Market preferences and live weight trends of sheep in Tirupati district: A study on marketing age and trade practices

Abstract

This study investigates the marketing age preferences and live bodyweight trends of sheep traded across three market types in Tirupati district:Tirupati urban market, Gudur semi-urban market, and local village markets. Datawere collected from 240 traders using structured interviews. Results indicate astrong preference for marketing sheep at an early age (3–6 months), especiallyin village markets (88.75%). The average live body weights increasedprogressively with age, from 15.3 kg at 3–6 months to 41.67 kg at above 18months. However, no significant difference in weights was observed betweenmarket types. The widespread use of visual weight estimation in the absence ofproper weighing systems emerged as a major concern. The study highlights theneed for improved infrastructure and education to enhance transparency andprofitability in the small ruminant market chain.