1. Moderate-Scale Farming Like any other industry, sheep farming should also aim for economies of scale. The appropriate size of a meat goat farm depends on several factors, such as investment capacity, market prices, available grazing land, feeding and management conditions, and the balance between public and private ownership. In natural mating systems, the ratio of rams to breeding ewes is typically 1:25, and an optimal flock size ranges from 40 to 50 goats. This helps maintain efficiency while ensuring manageable operations. 2. Group Rearing Practices In addition to breeding and production, traditional sheep farming often involves self-cultivation. However, due to different purposes—breeding sheep versus weaned lambs—it’s important to rear them in separate groups. Breeding sheep require more attention to body condition, timely breeding, and proper nutrition during gestation. Lambs, on the other hand, need consistent access to nutritious feed, warmth, and disease prevention. Proper group management ensures better growth and reduces health risks. 3. Sheep Shelter Construction Off-site sheep shelters offer advantages like good ventilation, easy waste removal, and dry conditions. These are especially popular in areas with high humidity, such as southern China. However, it's crucial to protect sheep from cold weather in winter to avoid stunted growth in lambs and reduced meat quality in adult goats. Insulation and shelter design play a key role in maintaining a healthy environment. 4. High-Quality Pasture Cultivation Pasture grass is the main diet for goats, and providing high-quality, palatable forage is essential for successful goat rearing. Farmers in Yangzhou can use high-yield forage crops like ryegrass, winter wheat fields, or interplanting with forage maize and bamboo. They can also utilize agricultural by-products like soybean straw, peanut vines, and sweet potato leaves. These practices ensure a steady supply of green feed throughout the year, reducing costs and improving productivity. 5. Fattening Lambs Efficiently Fattening lambs aims to increase daily weight gain and improve feed conversion. Traditional grazing methods can lead to energy loss, resulting in slower growth and higher costs. To optimize this process, farmers should focus on feeding and fattening lambs in controlled environments. Providing adequate green feed, along with mineral supplements and concentrates made from corn and soybean meal, can significantly shorten the finishing period by one to two months compared to grazing. 6. Optimal Slaughter Weight The decision to slaughter goats should be based on factors like daily weight gain, feed efficiency, and market demand. Slaughtering too early may not fully utilize growth potential, while slaughtering too late can reduce feed efficiency. For most breeds, the ideal age for slaughter is between 6 to 8 months, depending on breed and crossbreeding. This ensures optimal meat yield and quality. 7. Disease Prevention Measures Disease control remains a major challenge in goat farming, requiring careful attention. Alongside hygiene and temperature management, regular disinfection, vaccination, and deworming are essential. Farmers should disinfect housing and outdoor areas monthly using products like iodine-based solutions or caustic soda. Rotating disinfectants improves effectiveness. Vaccinations against diseases like foot-and-mouth, enterotoxemia, and pleuropneumonia should be administered in spring and autumn. Deworming in both spring and autumn helps prevent internal parasites and improves overall flock health.
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