One of the most important aspects of any animal-based agricultural operation is having an effective waste management plan which reaps the benefits of the waste and helps reduce the risks associated with the use and disposal of animal wastes. Improper manure management can have a detrimental effect on water quality. Monitoring animals on a regular […] More
Devastating losses can be caused in sheep flocks by parasites. In most sheep production areas, internal parasites, or gastro-intestinal nematodes, also known as worms, are the primary disease affecting sheep and lambs. Sheep are more vulnerable to internal parasites than most other types of farm livestock for several reasons. Their small faecal pellets disintegrate very […] More
Housing needs for sheep vary by climate, seasons of lambing, and management preferences of the farmer. Many different types of housing can be used for sheep. Traditional barns, pole buildings, and metal buildings are usually more expensive, but they provide the best protection for the sheep, feed, and equipment. The physiological impact of the number […] More
Reproduction is one of the most important factors which determine profitability when farming with sheep. The reproductive rate varies by farm, production system, and geographic areas. An ewe’s production year can be divided into four distinct critical periods. The ewe is mated during a mating season of about three to six weeks, followed by a […] More
The sheep farming series comes to an end. In our last edition, we discuss a few odd topics like slatted floors, gates and wool tables, bins and presses. We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on sheep production and facilities available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia. Slatted floors […] More
Five types of fences are used in sheep production. In this edition each of these types of fences will be discussed and examples of typical constructions and construction materials will be given. This is however not the alpha and omega as other requirements than those discussed here are also possible. We thank the ARC Agricultural […] More
The success of a sheep famer depends on the percentage of lambs which goes to the market eventually in relation to the number of ewes which dropped them. A farmer already has a continuous fight against drought, vermin and crime – he cannot afford not to ensure that there is a 100% lambing percentage. “So […] More
Part 15: General equipment: Water, feed and shade The welfare of your sheep depends mostly on the obvious, like sufficient water, feed and shading. When putting in some effort and care in designing these sources properly, most of your basic and day to day problems will disappear. We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South […] More
During the shearing season, the shearing shed is a busy place. Frustration levels can easily run high when things don’t go according to plan. A farmer is therefore obliged to design the shearing complex with every possible factor in mind. We thank the ARC – Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on […] More
Zambia is a paradise for a wide variety of external parasites. Dipping your animals in this environment is crucial if you want to continue farming. We thank the ARC – Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on sheep production and facilities available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia. Two different opinions exist […] More
Clearly defined pens for every purpose or operation makes farming so much easier and enjoyable. But keep in mind that animals staying in an enclosed area offer many challenges. It is sensible to place your animal pens downwind and in such a position in relation to the housing and feed processing area that odours and […] More
The sheep handling facility consists of ramps, pens and scales. A practical approach is the secret in designing the facility and even aspects such as sheep behaviour should be considered. This month we look at fixed, adaptable and mobile loading ramps. We thank the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their […] More
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