Nilgiri

Nilgiri sheep come from the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu in southern India, a cool upland region very different from the hotter plains below. The breed was shaped by local sheep and imported wool breeds during the colonial period, with Merino, Cheviot, and other fine-wool influence often cited in its background. Nilgiris are generally medium-sized, mostly white sheep kept for fleece as well as lamb production, and they are one of the better-known wool sheep types of South India.

Their management is tied closely to hill conditions: moderate temperatures, good grazing, and protection from prolonged wet footing help maintain fleece and hoof quality. In lower, hotter areas they may not perform as well as dryland meat breeds such as Nellore or Deccani. Fleece value depends on local markets and shearing standards, so many flocks now treat wool as part of a mixed-purpose system rather than the only reason to keep the breed. Conservation herds focus on retaining adaptation to the Nilgiri plateau as crossbreeding increases.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points