There is a growing trend in sheep farming due to its relatively quick returns and diverse product outputs. Rural areas are rich in agricultural by-products such as crop straw, peanut meal, and sweet potato residue, which can be effectively used as feed. As a result, many farmers have turned to raising sheep, gradually forming larger-scale operations. However, challenges like disease outbreaks, lack of forage, and management difficulties have also emerged. To ensure the sustainable development of group sheep farming, the following ten key measures should be strengthened:
First, select high-quality breeds based on local conditions—those that grow fast, reproduce well, adapt easily, and produce high-quality meat. The preferred male breed is the South African Boer goat, followed by the Chinese Horsehead goat. For females, the Laoshan dairy goat and Wendeng dairy goat are ideal, with the Lubei white goat as an alternative.
Second, determine the appropriate flock size based on household land area, available forage, labor, and investment capacity. A typical scale is around 20 breeding ewes, which can generate an annual income of about 10,000 yuan.
Third, feeding should primarily rely on forage, with concentrates as a supplement. The most effective method is "grass-based sheep raising." Planting crops like alfalfa, sweet sorghum, pine cone herb, Mexican corn, and Rumex ensures a continuous supply of fresh grass throughout the year.
Fourth, clean drinking water must always be available for the sheep.
Fifth, disease prevention is crucial. Common diseases include lamb dysentery, streptococcus, foot-and-mouth disease, infectious cystitis, internal parasites, and lice. Implement a "prevention-first" approach: all sheep should undergo two baths, two drives, four drinks, and six soups annually. That means one bath each in spring and autumn using a 0.5%–2% dipterex solution or sulfur bath for 1–2 minutes. Two doses of anthelmintics like levamisole or nitroclozide should be given in spring and autumn. One health drink per season and one salt dose every two months are also necessary. Vaccination and integrated disease control should be strictly followed.
Sixth, manage the flock through self-cultivation and proper grouping. If grazing, implement rotational grazing to prevent overuse of pastures. Regular care such as brushing and hoof trimming should not be neglected.
Seventh, use grass racks to feed the sheep and fences to separate the feed from the animals. The fence gaps should only allow the sheep’s heads to reach through. Provide proper troughs and watering stations to reduce waste and improve hygiene.
Eighth, try to mechanize harvesting, transportation, and processing of forage to increase efficiency.
Ninth, keep the barn clean. Use bamboo mats or concrete floors, install drainage systems outside the barn, and provide enough space for movement. Regularly clean and disinfect the manure using a 20% lime milk solution or 10% bleach.
Tenth, castrate lambs within 7–21 days of birth. This improves meat quality, makes them more docile, and helps them gain weight faster.
In addition, while feeding concentrated feed, it's important to add rumen enhancers and urea release agents to optimize digestion and improve overall productivity.
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