One species of ewes
1. Before breeding and mating, it's essential to focus on rejuvenation and proper nutrition to prepare the ewes for mating. The diet should support normal metabolic functions. After weaning, leaner ewes need additional nourishment to regain their condition. Daily feed should mainly consist of dry roughage like sweet potato vines and peanut stalks, allowing them to graze for about 4 hours a day. During this time, each ewe should be given approximately 0.4 kg of mixed concentrate per day to ensure adequate energy intake.
2. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus develops slowly, so nutritional needs are similar to those of non-pregnant ewes. However, in the second trimester, the fetus grows rapidly, with about 80% of its body weight gained during these two months. Therefore, it's crucial to provide high-quality, nutrient-dense feed. The metabolic level should increase by 15–20%, and calcium and phosphorus levels should rise by 40–50%. Vitamin A and D should also be sufficient. Each day, supplement with 0.6–0.8 kg of mixed concentrate and 3–5 grams of bone meal. About 10 days before birth, offer some succulent feed to help the ewe prepare for labor. Proper management is key—avoid overcrowding and stress. Ewes should move slowly and steadily, and avoid eating moldy or frozen feed to reduce the risk of abortion.
3. During lactation, which typically lasts 2–3 months after lambing, the ewe’s nutritional needs increase significantly. In the first two months postpartum, milk production is critical for the lambs, so the ewe must receive enough nutrients. Generally, each ewe should be fed 1–2 kg of succulent feed and 0.6–1.0 kg of concentrate daily. However, care must be taken to control the amount of concentrate, especially in the first 1–3 days after birth, when overfeeding can cause digestive issues. Avoid feeding cold or icy water. As lambs begin to nibble on feed before weaning, gradually reduce the amount of succulent feed and concentrate to prevent mastitis. Keep the ewe’s living area clean and disinfected, removing any waste such as placenta or hairballs to prevent disease transmission. Lambs are usually weaned around 2 months of age.
Second, the types of rams
Rams play a vital role in improving the productivity of the flock and enhancing low-yield sheep. They must be carefully fed and managed to maintain strong physical condition, good health, high libido, and quality semen.
1. Nutritional requirements: Male rams require higher-quality feed, including sufficient protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, and minerals. Their diet should be easy to digest and palatable, ideally made from ingredients like bran, soybean meal, carrots, and malt. Animal protein is especially important for rams. If breeding frequency is high, raw eggs and milk should be added to their diet to support reproductive performance.
2. Management of rams: Keep rams separate from ewes except during breeding periods. Allow them to graze and exercise in groups for 4–6 hours daily. During the breeding season, they may be used 1–3 times per day, with sperm collection done every 3–4 days. After mating, allow them time to rest, especially in extreme weather conditions. Avoid collecting semen if the quality is poor. Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are necessary. Monitor their behavior and mental state regularly to detect any issues early.
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