In recent years, the price of mutton sheep has been on a steady rise, and breeding efficiency has improved significantly. As a result, many peasant households have shown great enthusiasm for raising sheep. However, despite these positive developments, there are still several critical areas that need improvement in the production process. It is essential that sheep farmers pay close attention to these details to ensure better health, productivity, and profitability.
First, building a proper sheep house is crucial. Many small-scale or free-range farmers still use simple, poorly constructed pens. These structures often fail to provide adequate insulation during winter and can become too hot in summer, leading to poor living conditions. Such environments not only reduce the comfort of the animals but also increase the risk of disease outbreaks. To address this, sheep houses should be built in dry, sunny, and well-drained locations. In northern cold regions, single-slope sheep houses are recommended. These typically have a height of 2.5 meters at the front, 2.0 meters at the back, and a depth of 6 to 7 meters. The length can be adjusted based on the number of sheep. In warmer northern areas, semi-sheltered designs are more suitable. These feature a permanent roof at the rear and an arched plastic film roof on top, which can be removed in summer to create a more open space. The beam height is usually around 2.5 meters, with the back wall at 2.0 meters and the front wall at 1.2 meters.
Second, avoiding polyculture is important. Many farmers keep all their sheep together—regardless of age, sex, or health status—which leads to overcrowding and poor management. This practice negatively affects the overall performance of the flock. It is advisable for farmers to separate the sheep into different groups and manage them accordingly. Each pen should have enough space for movement, resting, and feeding to promote better growth and reduce stress.
Third, feed management is another area that needs improvement. Many sheep farmers do not produce silage and rely solely on straw and grain during the winter. This results in poor nutrition, slower growth, and longer feeding cycles, which limits economic returns. To improve this, farmers should consider dedicating land for growing green fodder such as alfalfa, Mexican corn, and ryegrass. These crops can be used fresh in summer and autumn, and dried hay or silage can be made for winter feeding.
Lastly, disinfection is often overlooked. Most small-scale farmers lack awareness of the importance of regular cleaning and disinfection. Some even use lime as a substitute, which is ineffective. Farmers must take disinfection seriously and maintain a consistent schedule. Different types of disinfectants should be rotated to prevent resistance. Areas such as the sheep house, feeding areas, troughs, waterers, and tools should be disinfected regularly. The process typically involves three steps: thorough cleaning, rinsing with water, and finally spraying with a disinfectant. Sheep houses and activity areas should be disinfected at least once a month. If the flock is infected, disinfection should be done every other day.
By addressing these key areas, farmers can significantly improve the health, productivity, and profitability of their sheep farming operations.
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