In order to achieve efficient and sustainable sheep farming, the scale of sheep rearing by small-scale farmers should be determined based on a comprehensive assessment of the family's conditions, including economic status, available labor, cultivated land, and the availability of feed. Typically, 50–80 sheep per laborer is considered ideal. Maximizing the number of sheep can lead to greater economic returns, but it must be balanced with the farm's capacity to manage and provide proper care.
Selecting high-quality meat breeds is essential for successful sheep production. The Boer goat is currently one of the best breeds for meat due to its fast growth and superior meat quality. Rams typically weigh around 90 kg, while ewes range from 65 to 75 kg. It is also recommended to breed hornless breeds such as Dorset, Dombas, or Small Tail Han sheep, or to crossbreed local breeds with these improved varieties. Breeding and genetic improvement should be continuously emphasized; otherwise, inbreeding may lead to a decline in flock quality over time. Key strategies include: avoiding early culling of rams, introducing rams and ewes of the same breed or crossbreeds to improve genetics, selecting unrelated females for breeding, and maintaining pedigree records where possible to prevent random mating and support long-term improvement.
A well-structured flock is crucial for productivity. Ewes should make up approximately 70% of the flock, including 50% adult ewes, 15% bred sheep, 20% young ewes, and 15% culled sheep. Male sheep (rams) should account for about 30% of the total herd. Lambs should represent around 40% of the flock, including both male and female lambs, ensuring that slaughter-ready sheep are also within this group.
Market trends play a significant role in decision-making. Lamb prices tend to be lower between September and November, making it an ideal time to purchase sheep for fattening. These sheep can then be sold between April and July when prices are higher, creating a price difference of 4–8 yuan per kilogram. Sheep prices also rise during this period, which benefits breeding efforts. It is advisable to buy strong, healthy sheep in the fall and avoid thin, weak, old, or pregnant ewes. Selling fattened sheep in the following spring and summer allows them to reach their full potential, maximizing profits.
Feed management is another critical factor. Farmers should ensure a balanced diet rather than relying solely on grazing. Utilizing locally available straw, such as wheat straw, for ammoniation or silage can improve feed efficiency. During seasons when natural forage is limited, extending grazing time is beneficial. In winter and spring, scientific feed preparation using complete feed materials is essential to maintain nutrition.
Daily management practices are vital, especially during extreme weather. In cold winters, providing adequate shelter and insulation—such as keeping sheep in greenhouses—can protect them from harsh conditions. In summer, cooling measures help prevent heat stress and related health issues.
Disease prevention is key to maintaining a healthy flock. Regular deworming is necessary, typically twice a year—once in spring and once in autumn. For short-term fattening sheep, deworming should begin at the start of the feeding period. Common dewormers like amidazole and avermectin are often used together, with a 15-day interval between treatments. Deworming should be done in the morning on an empty stomach, with medication administered based on weight (1 tablet per 10 kg), followed by feeding after 6 hours for better absorption.
Vaccination and hygiene are also essential. Regular cleaning of the barn and equipment helps prevent disease spread. Following a veterinarian’s recommendations for vaccinations and closely monitoring the flock’s health ensures early detection and treatment of any issues.
By implementing these strategies, farmers can significantly improve productivity, reduce losses, and achieve better economic returns from their sheep farming operations.
Lijin County Bureau of Animal Husbandry
257400
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