The high nutritional value of mutton aligns with the global trend of promoting a high-protein, low-fat diet. Mutton sheep are highly efficient and grain-saving herbivores, making them well-suited to national conditions and public preferences. Black mutton goats, in particular, require low investment and offer quick returns, especially in areas like Lushan Mountain. They not only help utilize grasslands and slopes effectively but also make use of high-quality forage grown on farmland. Traditional mountain sheep farming relies heavily on grazing, which in some regions has led to overgrazing and ecological damage. As a result, house-based sheep farming has become a popular choice among farmers.
1.1 Site Selection
When planning a sheep farm, it's essential to consider the number of sheep, development scale, financial resources, and mechanization level. The location should be chosen based on local conditions to minimize costs. A good site should be elevated, well-drained, dry, and well-ventilated, with plenty of sunlight and access to water.
1.2 Construction of Sheep Housing
Sheep houses are typically 4 to 6 meters wide and 2 to 3 meters high. Their length depends on the number of sheep, with each animal requiring about 1.2 to 1.5 square meters of space. A playground should be built next to the house, surrounded by shade trees. The floor is made with wooden or bamboo strips spaced 1 to 1.5 cm apart, allowing manure and urine to fall through. The bed can be fixed or movable for easier cleaning.
1.3 Housing Design
Housing should be divided into sections for rams, ewes, lambs, and fattening sheep, using movable wooden fences. Each pen should have feeding racks, troughs, and drinking equipment. A straw frame is placed against the wall, about 1 meter high, with a 15 cm gap. Troughs can be made of cement or wood, measuring 25 cm wide, 22 cm deep, and with an arc-shaped bottom. An outlet hole is recommended for drainage. Drinking water systems, such as automatic drinkers, should be installed every 3 meters, along with sinks or basins.
1.4 Medicine Bath
A medicine bath should be located near the pens. It should be a narrow pool, at least 1 meter deep, with a bottom width of 30 to 60 cm and a mouth width of 60 to 80 cm. The entrance should be ramped for easy access, while the exit should have sloped steps to allow the medicated liquid to return to the pool.
2.1 Preparing for Sheep Introduction
Before introducing sheep, factors such as local agriculture, feed availability, and geography should be analyzed. Different breeds suit different regions—black goats are ideal for southern areas, while sheep are better suited for colder climates. Financial capacity must also be considered to determine the number of sheep that can be raised. Preparation includes forage storage, repairing the barn, and setting up necessary facilities.
2.2 Choosing the Right Time
The best time to introduce sheep is during spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate. Summer introductions (June–September) are less favorable due to heat and rain. If necessary, night transport may be arranged under technical guidance. For short distances, timing is less critical.
3.1 Reducing Feed Costs
Sheep are slower-growing than pigs or poultry, so reducing feed costs is crucial for large-scale operations. In areas where high-quality feed is expensive, grass-fed or silage methods can lower costs. Planting high-quality forage grasses helps address feed shortages and reduce reliance on costly hay. Advanced techniques like fermentation, ammoniation, and alkalinization improve the use of low-quality straw, further cutting costs.
3.2 Selecting High-Quality Breeds
Choose breeds that grow quickly, have good meat quality, and adapt well to local conditions. Lushan black goats are an excellent choice, offering strong growth rates and high productivity.
3.3 Adjusting Lambing Seasons
In many countries, lambing seasons are carefully managed to maximize survival rates. In China, adjusting breeding cycles to September–October and March–April can help reduce lamb mortality and improve efficiency.
3.4 Disease Prevention
Regular cleaning and disinfection of the barn are essential. Anthelmintic drugs should be used in spring and autumn, and vaccines for diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and pleuropneumonia should be administered based on local outbreaks.
3.5 Appropriate Farm Size
The ideal size for a meat goat farm depends on investment, market demand, and management capabilities. Small farms should aim for at least 20 animals, while larger ones should target 40–50. Specialized flocks for lamb fattening should be kept between 100–150 head.
3.6 Group Management
Different groups—such as pregnant ewes, lambs, and rams—have varying needs. Proper grouping ensures optimal nutrition and reduces stress, improving overall productivity.
3.7 Elevated Sheep Folds
Elevated slatted floors improve ventilation and hygiene, reducing disease risk. The floor should be 30–50 cm above ground, with 3 cm spacing between boards. In winter, a wooden bed should be added for comfort. Regular cleaning and training for waste control are also important.
3.8 Lamb Feeding and Fattening
Lamb fattening focuses on increasing daily weight gain and feed efficiency. Provide sufficient green feed or hay, and supplement with minerals and concentrates. Farmers can hang mineral bricks in the pen or mix corn, soybean meal, and other ingredients. A typical formula includes 55% corn, 25% wheat bran, 4% rice bran, 8% rapeseed cake, and 8% soybean meal.
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