It is important to know how to properly prepare a flock for winter
Sheep breeding is a long-term type of farming. In order to raise a ram for meat or get the first wool, you need to spend at least a year. The most important step in keeping a flock is preparing the sheep for winter.
Sheep needs different care depending on the breed. For example, an Afghan fat-tailed sheep needs a leader. All sheep of this breed are inactive, so it is very difficult to manage the flock. By the will of man, the role of the leader of the flock is played by goats, and in southern countries - by donkeys.
The leader leads the flock for winter walking, and with the help of the leader, you can lead the flock into new corrals. Sheep are very shy animals. They are afraid to enter the same stall if the gate is rearranged in it.
In order for the sheep not to lose weight in the winter, it is necessary to create a balanced feed base, as well as maintain a constant temperature in the room where the flock is kept.
Sheep feed base
Part sheep feed includes at least five components, such as:
- oats;
- hay;
- wheat bran;
- carrot;
- tree branches, such as birch.
You can also use compound feed. They contain trace elements that regulate metabolism, which prevents weight loss. The use of compound feed is more expensive than compiling a feed base.
In large farms, compound feed is used, due to the fact that there is not enough space for free grazing of sheep. Compound fodder degrades the quality of meat, therefore, private farms prepare natural fodder for the winter.
Temperature regime for sheep
In winter, it is necessary to maintain a constant temperature in the room at 10ABOUTC. In the lambs compartment - 15ABOUTC. There should be no drafts in the sheepfold.
Hoof trimming
Growths appear on sheep's hooves if the animal is constantly in the stall. Because of these build-ups, it is very difficult for animals to travel long distances during summer grazing. Therefore, in winter, the flock must be taken out of the room. Because of walking, the growths are worn down, and the sheep will not experience discomfort.
Instead of grazing in winter, you can trim hoof growths. This is a very painful process for the sheep, so it is best to graze them in the winter.
Separate rooms
For lambs in winter, you need to allocate a separate room, in the center of which a feeder and a drinker are installed. A separate room is also provided for the leaders of the flock so that the sheep do not have miscarriages.
Vaccinations for sheep
Sheep are vaccinated in winter, so that by summer, when bacteria and viruses are activated, they have developed a strong immunity. Lambs are vaccinated at three weeks of age.