In the natural ecological factors, temperature stands out as the most critical element influencing sheep health and productivity. It directly or indirectly affects their overall performance, including growth, reproduction, and milk production. When ambient temperatures are too extreme—either excessively high or low—sheep experience a disruption in their body temperature regulation, which can lead to heatstroke or hypothermia, potentially resulting in death. During hot summer days, high temperatures often cause reduced feed intake, even leading to complete cessation of feeding. Sheep may become weak, fall over, and show signs of distress, especially during midday when temperatures peak. This results in increased body temperature, elevated heart rate, and faster breathing, which can eventually lead to heat stress and death. To ensure the safety of sheep during summer and prevent heat-related issues, the author recommends implementing the following six key strategies.
First, effective cooling measures should be taken to prevent heatstroke. This includes removing weeds around the sheep shelter, installing ventilation windows at the bottom of the north and south walls to improve airflow, and setting up shade on the sunny side of the shelter to reduce direct sunlight exposure. If the roof is made of tiles, painting it with white lime or covering it with shade cloth can help reflect heat. Increasing greenery around the sheep house also helps improve the local microclimate by lowering temperatures.
Second, nutrition must be strengthened throughout all seasons, especially during extreme weather conditions. Providing a diet with higher nutrient concentration can enhance the sheep’s ability to withstand high temperatures.
Third, the quality of forage should be prioritized. High-quality, palatable forages such as green bean stalks and alfalfa are ideal. Special attention should be given to newly weaned lambs and pregnant ewes, as they have higher nutritional needs.
Fourth, supplementary feeding should be implemented. Adult sheep should receive about 200 grams of concentrate daily, while newly weaned lambs should get around 100 grams. For every 100 grams of concentrate, 25% should be cake-based. If using cottonseed cake or similar, it must be detoxified by soaking it in water for 24 hours and rinsing thoroughly before feeding.
Fifth, salt supplementation is essential. Adding 0.2 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight helps maintain acid-base balance within the sheep's body.
Sixth, ensuring a constant supply of cool, clean drinking water is crucial. Allowing sheep to drink freely helps regulate body temperature and prevents overheating.
Increasing feed intake is another important strategy. As heat reduces appetite, increasing the number of feedings becomes a primary method to reduce heat stress. However, if feed intake is limited, even high-nutrient feeds may not support the sheep's health and productivity. It's also important to avoid feeding spoiled forage.
Feeding schedules should be adjusted to early morning and late evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Shearing the wool during summer can also help sheep dissipate heat more effectively. Keeping the shelter clean, at least twice a day, and sterilizing it regularly helps prevent disease spread.
Creating a comfortable resting environment is vital for maintaining the sheep's physiological functions and enhancing their resistance to heat. Disease prevention efforts, including regular deworming (0.02 ml per kg of body weight), vaccination against diseases like foot-and-mouth and goatpox, and treating diarrhea with antibiotics like gentamicin, are also necessary to maintain herd health.
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