The fast fattening of mutton sheep allows for the slaughter of lambs at just 2 months old, with weights ranging from 15 to 20 kilograms and a survival rate exceeding 98%. To achieve this, it's essential to focus on several key management practices.
First, selecting the right breed is crucial. Hybrid sheep are preferred because they take full advantage of hybrid vigor, leading to higher productivity. For example, crossbreeding local white goats with other male breeds can produce offspring with larger body sizes, stable genetics, high fertility, strong disease resistance, and better meat and wool quality.
Next, the housing setup plays a vital role in the health and growth of the sheep. A well-designed shed should be built in a dry, well-ventilated area with good drainage. The structure should be half-sloped on the north side, with a back wall height of 1.8 meters and a front wall of 2.2 meters. An open area around the pen helps provide space for movement and improves overall living conditions.
Ewes need proper nutrition to ensure healthy lamb development. They should graze on high-quality pastures or be fed with premium forages. Additionally, each ewe should receive 0.4 to 0.7 kg of a balanced concentrate daily. The mix includes 60% corn, 8% wheat bran, 16% cottonseed cake, 12% soybean meal, 1% salt, and 3% calcium hydrogen phosphate. Lambs selected for fattening should be large, well-developed, and free from illness. Male lambs are often preferred due to their faster growth and lack of sexual maturity at this stage.
Lamb supplementation is also important. A mix of cereal grains and soybean meal can be used, such as 45% corn, 22% wheat bran, 30% soybean meal, 1% salt, and 2% fishmeal. As lambs grow, their feed intake increases: 50–70 grams per day at 20–30 days, 100–150 grams at 1–2 months, and 200 grams at 2–3 months, given twice daily.
Tail docking is another critical step. It should be done between 2 to 7 days of age, ideally on a sunny day. Two methods are commonly used: the rubber band method, where an elastic band is placed around the tail to cut off blood supply, and the knife method, which involves cutting the tail and applying a bandage. Both techniques help improve meat quality and reduce odor.
Castration of male lambs also promotes better growth. It is usually done alongside tail docking. The rubber band method is most common, where the testicles are pulled into the scrotum and tied with a tight band. After 20–30 days, the scrotum dries up and falls off naturally.
Maintaining cleanliness is essential for disease prevention. Sheep pens, feeding areas, and equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Water should always be clean and fresh, and bedding kept dry. Feed should be stored properly to avoid contamination. All tools, clothing, and medical equipment should be sterilized through boiling or disinfection.
Disease prevention should follow local guidelines. Vaccinations and deworming should be carried out systematically to prevent infectious and parasitic diseases. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to maintaining flock health.
Finally, timely fattening and slaughter based on market demand can optimize economic returns. By managing the growth cycle effectively, farmers can increase profitability while ensuring high-quality meat production.
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