Management of Sheep:

Sheep farming plays a crucial role in the livestock industry by providing wool, meat, and milk. Proper management of sheep ensures good health, higher productivity, and profitability. The key aspects of sheep management include housing, feeding, breeding, health care, and overall flock management.

1. Selection of Breed

Selecting the appropriate breed is crucial for the success of sheep farming. The choice of breed depends on several factors, including the intended purpose (meat, wool, or dual-purpose), climatic conditions, disease resistance, and market demand.

Meat Breeds

These breeds are primarily raised for their high-quality meat production. They exhibit faster growth rates, better feed conversion, and high carcass yield.

• Nellore (Andhra Pradesh): Hardy breed, suited for semi-arid regions.
• Madras Red (Tamil Nadu): Well-adapted to hot and humid conditions.
• Deccani (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh): Drought-resistant and suitable for arid regions.

Wool Breeds

These breeds produce high-quality wool, which is used in textile industries. They are generally raised in colder climates.

• Marwari (Rajasthan): Produces coarse wool and is highly adaptable to desert conditions.
• Gaddi (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir): Yields fine-quality wool and is suitable for hilly terrains.
• Nali (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan): Produces medium to coarse wool.

Dual-Purpose Breeds

These breeds are raised for both meat and wool production, making them economically viable.

• Chokla (Rajasthan): Produces fine wool and has good meat quality.
• Malpura (Rajasthan): Known for its adaptability and high reproductive efficiency.
• Magra (Rajasthan): Good wool quality with decent meat yield.

The right breed should be selected based on the farming objectives, local climate, and market needs to ensure better productivity and profitability.

2. Housing Management

Proper housing is essential for maintaining the health, comfort, and productivity of sheep. A well-designed shelter protects them from extreme weather conditions, predators, and disease outbreaks.

Ideal Housing Conditions

Location

• • The sheep farm should be in an elevated area to avoid waterlogging during the rainy season.
  • It should be away from industrial pollution and near fodder sources to reduce transportation costs.
  • Proximity to a veterinary clinic is beneficial for quick access to healthcare.

Flooring

• • The floor should be dry and easy to clean to prevent foot rot and infections.
  • Concrete flooring is recommended for durability and hygiene.
  • Dry bedding materials like straw, sawdust, or husk should be used to absorb moisture and keep the sheep comfortable.

Ventilation

• • Proper airflow helps in reducing heat stress, respiratory diseases, and ammonia buildup from urine.
  • Windows and exhaust fans can improve ventilation in closed sheds.
  • In open housing systems, thatched or sloped roofs provide shade while allowing air circulation.

Space Requirements

• • Lambs: Require 0.5–1.0 m² per lamb for proper movement and growth.
  • Adult Sheep: Need 1.5–2.0 m² per animal to prevent overcrowding and stress.
  • Rams: Need 2.5–3.0 m² per animal, as they require more space for movement and breeding activities.

Fencing Fencing is essential to protect sheep from predators like wolves, foxes, and stray dogs.

1. • Types of fencing:
     • Barbed wire fencing (for external boundaries)
     • Electric fencing (for better security)
     • Wooden or woven wire fencing (for internal partitions)
   • The fence height should be at least 1.5 meters to prevent sheep from jumping over.

Feeding and Nutrition of Sheep

A well-balanced diet is essential for optimal growth, reproduction, wool/milk production, and overall health. Proper nutrition enhances fertility, immunity, and productivity in sheep farming.

Types of Feed

1. Roughages (Fibrous feed, essential for digestion)

• Green Fodder (Rich in vitamins and moisture, improves digestion)
  • Examples:
    • Berseem (Egyptian clover) – High-protein winter fodder.
    • Lucerne (Alfalfa) – Nutrient-rich, supports milk production.
    • Napier Grass – Fast-growing, perennial grass.
• Dry Fodder (Provides fiber and bulk)
  • Examples:
    • Hay – Dried legumes and grasses for storage.
    • Straw – Rice and wheat straw, used in mixed rations.

2. Concentrates (Energy-rich feed for growth and reproduction)

• Energy Sources: Maize, Barley, Jowar – Provide carbohydrates for energy.
• Protein Sources: Groundnut Cake, Soybean Meal, Mustard Cake – Essential for muscle and wool growth.

3. Mineral Supplements (Prevent metabolic disorders and deficiencies)

• Essential Minerals
  • Salt (Sodium chloride) – Prevents mineral deficiency disorders.
  • Calcium & Phosphorus – Strengthens bones and prevents rickets.
  • Trace Minerals (Zinc, Copper, Selenium) – Enhance immunity and reproduction.

