Autumn is the prime season for raising sheep and ewes, offering an ideal time to boost lambing rates and meat production. To achieve these goals, several key management practices must be carefully implemented:
First, proper grazing management is essential. During autumn, temperatures vary throughout the day—cool in the early morning and late evening, but hot at noon. Therefore, grazing should begin early in the morning, avoid midday heat, and end in the late afternoon. In the later stages of autumn, when frost may occur, it's best to delay grazing until after the frost has lifted and to extend the grazing period accordingly. Always ensure that sheep have access to clean, fresh water, preferably from a well or spring, twice daily. Avoid letting them drink from stagnant or contaminated sources. Additionally, during colder periods, it's important to keep sheep warm by allowing them to graze on south-facing slopes where pastures are more abundant and sheltered.
Second, feeding plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of sheep. While sheep graze during the day, they should be given a balanced and nutritious feed at night to support their energy needs. For pregnant ewes, supplementing with 0.2 to 0.3 kg of concentrated feed per day in the middle stage and increasing to 0.45 to 1 kg in the later stage is recommended. Lactating ewes require more nutrition, especially those nursing twins. They should receive about 0.5 kg of feed daily in the early lactation phase, 0.3 to 0.45 kg in the middle stage, and up to 0.7 kg if they are nursing multiple lambs. It's important to avoid feeding moldy or spoiled feed and to provide adequate water. A small amount of salt can also be added to their diet to support overall health.
Third, breeding management is critical during this time. Ewes in autumn typically show strong signs of estrus, making it an ideal period for breeding. Signs such as reduced appetite, restlessness, swelling of the vulva, and increased tail wagging indicate that a ewe is ready to mate. The estrus period usually lasts 1–2 days, and breeding is most effective around 30 hours after the onset of estrus. Proper timing and monitoring can significantly improve conception and lambing rates.
Fourth, preventing abortions is vital for maintaining flock productivity. Farmers should avoid feeding moldy or toxic feed and never allow sheep to drink cold water on an empty stomach. Sudden noises or stressful situations, such as rushing through gates or engaging in vigorous activities, should be avoided, especially during feeding or handling. Vaccination against infectious diseases is essential, and any ewes with a history of abortion should receive appropriate veterinary treatment, such as fetal injections at specific times.
Lastly, disease prevention is a key aspect of sheep management. Regular vaccination against common infectious diseases is necessary. The sheep house should remain clean and dry, with regular disinfection using solutions like 2% caustic soda, 3% carbolic acid, or 2% formalin. Frequent brushing of the sheep’s body helps improve circulation and strengthen immunity. If sheep suffer from bloat due to eating lush grass or legumes, immediate action is needed—puncturing the abdomen near the ribs and administering 5g of fish oil mixed with 20ml of alcohol and 100ml of water can help relieve the condition.
By following these practices, farmers can maximize the health and productivity of their flocks during the autumn season.
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