Bamei mutton sheep breeding experience and practical methods

The notable difference in the body type and appearance of Bamei mutton sheep is that their limbs are relatively long, which facilitates semi-housed feeding. They have notable characteristics such as tolerance of coarse feed, strong disease resistance, strong feed intake capacity, strong adaptability, low breeding cost, and high breeding efficiency. Below we introduce Bamei mutton sheep breeding techniques:

I. Sheep shed construction

The purpose of building a sheep shed is to keep warm and prevent cold. Therefore, the sheep shed should be built in a place with high terrain, dryness, and a groundwater level below 2 m, and it should face the sun and be sheltered from the wind, especially avoiding the northwest direction to prevent the invasion of cold winter winds.

Generally, for mutton sheep, the area required per animal is between 1-2 sq m. However, sheep of different production types require different areas. For example: lambing ewes require 1-2 sq m, breeding rams require 2-2.5 sq m, while young rams require 0.7-1 sq m, young ewes require 0.7-0.8 sq m, and weaned lambs require 0.2-0.3 sq m. In addition, the area of the exercise yard for the sheep shed should be twice that of the sheep shed. Only by selecting and building the sheep shed according to these standards and fully considering the special physiological needs of sheep of different production types can a good living environment for the flock be ensured.

II. Feed

To maximize the production performance of high-quality, high-yield Bamei mutton sheep, providing them with a good living environment is one aspect, while giving them sufficient, complete, and balanced nutrition is the most critical. During the breeding process, feed must be scientifically formulated according to the nutritional needs of mutton sheep, so as to meet the normal life and production needs of mutton sheep. Bamei mutton sheep of different sexes, different growth stages, and different uses also have different nutritional requirements. We will specifically introduce the feed supply situation for mutton sheep at each stage in the breeding management of mutton sheep at different periods below.

III. Breeding management of lambs

Sheep from birth to weaning are called lambs. The lamb stage is the stage with the greatest growth and development intensity and also the most difficult stage in a sheep's life. The digestive function of lambs is not yet fully developed, and their ability to adapt to the outside world is poor. The process of nutrient sources changing from blood and milk to forage involves great changes. In addition, the development of lambs is also closely related to the body weight and production performance of adult sheep later. Therefore, we must attach great importance to the breeding management of lambs and do a good job in the cultivation of lambs.

In view of the growth characteristics of lambs, in breeding management, the following aspects should be grasped.

The first aspect is to ensure that lambs receive enough colostrum. During the 1-3 days after birth, lambs must be made to consume colostrum. If there are no abnormal conditions in the ewe or lamb after birth, the newborn lamb can stand on its own within a short time. After the ewe rests a little, she begins to lick the lamb. The newborn lamb will also look for milk on its own. If it is found to be weak or having difficulty, human assistance can be provided until the newborn lamb can suckle on its own. Colostrum is different from normal milk. It is rich in protein and fat, has a complete amino acid composition, is relatively complete and sufficient in vitamins, and contains more minerals, especially magnesium, which has a mild laxative effect and can promote the excretion of meconium. It is a natural protective product. Colostrum plays a special and important role in the growth, development, and health of lambs.

After lambs consume colostrum for 3 days, until weaning, this is the stage of feeding normal milk. During these weeks, lambs mainly rely on breast milk for survival. We must first strengthen the supplementary feeding of lactating ewes, appropriately supplement concentrate and succulent feed, maintain the good nutritional status of the ewes, promote milk secretion, ensure that the ewes have sufficient milk supply, and feed the lambs enough whole milk. In the early lactation period, generally each lactating ewe is supplemented daily with 500 g of mixed concentrate, 1500 g of alfalfa hay, 1500 g of silage, and 1500 g of carrots. The recommended concentrate formula is: corn 52%, soybean meal 10%, sunflower cake 11%, alfalfa meal 10%, sunflower head meal 10%, wheat bran 6%, stone powder 2%, selenium-containing mineral additive 0.25%, salt 0.5%, multivitamin additive 0.25%.

When lambs are suckling, we must prevent lambs from suckling unevenly. A teat that the lamb suckles more often will later have a smaller udder, while a teat that is suckled less often will later have a larger udder. An overly large or overly small udder will affect the lamb's suckling. Therefore, the lambs should be controlled artificially so that they suckle the milk from both sides of the udder evenly, keeping the ewe's teats moderate in size and height.