Fat-tailed sheep production systems in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.

Balkhi, Michni and Hashtnagri populations are the three fat-tailed phenotypes native to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, harbouring the central valley. Their distribution, breeding trend and performances were evaluated through a survey using a pre-tested questionnaire during August, 2008. Out of the total populations, 70.7% were mixed flocks and 5.8%, 3.1% and 9.2% were purebred flocks belonging to Balkhi, Hashtnagri and Michni populations, respectively. Sheep flocks were reared under three different production systems, i.e. sedentary, transhumant and nomadic. Nomads keep Balkhi and are sole responsible for their development as a mutton breed. They practise autumn breeding only, for which they select the heaviest ram/s available within the community. Sedentary and transhumant shepherds had mixed flock, who were constantly replacing their native breed stock, i.e. Michni and Hashtnagri through outcrossing with Balkhi. The size of Balkhi and Michni populations warrants no immediate threat to their existence and diversity. However, in case of increased popularity of crossbreeding, Michni could pose threats of extinction. Hashtnagri on the other hand can be declared as breed at risk. Age at first lambing was significantly lower in Hashtnagri ewes, followed by Michni, crossbred and Balkhi. Hashtnagri ewes outperformed other populations in lambing twice per annum.