Sheltered households and small-scale farmers are often required to construct sheep shelters. However, these structures are usually too basic to provide adequate warmth in winter or proper insulation in summer. As a result, the living conditions inside the barns are poor, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and creating hidden health hazards for the animals.
When building a sheep house, it is essential to choose a location that is dry, sunny, and sheltered from wind, with good drainage. In northern cold regions, single-slope sheep houses are commonly used. These typically have a height of about 2.5 meters at the front and 2 meters at the back, with a depth of 6 to 7 meters. The length can be adjusted based on the number of sheep being raised. In warmer northern areas, semi-sheltered designs can be considered. These are similar to single-slope models but feature a permanent roof on the rear side and an arched plastic film on the top half. During the summer, the plastic film can be removed to convert the structure into an open-air shed.
Many farmers tend to build large, one-size-fits-all sheep houses without considering the different needs of their flock. They often mix all sheep together—regardless of age, sex, or health—which leads to overcrowding and negatively impacts the productivity of the sheep. To improve this, it's recommended that farmers separate their flock into groups and manage them accordingly. Each pen should have enough space for movement, resting, and feeding to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Feed is a critical factor in sheep farming. Many farmers rely solely on straw and grain during the winter, which lacks sufficient nutrition. This slow growth rate and longer feeding cycle limit profitability. To address this, farmers should consider cultivating dedicated forage land, growing crops like alfalfa, Mexican corn, and ryegrass. These can be used fresh in summer and autumn, and dried as hay or fermented into silage for winter feeding.
Disinfection is often overlooked by many independent farmers who do not prioritize hygiene. Some may use lime for cleaning, but this is not effective for true disinfection. Farmers need to raise awareness about the importance of regular sanitation. Daily cleaning and disinfection should be carried out using a variety of disinfectants to prevent resistance. All areas—sheep houses, exercise yards, feeding troughs, water sources, and tools—should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. A three-step process is typically used: first, thorough cleaning; second, rinsing with water; third, spraying with a disinfectant. It’s recommended to disinfect at least once a month, and more frequently—every other day—if the flock is affected by disease.
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