Detailed Explanation of Key Points for Short-Term Fattening Techniques for Mutton Sheep

Short-term fattening of mutton sheep refers to fattening commercial sheep in the three months before sale, mainly through adding high-quality feed and other methods to fatten them and improve economic returns. The specific practices are as follows:

Sheep Shed

Short-term fattening is generally done under housed feeding. To reduce crowding and pressing among the flock, the stocking density must be set reasonably, controlled at 0.4-0.5 sq m per sheep, so as to facilitate movement of the sheep and increase the fattening effect. Sheep farms are usually chosen in locations with convenient transportation, and the sheep shed is usually built in a place with good ventilation, drainage, lighting and sun exposure.

Feed

Feed includes pasture grass as well as purchased feed, feed additives, etc. Feed is the foundation of mutton sheep fattening. During the fattening period, the average daily feed per sheep is basically 2-2.5 kg of hay, or 3-5 kg if silage pasture is fed.

Season

Undoubtedly, for short-term fattening there is basically no seasonal selectivity, and the whole year can serve as a fattening period. However, because market demand for mutton sheep is greater in winter and spring, it is recommended that you bring them to market in winter, so the fattening season is best chosen in autumn, and the temperature, humidity and pasture grass in autumn all meet the growth conditions of sheep.

Selection of Sheep for Fattening

The sheep for fattening are lambs or young sheep of the current year, and work such as deworming, castration, dehorning and hoof trimming, and weighing should be done well to facilitate later evaluation of the fattening effect.