Fattening sheep farming involves a series of key principles and considerations to ensure both economic efficiency and animal welfare. First, the **fattening group principle** emphasizes grouping lambs based on age, health, and weight. Non-breeding males and females, as well as weak or underweight sheep, are suitable for fattening. Before starting, they should be castrated, dewormed, and treated for external parasites. Grouping them ensures better management, growth, and stability. Young lambs grow faster, especially between 1 to 8 months, making weaned lambs ideal for finishing. They should be divided by sex and weight to optimize feed utilization and meat quality.
Next, the **economic benefit principle** highlights that maximizing daily weight gain is not always the best strategy. Instead, the focus should be on achieving the highest economic return, which depends on local market conditions and feed costs. High-concentrate diets may increase weight gain, but they might not be cost-effective. Therefore, feeding plans must be adjusted based on the sheep’s growth stage, nutritional needs, and actual performance.
The **feeding and fattening principle** suggests that when grazing is limited due to weather, sheep should be fed high-quality forage, silage, and concentrated feeds like corn, soybean meal, and root vegetables. This helps maintain appetite and promotes rapid growth. Feeding in warm, clean environments also supports better weight gain and meat development.
The **principle of timely slaughter** is crucial. Fattening periods should be carefully planned to avoid overfeeding, which can reduce profitability. Sheep should be slaughtered when they reach an optimal weight, rather than waiting for maximum size. A typical fattening period ranges from 60 to 90 days, depending on feed availability and growth rate.
Lastly, the **principle of scale determination** advises farmers to consider market demand, feed prices, and forage availability before expanding their operation. Large-scale breeding without proper planning can lead to losses. Farmers should assess local consumption levels, feed costs, and storage capacity to determine the right flock size.
In addition to these principles, several practical considerations should be taken into account. First, **feeding practices** should be consistent, with attention to feed quality, temperature, and variety. Freshly mixed feed should be provided daily, and spoiled or frozen feed should be avoided. Second, **observation** is key—farmers should monitor sheep behavior, rumination, and overall health to detect illnesses early.
Regular **weighing** helps track progress and adjust feeding strategies accordingly. Maintaining **clean and safe housing** is also essential, ensuring dry, warm pens and proper sanitation. Lastly, **disease prevention** should be a priority, including regular disinfection, clean water, vaccinations, and good ventilation to prevent parasitic and infectious diseases.
By following these guidelines, farmers can achieve efficient and profitable sheep fattening while maintaining animal health and welfare.
Liu Zhongyu 1 Wang Weiping 2 Yin Huailei 1
1. Jiaozhou Bureau of Animal Husbandry 266300
2. Pingdu City North Sports Supervision Station 266700
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