RAS question
Chokla sheep breed is known for:
Correct answer: (A) Finest quality wool.
Chokla sheep, also called Shekhawati sheep, is known for producing the finest quality carpet wool in India.
Explanation
Chokla is the Rajasthan sheep breed associated with Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. Its wool quality, rather than milk, racing or meat, is the key economic association. Chokla is also known as Shekhawati sheep and produces India's finest quality carpet wool, which is why it is also called the Indian Merino. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Livestock Technologies describes Chokla as the best carpet-wool breed and states that it has been improved through intensive selection for fine carpet-wool production. In Rajasthan animal husbandry, Chokla is a fine carpet-wool breed, not a general-purpose livestock breed.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Milk production is not Chokla's recognised economic specialization; Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Livestock Technologies associates Chokla with fine carpet-wool production.
- (C) Racing is unrelated to Chokla's recognised economic use, which is wool quality.
- (D) Meat production is not the primary association for Chokla; Chokla is associated with fine carpet wool instead.
Concept
Rajasthan animal husbandry under economic geography connects local breeds with their chief products. RAS preparation emphasizes sheep breeds such as Chokla because they are tied to region-specific pastoral economies and wool-based livelihoods.