Fattening sheep efficiently requires a good balance of nutrition, management, and health care. Here’s a practical guide:
- Choose the Right Sheep
Breed: Some breeds fatten faster (e.g., Dorper, Suffolk, Katahdin).
Age: Lambs around 3-6 months old fatten well.
Health: Only fatten healthy sheep; treat any diseases or parasites first.
- Nutrition
High-Energy Diet: Use grains like corn, barley, or oats as energy sources.
Protein: Add soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or legume hay (like alfalfa) to help build muscle.
Roughage: Always provide good-quality hay or pasture for digestion.
Supplements: Use mineral blocks or loose minerals (esp. salt, calcium, phosphorus).
Water: Always have clean water available — it boosts feed intake.
- Feeding Plan
Creep Feeding (for lambs): Give young lambs special feed they can access but adults can’t.
Finishing Diet (last 60–90 days): Increase grain gradually to 70–90% of the total diet for rapid fattening.
Consistent Feeding: Feed at the same times daily to avoid digestive issues.
- Health Management
Deworm Regularly: Parasites steal nutrients.
Vaccinate: Prevent diseases like clostridial infections.
Hoof Care: Trim hooves to prevent lameness which can reduce feed intake.
- Comfort & Space
Provide shelter from extreme weather.
Avoid overcrowding — stress slows growth.
- Monitor Progress
Weigh regularly (every 2–3 weeks).
Adjust feed based on growth rates and body condition.