The right way to feed and health sheep during the summer

Shelter sheds for sheep are among the most important elements that directly affect production, especially in the intensive system of production, which requires a design for sheds that protects them from high and low temperatures, direct sunlight, humidity and cold.

Shelters or barns must be taken into account in their design so as not to expose the animals to heat stress, which leads to a rise in the animal’s temperature to 41.5 degrees Celsius, at which time some neurological symptoms appear, and if they continue for a period that may lead to the death of the animal, and we advise when the animal is subjected to thermal abortion, reduce the amount of diet provided to the animal, and the full diet is replaced with a concentrated diet, and meals are provided at night in order to reduce the heat burden on the animal.

Feeding and health sheep during the summer

What do sheep eat?

Sheep love grazing, they prefer to eat short, soft grass close to the surface of agricultural land. With herbs we define a wide range of plant species: herbs, Egyptian alfalfa, alfalfa, legumes, shrubs, etc. Alfalfa is a very strong basis for herbs, but the biodiversity of herbs is directly related to the quality of food consumed (the more herbs are diversified, the higher the quality of food).

Before the spread of commercial feed, many ancient farmers based their sheep diet entirely on grass, whole corn, and hay. Sheep are used to grazing for at least 7-8 hours. Then 0.5-3 lbs. was introduced. (0.2-1.36 kg) of corn and 2-5 lbs. (0.9 – 2.23) alfalfa per day.

And over time; Sheep survived in the desert by eating only grass, grains (cereal seeds, like maize, but in very small amounts) and drinking water. However, the most common commercial breeds nowadays selected for meat or dairy production are highly responsive to commercial food. As with goats, the diet of dairy sheep differs from that of meat sheep. As a general rule, meat sheep can be fed on grass, hay, and a small amount of grain.

The diet of pregnant or lactating ewes is usually supplemented with commercial feed containing a higher amount of grain. And many people think that only the sheep that are raised at home eat grain, but the truth is that over time, the sheep in the desert used to eat the small amount of grass seeds they could find. However, we must be careful because sheep generally like the taste of grain. Thus, giving them this type of food throughout the day; It will lead to major health problems. Grains should be introduced slowly into the sheep's diet and kept at low levels.

Some commercial sheep foods contain about 20% protein. These proteins have a balanced and essential aminoacid count; To increase the growth of sheep muscles. The average daily recommended dose is 2-4 lbs. for senior sheep.

There are also commercial diets of fish, which are treated to prevent coccidiosis.

You should not feed commercial sheep food to other animals from your farm (especially horses), as it may be poisoned.

Finally, salt blocks (which act as mineral supplements) are added to new sheep feeding programs (keep in mind that sheep need less copper than goats, so many of the mineral salts formulated for goats are toxic to sheep).

many breeders; They place a tablet with baking soda inside the lozenge; Where sheep can reach it throughout the day.

The importance of baking soda has been announced to fix the rumen pH of sheep and thus aid in the digestion process, especially when following a diet high in grains. In all cases, water bowls must be available around the clock for sheep inside the barn. Water should also be placed in 2-3 remote places in the pasture.

The novice breeder should consult with the experienced; In order to form an annual nutritional program. In many cases, the area's grasses and weather conditions are important factors in the final equation (Can your land produce enough grass year-round? Can you find hay at a reasonable price? If not, make a list of replacements, for each month.) . Keep in mind that any changes in a sheep's diet must happen gradually, otherwise the sheep will suffer from diarrhea and other disorders.

Sheep health care

Dear sheep breeder, unfortunately sheep often suffer from various parasites and worms. It is a good idea to vaccinate sheep with anthelmintics, and more often than not you should obtain veterinary advice from a doctor. You can also find drugs that kill the main intestinal worms most common in sheep in the form of sprays or pills, powders, injections, and other forms of preparations. medical.

Dear sheep breeder, you must vaccinate sheep against colestridium and other diseases common among sheep, always after consulting the veterinarian. Sheep may require vaccination against diseases on a regular basis, especially booster doses. Moreover, we must examine the sheep regularly; to make sure of her safety.

Diarrhea is one of the common symptoms of sheep disease, and its symptoms include not chewing, isolation from the herd, not drinking water, watery eyes, inability to stand are also some of the signs of a disease, and sleeping all day.

We must have a veterinarian in the veterinary units. The veterinarian will usually ask you whether the body temperature of the ewes is at a normal level, before he decides to visit your private farm or not. Also keep in mind that the normal body temperature through the anus for a sheep is 100.9-103.8°F (38.3-39.9°C). ).

In many countries and countries, it is very common for sheep breeders; Cut off sheep's tails to prevent health problems (sheep's long tail is usually covered in dung, and attracts insects). However, you should contact your local veterinarian for further instructions. Sheep owners should also trim the sheep's hooves. in order to prevent infection.

We have to check their hooves every 15 days, but trimming should be done less often than in goats (sheep need to be trimmed every three months, goats need trimming usually every 60 days).

Finally, many breeders shear their sheep at least once a year, preferably before the summer heat. Certain sheep breeds need to be sheared 3 times annually.

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