There are often letters from farmers asking for advice on how to increase the efficiency of mutton farming. To this end, the following recommendations are made for the majority of sheep farmers:
First, pay attention to timely listing as a commodity sheep, it is best when the lamb was listed that year, because lamb meat prices are generally the highest. Sheep breeding cost 2-3 years is high, especially in the northern part of our province (winter and spring climate is cold, the lack of fodder), and sheep grow with age, subcutaneous and intramuscular fat deposition increases, muscle cholesterol levels increase, meat quality decline Can not sell at good prices.
Second, do a good job of hybrids in the production of sheep, the use of improved hybrids can increase the lambing rate, the survival rate of lambs and body weight. As the male parent (especially the terminal paternal) of the hybrid mutton sheep must have the characteristics of precocity, fast growth and development, and the female parent should choose the good breed with high fertility and long estrus season. At present, the commonly used and ideal hybridization mode is: meat sheep, Suffolk or Dorset Dormian sheep sheep sheep → commercial sheep; meat goats, cloth (Boer) goats goat milk goats (non- Milk) Ewes → commercial sheep.
Third, attach importance to the management of rearing and management of mutton sheep must start from the lamb's innate development.
1. Laying and lambing time should be well arranged. In the northern region of our province, the ambient temperature changes greatly in April each year, and the lamb mortality is relatively high. Therefore, the lambing time should be arranged as early as 1-3 months to avoid lambs being born. April.
2. Grasp the feeding and management of pregnant ewes Ewes can obtain adequate and reasonable nutrition during pregnancy. Lambs produced are of large body size, strong in physique, strong in disease resistance, and easy to manage.
3. Pay attention to the lamb's food-eating exercise, that is, let him freely feed high-quality green hay or grass at the age of 10 days. From the 20th day onwards, he can freely consume mixed concentrate. The mixture should be mainly digestible corn and bran. Add fried soybeans, salt and trace elements, avoid using cakes, cakes, etc.
4, to provide clean drinking water, allowing them to freely drink especially in hot seasons, the lamb can not lack of water, otherwise it will lead to loss of appetite, blood circulation and body temperature regulation can not be normal, growth blocked, and even death.
5, Selenium Selenium deficiency is generally more serious in northern China. In selenium-deficient areas, lambs can be injected with sodium selenite vitamin E injection 1-2 weeks after birth (methods should follow the instructions).
6, timely weaning lamb about 7 weeks of age when the rumen is fully developed, can better digest roughage. Until then, the weaned lamb cannot obtain enough nutrients by only eating roughage, and it is best to wean at around 3 months of age. Special care should be given after weaning, until it is fully adapted to grazing or housing conditions and rearing.