TOPIC 11: SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCTION

IMPORTANCE OF SHEEP AND GOATS

• Sheep provide meat, wool and skins.

• Goats provide meat, milk and skins.

• They are a source of income.

• They provide manure for crop production

EXAMPLES OF SHEEP AND GOATS FOUND IN MALAWI

NB: Local sheep are small, they grow slowly and their yield is low.

BREEDS OF SHEEP AND GOATS AND THEIR USES

CRITERIA USED TO SELECT A BREED OF SHEEP

1. The primary use or product- The characteristics of a good mutton sheep are:

   • Good mothering ability of the ewe.

   • Fast growing and mature

   • Even distribution of the body

   • Body weight: It should be above 50 kg.

2. Adaptation to the climatic and environmental conditions:

   • The local Malawi sheep is hardy and adaptable since it requires low inputs

   • The Karakul and Merino are adapted to desert conditions.

   • The Hampshire Down which is good for wool production can survive on poor pasture.

SHEEP MANAGEMENT BREEDING

• Only health ewes (young female sheep) and rams (male sheep) should be selected.

• It is also advisable to cross-breed local with exotic breeds to improve production.

• Ewes can be served (mated) when they are 18-24 months old.

• Rams can be used for breeding when they are 8 months old.

• Rams are not allowed to move together with ewes during mating times to avoid in- breeding.

• One ram can serve up to 60 ewes.

• Rams not recommended for breeding should be castrated.

REASONS FOR CASTRATION

• Castrated animals fatten up quickly and produce quality meat.

• It prevents animals from mating and passing on undesirable characteristics.

• It makes the animals more docile (easy to handle).

Methods of Castration in Sheep

1. Using a Burdizzo: This method involves the use of a Burdizzo tool to crush the spermatic cords without breaking the skin. It is best performed when the animals are between 2 to 3 months old.

2. Surgical Castration: This method uses a sharp knife to cut the scrotum and remove the testicles.

3. Rubber Ring Method (Elastrator): A strong rubber band is applied at the base of the scrotum using an elastrator. This cuts off the blood supply to the testicles, causing them to fall off after a few weeks.

Note: Breeding should be well-timed to ensure lambing occurs when there is an adequate supply of pasture. Mating is ideally done in November, so lambing occurs in April or early May.

Oestrus (Heat Period)

Oestrus is the period when female animals exhibit sexual activity and are receptive to mating.

• It typically occurs when the sheep is between 6 to 10 months old.

• The oestrus cycle occurs every 15 to 19 days.

• The heat period lasts for 18 to 24 hours.

Flushing: Two weeks before mating, ewes should be given concentrates to enhance their body condition and improve fertility. This feeding strategy is known as flushing.

Gestation Period

• The gestation period in sheep lasts approximately 150 days.

• During this period, pregnant ewes should:

  • Be drenched against internal parasites.

  • Be vaccinated against common diseases.

  • Be provided with nutritional concentrates especially in the last 1 to 2 months before lambing. This is referred to as steaming up.

Lambing and Caring for Lambs

Signs of Impending Birth:

• The ewe becomes restless.

• It may separate itself from the rest of the flock to seek a quiet place.

• The vulva appears red and swollen.

• There is frequent bleating.

Note: When these signs are observed, the ewe should be moved to a designated lambing paddock for safe delivery.

Post-Lambing Care:

• Lambs should be allowed to suckle from their mothers for up to six months to ensure healthy growth and immunity development.

Other Management Practices in Sheep Rearing

1. Castration

• Castration should be carried out when the lamb is one to two months old.

• This practice helps control unwanted breeding and improves meat quality in male animals.

2. Docking

• Docking refers to the removal of the tail and should be done while the lambs are still young.

Reasons for Docking:

• Prevents the accumulation of dirt and dung under the tail.

• Facilitates external parasite control by making it easier to detect and remove parasites.

• Makes mating easier by reducing physical hindrance.

3. Trimming

• Trimming involves cutting back overgrown hooves.

• It should also be done early to prevent foot problems and ensure the animals walk comfortably.

Housing for Sheep

Characteristics of a Good Sheep House:

A proper sheep house should meet the following conditions:

• Strong Construction: To prevent entry by predators.

• Spacious: To allow freedom of movement and reduce overcrowding.

• Well-Ventilated and Well-Lit: To maintain good air circulation and provide natural light.

• Dry and Warm: To prevent diseases associated with damp and cold environments.

• Economical to Build: It should be affordable, using locally available materials where possible.

• Easy to Maintain: The structure should allow for easy cleaning and general upkeep.

Feeding Sheep

• Sheep mostly eat pasture or grass.

• They should also be given supplementary feeds like madeya (maize bran).

• Provide mineral licks such as bone meal and salt.

• These help the sheep grow well and stay healthy.