What points need attention when breeding ewes
Breeding ewes is an important stage in sheep farming, so some aspects need special care to ensure the number of lambs born later. Some detailed issues are easily overlooked by farmers, leading to reduced production. Below, the editor introduces some detailed points to note when breeding ewes.
1. Pre-breeding fattening
Pre-breeding fattening is an issue some farmers do not pay attention to. In fact, if everyone keeps statistics, they will find that relatively fatter sheep are somewhat higher than thinner ones in the number of lambs born, survival rate, and conception rate. So pre-breeding fattening is very important. As long as the ewe has enough nutrition, it is possible for her to produce more eggs during the breeding period. Of course, during pre-breeding fattening, everyone also needs to feed some feed that promotes ovulation to achieve a complementary effect.
2. Choice of breeding time
Breeding time is generally divided into the two periods of spring and autumn. From the editor's point of view, breeding in spring is relatively better. First, at this time the temperature begins to warm up slowly, the temperature is relatively warm, and correspondingly the ewe's egg activity will also become a bit higher, making breeding easier to succeed. Second, after the sheep have rested through winter at this time, their spring estrus period is roughly the best of the year in both duration and quality, so the success rate and quality of breeding will be relatively higher. Farmers can keep good statistics on this point and they will be able to reach a conclusion.
3. Choice of breeding method
Not every ewe will accept mating during the estrus period, so everyone needs different methods to breed such ewes. Before breeding, the ram and ewe can first be raised together for a period of time. If the ewe is willing, let them breed directly. If the ewe is unwilling, replace the ram. If she is still unwilling, it is recommended to use artificial insemination or use estrus-inducing drugs to help with breeding. Never use force to compel mating, as this can easily harm the ewe and lead to breeding difficulties later.
4. Breeding and raising management
Management during the breeding period should differ from usual. Everyone can no longer raise them the same way as during normal periods. First, the living environment should be changed, and grass bedding should be added at the bottom to prevent the ewe from getting cold. Second, the number raised in the same pen should be reduced, with 3-4 head being optimal, so that they can have a good growing environment and enter the estrus period earlier. In terms of feed, some items that promote estrus should be appropriately added to ensure that their estrus periods can be relatively consistent.
The above are some issues to note during the breeding period of ewes. At this time, both ewes and rams tend to become irritable. For their safety, everyone should increase monitoring time. After breeding, the ram and ewe should immediately be separated to avoid injury from disputes with each other.