During hot summer weather, grazing under the scorching sun or being confined in poorly ventilated, damp, and hot enclosures can easily lead to heatstroke in sheep. Below are some measures to prevent heatstroke in sheep:
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Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintain good ventilation in sheep pens. In regions with high temperatures, consider increasing the height of sheep pens and using double-layered colored steel sheets. During hot weather, adding a layer of straw or wild grass on the steel sheets can effectively cool down the sheep pens.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Plant trees around the sheep pens for shade or use sunshade nets to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the interior of the pens. While water curtains can effectively reduce temperature, they may increase humidity in the pens, leading to other health issues.
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Control Stocking Density: Sheep tend to crowd together more in hotter weather. Overcrowding can lead to heatstroke and death due to heat. Therefore, overcrowded sheep flocks should be appropriately separated.
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Manage Grazing: During summer grazing, ensure sheep go out and return early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Choose grazing areas with weak sunlight exposure and minimize the duration of direct sunlight. Avoid grazing at noon, and if possible, consider nighttime grazing.
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Provide Cool Water: In hot weather, sheep need ample water, ideally drinking at least four times a day. Pay special attention to providing water before and after grazing. If sheep sweat excessively, add some salt to their diet. Regular bathing or showering with cool water helps cool them down, even if bathing facilities are not available.
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Early Detection of Sick Sheep: Monitor the flock closely for any changes in behavior. Early signs of heatstroke include isolation, lagging behind the flock, resting in corners, circling while sweating, high fever, and difficulty breathing. Take immediate individual treatment measures if heatstroke symptoms are observed.
These measures are essential for preventing heatstroke in sheep. Timely intervention is crucial when heatstroke occurs to prevent fatalities and ensure the well-being of your flock.
