Breeding ewes require careful feeding and management throughout different stages of their life cycle, including the dry period, pregnancy, lactation, and breeding phases. Proper nutrition not only improves fertility but also enhances lamb survival and growth rates.
During the dry period, which typically lasts about 3 months after weaning, the main goal is to restore the ewe’s body condition to a moderate or better level. This ensures higher conception rates and better reproductive performance. Ewes in good condition have a 80-85% pregnancy rate, compared to 65-75% for those in poor condition. To achieve this, grazing should be maximized, especially on high-quality pastures. If grass is limited, supplement with 0.2–0.3 kg of mixed concentrate per day. Research shows that for every 1 kg increase in body weight before mating, the twin lamb rate can rise by 2%.
The gestation period lasts approximately 5 months, divided into early (first 3 months) and late (last 2 months). In early pregnancy, the fetus grows slowly, and ewes can maintain their weight if they have access to sufficient nutrients. Autumn is an ideal time for grazing as pastures are rich. However, during late pregnancy, the fetus develops rapidly, requiring increased energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. At this stage, feed should include 0.5–1 kg of hay, 1 kg of silage, 0.5–1 kg of concentrate, and a balanced mix of corn, soybean meal, bran, salt, bone meal, and premix. It's important to avoid moldy feeds, frozen water, and stressful handling during this time.
Lactation begins after birth and lasts 2.5–3 months. Ewes should drink warm salt water or add bran to help digestion and expel lochia. For the first 3 days, only high-quality hay is given; concentrates and juicy feeds should be introduced gradually. Nutrition needs peak around 4–6 weeks postpartum and then decline. The diet should be adjusted accordingly to support milk production and lamb growth.
For breeding lambs (3–18 months), proper feeding is crucial. After weaning, they grow quickly and need a diet rich in energy and protein. During the early phase, feed includes 0.2–0.3 kg of concentrate daily, while later stages focus on maintaining weight and preparing for breeding. Body weight is a key indicator—lambs should gain 150–200 grams daily and reach at least 40 kg by 6–8 months to be ready for breeding.
Lambs require special care from birth. They must consume colostrum within 1.5 hours to gain immunity and aid digestion. Feeding schedules should be regular, with adjustments made as they grow. Early introduction of grass and concentrates helps them adapt and build strength. Exercise and socialization are also important to improve health and growth.
Proper management at each stage significantly impacts the overall productivity and well-being of the flock. By focusing on nutrition, health, and behavior, farmers can maximize breeding success and lamb survival.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a spice blend made from dried, ground chili peppers, often combined with other herbs and spices. It typically includes varieties of chili peppers like cayenne, ancho, or chipotle, along with ingredients such as cumin, Garlic Powder, oregano, and paprika. This blend varies in heat intensity depending on the types of chilies used and can range from mild to very hot.
Chili powder is a versatile ingredient used in numerous cuisines worldwide, especially in Mexican, Tex-Mex, Indian, and Thai dishes. It adds depth, flavor, and a distinctive warmth to soups, stews, chili con carne, marinades, and a wide array of savory recipes.
Chilli powder is a red or reddish-yellow, oily and uniform powder, a mixture of red chillies, yellow chillies, chilli seeds and some chilli rods crushed finely, with the inherent spicy aroma of chilli, which stings and sneezes on the nose. Authentic should be pounded out with a stone mortar, or you can directly use dried chillies in the sun or roasted in a pot over a moderate fire and then pounded into powder.
1. Antipyretic and analgesic: Capsicum is pungent and warm, which can lower body temperature through sweating and relieve muscle pain, so it has strong antipyretic and analgesic effects.
2. Preventing cancer: capsaicin, the active ingredient of chilli, is an antioxidant, which can prevent the metabolism of the cells concerned, thus terminating the cancerous process of cell tissues and reducing the incidence of cancer cells.
3. Increase appetite, help digestion: the strong spicy flavour of chilli pepper can stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, increase appetite, promote intestinal peristalsis, and help digestion.
4. Reduce fat and weight loss: capsaicin contained in chilli peppers can promote fat metabolism and prevent the accumulation of body fat, which is conducive to fat reduction, weight loss and disease prevention.
Folding
Chili Powder, Chili Ground, Red chili powder, Chaotian chili powder
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