Being a lucrative business in agriculture, the quality and quantity of sheep products obtained from sheep farming is determined by the production technology used.
As sheep farming involve breeding, raising sheep, selling wool, lamb and mutton, it is a highly profitable business in the world and sheep meat is tasty and delicious with high nutrition value especially proteins and fats.
Sheep management
Besides business plan of sheep farming being a great source of income and employment, sheep farming requires less capital, labour and easily adopt to various conditions. Its a profitable business if planned properly.
Similarly for site selection, consider essential facilities for raising sheep such as good clean water source, presence of greens for foraging, medications, suitable transport and proper marketing. Sheep can be raised together with other livestock animals but for commercial purposes make a separate house for them which is suitable to protect sheep from adverse weather and predators.
An adult sheep require 20 sq ft floor space with roof 6 ft high from floor. Make a good ventilation system and keep house clean and dry always and ensure flow of sufficient air and light into house. The primary feed source should be pastoral and later with supplements however during dry seasons of feed inadequacy, provide feed rich in energy, fat and carbohydrates to sleep.
Furthermore, provide feed rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, fibre and clean water which should be adequate. Nutrient requirement of sheep varies according to production cycle. Use lambs and replacement ewe lambs all vary in nutritional needs and in this, mineral supplementation is crucial.
Carefully select breeding stocks to shape the characteristics of flock and do cross breeding which involve selecting sheep from different breeds with desired traits in order to produce highly productive breeds. Though labour requirements depend on size of farming project, farmers need sheep keepers for feeding, cleaning and disinfecting sheep housing.
Finally, vaccinate them timely to prevent from diseases and keep good relation with vet always.
