Compared to 2010 when a ram (adult male sheep) yielding 10-12 kg of meat cost about Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000, this year the animal is worth at least Rs 5,000. And good breeds of sheep cost even more.
A Bannur sheep (from Bannur town in Mysore district) costs Rs 6,000 or more, depending upon its size and overall health. Bannur sheep is considered the best meat breed in India, for the high incidence of cryptorchidism (absence of one or more testes from the scrotum) in it. The breed is relatively small and white, but in some cases, the face is light brown and the sheep possesses a compact body. A castrated sheep yields more meat and of good quality.
But when it comes to other breeds, especially those from Bijapur, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Muslims prefer non-castrated animals for sacrifice.
No restriction
“The Bannur sheep is an exception and people buy it without hesitation. But they prefer non-castrated animals of other breeds. They are unsure if a castrated animal can be slaughtered, although there is no such restriction,”