individual farmer can start on a small scale according to their financial capacity, availability of feed and management capacity. However, the eligibility and minimum unit requirements of government schemes may be different.

✅ Conclusion

Sheep farming in India can be an important business opportunity for rural farmers and livestock keepers.

However, successful sheep farming does not happen only by buying more animals.

For success, the farmer should:

• Select the right breed.
• Arrange feed for the whole year.
• Build clean and safe housing.
• Take proper care of lambs.
• Follow proper breeding management.
• Get timely vaccination.
• Focus on disease prevention.
• Maintain biosecurity arrangements for new animals.
• Keep records of every animal.
• Get information about the market in advance.
• Understand the current conditions of government schemes.

Under the National Livestock Mission, eligible projects may get capital subsidy of up to ₹50 lakh according to the prescribed conditions.

However, starting sheep farming only by looking at the subsidy is not the right strategy.

Before starting sheep farming, a farmer should clearly find answers to these three questions:

Where will I get feed throughout the year?

Which sheep breed and what animal weight can be easily sold in my area?

How will I manage my business if there is a disease outbreak or a fall in market prices?

Only after getting clear answers to all three questions, preparing a detailed sheep farming project is a safer and more practical approach.