4. Water Fresh and clean drinking water should always be available.

• Daily Requirement
  • Adult sheep: 4–6 liters/day.
  • Lactating ewes: 6–10 liters/day.

Feeding Schedule Based on Growth Stage

Lambs (0–3 months)

• • First 24 hours: Colostrum feeding (rich in antibodies for immunity).
  • Milk feeding (from ewe or milk replacer).
  • Creep feed (small amounts of concentrates from 15 days onwards).

Growing Lambs (3–9 months)

• • Diet: 60–80% roughages, 20–40% concentrates.
  • Green fodder, hay, and protein-rich concentrates support muscle development.

Pregnant Ewes (Last Trimester)

• • High-energy and protein feed to support fetal growth.
  • Extra calcium and phosphorus to prevent metabolic disorders.

Lactating Ewes

• • Increased protein and mineral intake to support milk production.
  • High-quality fodder and extra 250-300 g concentrates per day.

Rams (Breeding Season)

• • Additional concentrates (200–300 g/day) to enhance fertility.
  • Balanced minerals to improve sperm quality.

Breeding Management in Sheep

Efficient breeding management is crucial for higher productivity, improved genetic traits, and healthier offspring.

Reproductive Cycle in Sheep

• Estrous Cycle (Heat Cycle): 16–17 days
• Estrus Duration: 24–36 hours (Time when the ewe is receptive to mating)
• Gestation Period: 145–150 days (Approximately 5 months)

Mating Systems

Natural Mating

• • Ratio: One ram per 20–25 ewes for efficient breeding.
  • Season: Most sheep breeds are seasonal breeders (best breeding occurs in cooler months).
  • Flushing: Providing extra nutrition 2–3 weeks before mating increases fertility.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

• • Used for genetic improvement and to introduce superior traits.
  • Benefits:
    • Eliminates the need for multiple rams.
    • Improves disease control.
    • Helps conserve superior breeds.

Lambing Care (Care During and After Birth)

• Lambing Pen: Provide a clean, warm, and dry area. Avoid overcrowding to reduce infection risks.
• Assistance in Difficult Births:
  • Help ewes with difficult deliveries (Dystocia).
  • Ensure the umbilical cord is disinfected with iodine.
• Colostrum Feeding:
  • Essential within 1–2 hours after birth.
  • Rich in antibodies to protect against infections.

Health Care and Disease Management

Regular vaccination, deworming, and hygiene practices are crucial for disease prevention.

Common Diseases in Sheep & Their Prevention

Vaccination Schedule

Deworming Schedule

General Management Practices in Sheep Farming

Proper management practices help maintain the health, productivity, and profitability of sheep farming.

Shearing (Wool Management)

• Frequency: Once or twice a year (March-May & September-October).
• Importance: Prevents heat stress and promotes new wool growth. Avoids external parasites like lice and ticks.
• Best Practices: Use clean, sharp shearing equipment to avoid infections. Shear before lambing to keep the lambing area clean.

Weaning (Separation of Lambs from Mothers)

• Age: 8–10 weeks (around 2 months).
• Benefits: Helps improve lamb growth. Prevents nutritional stress on the ewe. Reduces risk of disease transmission from mother to lamb.

Castration (Removal of Testes in Male Lambs)

• Age: 4–6 weeks (1–1.5 months).
• Purpose: Improves meat quality (prevents unwanted mating and aggressive behavior). Reduces odor and toughness in meat.
• Methods:
  • Surgical Castration: Performed by a veterinarian.
  • Elastrator Method: Uses rubber bands to cut off blood supply.

Hoof Trimming (Foot Care)

1. Frequency: Every 2–3 months.
2. Importance: Prevents foot rot and lameness. Ensures easy movement and grazing efficiency.
3. Best Practices: Use sharp hoof clippers. Trim only the overgrown parts to avoid injuries.

Record Keeping

• Helps in monitoring farm productivity and disease control.
• Important records to maintain:
  • Breeding records (mating dates, lambing dates).
  • Health records (vaccination, deworming, disease treatments).
  • Production records (growth rates, wool yield).

Marketing and Economics of Sheep Farming

Products from Sheep Farming

1. Meat (Mutton): High demand in domestic and export markets.
2. Wool: Used in textile industries for carpets, shawls, and garments.
3. Milk: Mainly used for cheese production (especially in Europe & Middle East).
4. Manure: Rich in organic nutrients; used as a natural fertilizer.

Marketing Strategies

1. Direct Selling to Consumers: Selling live sheep or meat directly to local markets.
2. Selling to Meat and Wool Processing Industries: Supply to slaughterhouses and wool industries for bulk sales.

• Forming Cooperative Societies: Farmers form groups to negotiate better prices. Helps in bulk selling and reducing middlemen costs.