Sheep farming techniques and methods

Sheep have become one of our main livestock for protein and a source of delicious food to improve our material living standards. With the growing demand for mutton, the traditional free-range method can no longer meet the market demand. With the continuous advancement and maturity of breeding technology, large-scale breeding of meat sheep has become a trend, effectively responding to the growth of market demand. Let’s learn about the techniques and methods of raising sheep.

1. Site selection and environment

Choose a mountainous and forested area that is far away from residential areas and farmland, has convenient water sources, and is not next to major transportation routes as the breeding site. If conditions permit, forests can be fenced, rotational grazing can be implemented in different areas, and pasture can be planted for emergency use.

2. Scale and experience

Beginners should avoid large-scale breeding at the beginning. It is recommended to start with 30 to 50 breeding ewes and then expand the scale as technical experience accumulates.

3. Selection of breeding sheep

It is crucial to choose high-quality breeding sheep. You should choose ewe breeds with large size and strong reproductive capacity, such as Small-tail Han sheep and Hu sheep, as well as ram breeds with high feed conversion rate and high slaughter meat yield, such as Dorper sheep and Australian White sheep.

4. Forage preparation

For confinement feeding, sufficient fodder must be prepared in advance to reduce costs.

5. Patience and preparation

Raising sheep requires patience and you should not rush for success. Before starting, sufficient market research, technical learning, sheep house construction and forage preparation should be carried out.

6. Fund Management

Funds should be allocated rationally to ensure that they are used to meet various needs, including introducing breeding sheep, building sheep houses and purchasing fodder.

7. Prevention is the priority

Adhere to the principle that prevention is better than cure, and reduce the occurrence of diseases through regular vaccination and deworming.

8. Breeding environment

Create a suitable living environment, keep the sheep house clean, control the appropriate temperature, prevent heatstroke and cool down in summer, and prevent cold and keep warm in winter.

9. Rational use of drugs

Avoid drug abuse and do not rely on drug treatment. Instead, keep the flock healthy through good husbandry and preventive measures.

10. Reasonable use of additives

Choose and use feed additives with caution, avoid unnecessary expenses, and choose reputable brands.

In short, sheep farming is a matter that requires careful planning and scientific management. It also requires good interpersonal relationships. It is necessary to establish good relationships with peers, villagers, sheep dealers, feed suppliers , veterinarians and animal husbandry departments to ensure the smooth progress of the sheep farming business.