How to raise sheep in confinement? Breeding methods and technical key points
Sheep raised in confinement grow fast, reach market early, have good body condition, a relatively high dressing percentage, and good economic returns. So how should sheep be raised in confinement?
(1) Sheep shed construction
The sheep shed is built as a single-slope open shed or a fully enclosed type. For the single-slope open shed, the rear wall height is generally 1.8 m, and the roof slope is 15°. For the fully enclosed type, the wall height is 2.3-2.5 m, and the door width is 1.5-2 m. The floor of the shed is 20-30 cm above the ground outside, laid as a slope to facilitate drainage. Generally, each adult sheep occupies about 1.5-2 sq m, while pregnant ewes, lactating sheep, and breeding rams occupy slightly more area. The inside of the shed must be kept dry and well ventilated, and as far as possible warm in winter and cool in summer; an exercise yard is set up outside the shed, with an area about 2 times that of the sheep shed.
(2) Roughage preparation
After harvesting, cut the corn stalks down and sun-dry them for one day, then chop them into 0.5
1. Straw silage - 2 cm small sections, then ensile.
2. Microbial fermentation: spray and moisten, mix evenly, and put crushed crop straws or agricultural by-products such as wheat straw, corn stalks, peanut vines, peanut shells, and corn cobs into jars, buckets, or plastic bags for sealed storage. After anaerobic fermentation, they can be eaten.
3. Feeding method: free feeding, fed 2 times a day; water must not be lacking in the trough, and attention should be paid to changing the water every day. At the same time, configure concentrate feed according to the different growth stages of the sheep and supplement appropriately. Generally, the ratio of straw forage to concentrate for fattening sheep is 4:1, for pregnant sheep 5:1, and for breeding rams 4:1.
Types of wool: According to the composition of wool fibers, wool can be divided into fine wool, semi-fine wool, and coarse wool. Fine wool, from its appearance, is shorter than other types of fibers, with many and obvious crimps, and has the highest textile value, used to produce high-grade worsted and coarse textiles. Semi-fine wool has fewer and larger crimps than fine wool, and the fibers are also longer than fine wool, with relatively high textile value, mainly used for combing, knitting, and industrial felt. Coarse wool, from its appearance, has inconspicuous crimps and longer hair, with relatively poor textile performance, mainly used for weaving carpets and making felt.