Winter is the prime season for sheep slaughter. Ensuring that lambs are properly fattened before being sent to market can significantly boost both the slaughter rate and meat quality. Effective fattening not only increases weight gain but also enhances the overall value of the livestock. Below are the key practices to follow when preparing sheep for slaughter:
Over 80% of internal parasites reside in the sheep’s body. If deworming is neglected before the fattening period, these parasites will absorb most of the nutrients from the feed, leading to poor growth and low productivity. Therefore, it's essential to deworm sheep before they are put on a feeding program. Commonly used dewormers include:
- **Trichlorfon**: Administer at 0.1 g per kg of body weight, diluted into a 1–3% solution for oral administration.
- **Tetramisole (Insecticide Net)**: Dosage is 0.02 g per kg, mixed into a 5% solution.
- **Benzimidazole (e.g., Fenbendazole)**: Can be used for year-round grazing in humid areas. Dose is 6–8 mg per kg, taken orally.
Important note: All medications should be given on an empty stomach in the morning. The feces produced after treatment must be removed promptly and composted to prevent re-infection.
During the fattening period, minimize physical activity to conserve energy. It's best to feed them with compound feeds. A typical daily ration includes: 1.5–1.8 kg of hay or 2.5–3.0 kg of processed straw, 0.1 kg of corn flour, 0.1 kg of alfalfa, and 0.1 kg of legumes. If corn is scarce, increase cornmeal to 0.15 kg. Adjust feed amounts based on weight gain. Avoid feeding single ingredients; instead, offer balanced meals. Feed twice a day—at 6 AM and 5 PM—with warm water (around 30°C) provided after each meal.
Feed management is crucial. Chopped stalks should be stored in sheds, while grains like corn, beans, and bran need proper storage to avoid spoilage.
Shed management is equally important. Convert the sheep house into a warm and dry environment. If the original structure is large, build a 1-meter-high wall 2–3 meters away from the main shed, leaving a central door. Place a wooden pole between the wall and the shed, cover it with plastic sheeting, and secure it with mud. Ensure there are ventilation holes. Regularly remove manure and change bedding to keep the area dry. Excessive moisture can lead to respiratory diseases, arthritis, and rickets, all of which hinder the fattening process.
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