Autumn brings a pleasant climate, with herbs fully matured, rich in nutrients and seeds. This season is ideal for sheep and ewes to breed. To raise sheep successfully during this time, there are nine key practices to follow.
First, the temperature fluctuates between cool mornings and evenings and hot midday. Therefore, grazing should be scheduled during the cooler parts of the day—early morning and late evening. Avoid grazing at noon when it's hottest. In late autumn, graze on frosty days in the morning and return in the afternoon. On frost-free days, graze in the afternoon and return early. Always provide clean water, such as well or spring water, twice daily. Avoid contaminated water. In mountainous areas, choose sunny slopes for grazing, as they offer better conditions for sheep.
Second, select pastures that are lush and sheltered from the wind. These areas allow sheep to eat more without excessive movement. When grazing, start with shaded areas before moving to sunny slopes, and begin with low grass before high grass. This ensures the sheep get the most nutritious feed.
Third, place ewes in the best pastures, while keeping rams in more distant areas. Thin or weak sheep should be grouped separately and placed in grassy fields to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Fourth, maintain the "four stables": stable access to the pasture, stable grazing time, stable feeding, and stable drinking. Prevent overcrowding, especially during pregnancy, to avoid abortions.
Fifth, ensure proper watering. Provide water at 2:00 p.m. daily, avoiding empty stomach or lying water (water consumed after returning to the flock). This helps prevent digestive issues.
Sixth, give salt once every ten days at a rate of 10 grams per sheep. Before giving salt, make sure the sheep have had water to avoid overhydration, which can cause miscarriage in pregnant ewes.
Seventh, closely monitor the flock during grazing. Identify sick sheep and treat them promptly. For thin sheep, provide additional supplements as soon as possible to improve their health.
Eighth, autumn is an excellent time for breeding. Ewes are in good condition, with normal estrus cycles, increased ovulation, and favorable fetal development. Breeding between August and September leads to lambing in February of the following year, allowing ewes to recover quickly and lambs to grow rapidly. Ewes should be bred between 1.2 to 1.5 years of age. Signs of estrus include reduced appetite, restlessness, swollen vulva, discharge, and tail shaking. Estrus lasts about 1–2 days, with ovulation starting 30–40 hours after the onset. It’s best to mate 30 hours after estrus to maximize conception rates.
Ninth, autumn is also a peak season for diseases in sheep. Use dewormers like levamisole or benzimidazole to protect the flock. Keep the sheep’s housing clean by removing leftover feed, grass, and manure. Maintain dry and sanitary conditions, and disinfect regularly with a 2% alkali solution or formalin. Brush the sheep frequently to improve circulation and immunity. Be cautious of bloat caused by eating regrowing grass or legumes, and adjust grazing accordingly.
By following these nine essential tips, you can ensure healthy, productive sheep during the autumn season.
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