First, Fattening Preparation
1. Sheep Shed Preparation. It's essential to prepare the sheep shed with a stocking density of 0.4-0.5 square meters per sheep. The location should be well-ventilated, have good drainage, and receive sufficient sunlight. It should also be close to grazing areas and feed storage to make feeding and grazing more efficient.
2. Forage Preparation. Throughout the fattening period, each sheep should be provided with 2-2.5 kg of hay daily, or 3-5 kg of silage, or 3-5 kg of ammoniated feed. In addition, 0.3-0.4 kg of concentrated feed should be given every day to ensure balanced nutrition and support weight gain.
3. Selecting the Right Sheep. Typically, young lambs and one-year-old sheep are preferred for fattening, while older or unproductive sheep should be excluded. Once selected, the sheep must undergo deworming, castration, dehorning, and hoof trimming to maintain health and improve growth performance.
Second, Feeding and Management
1. Ensuring Proper Nutrition. A typical diet should include about one-third concentrates, with protein making up around 8% of the total feed. The amount of feed a sheep consumes depends on its breed, age, sex, body condition, and the palatability and moisture content of the feed. Generally, it's recommended to feed 2-2.5 kg of hay, 3-4 kg of fresh grass, and 0.3-0.4 kg of concentrate per day.
2. Feeding Methods. The feeding approach should start with concentrates, followed by hay or roughage, and end with water. Sprinkling some salt water on the feed can enhance appetite and encourage higher feed intake. Fresh forage should always be available to maintain the sheep’s interest in eating.
3. Water Requirements. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times, ideally 24/7. Adding a small amount of salt to the water can stimulate the sheep’s appetite, increase feed consumption, and accelerate the fattening process.
Third, Daily Management
1. Insulation and Temperature Control. Maintaining an optimal temperature inside the shed is crucial. If it's too hot, sheep may eat less; if it's too cold, they will use more energy to stay warm, which slows down weight gain and increases feed costs.
2. Limiting Exercise. Reducing physical activity helps minimize energy expenditure, allowing the sheep to convert more of their food into weight gain rather than movement.
3. Disease Prevention. Keeping the shed clean and dry is vital. Regular removal of manure, proper ventilation, and maintaining hygiene help prevent diseases. Monitoring the environment and ensuring good air quality supports overall health and productivity.
In summary, successful sheep fattening requires careful preparation, proper feeding strategies, and consistent management practices. By following these steps, farmers can optimize growth rates, improve feed efficiency, and achieve better economic returns from their livestock.
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