Key Points for Summer Sheep Farming
Summer temperatures and humidity can negatively affect sheep's appetite, leading to weight loss and reduced disease resistance. It's crucial to strengthen farming management to prevent adverse health effects on the sheep herd. Here are the specific points to note:
-
Heat Stress Prevention: Ensure adequate ventilation in sheep sheds and provide shade to avoid direct sunlight exposure. Shearing sheep or reducing stocking density can facilitate heat dissipation.
-
Hygiene: Clean sheep pens regularly to reduce disease risk. Eliminate weeds around the pens, eliminate stagnant water, and regularly disinfect to prevent the spread of pathogens.
-
Nutrition Boost: Due to decreased feed intake in hot weather, supplementing feed with minerals and providing nutritious feed can prevent weight loss. Ensure proper detoxification of feed, especially if including cottonseed or rapeseed cakes.
-
Water and Salt Supplementation: Offer mixed feed containing saltwater 1-2 times daily and provide sheep with fresh drinking water 4-6 times daily to maintain electrolyte balance.
-
Grassland Management: Schedule grazing to avoid the hottest times of the day, provide shaded areas during extreme heat, and ensure dry and cool grazing spots to prevent heatstroke.
-
Disease Prevention and Control:
-
Regularly monitor sheep's health, appetite, and feces, and promptly address any issues.
-
Thoroughly disinfect feed, equipment, and water sources regularly.
-
Properly dispose of dead sheep by burying or incinerating them.
-
Implement a scientific vaccination plan, particularly for pregnant ewes, to prevent diseases like enterotoxemia.
In summary, successful summer sheep farming requires attention to various details. By implementing the above strategies, you can minimize disease incidence and maximize meat production.
