1. Importance of Small Ruminant Farming
Sheep and goat farming is a vital livelihood for small and marginal farmers, particularly in semi-arid and hilly regions. These animals require low investment, adapt to harsh conditions, and provide multiple products: meat, milk, wool, and skin.
2. Popular Sheep Breeds
- Merino: Fine wool breed; originated in Spain; widely used for wool production.
- Deccani: Hardy breed from Maharashtra; dual-purpose (meat and coarse wool).
- Nellore: Andhra Pradesh breed; excellent meat quality.
- Rambouillet: Improved wool breed; good adaptability.
- Corriedale: Dual-purpose breed; medium wool and good meat yield.
3. Popular Goat Breeds
- Black Bengal: Small, prolific breed; excellent meat quality; disease-resistant.
- Jamunapari: Tall breed; high milk yield (2–3 litres/day); good for meat.
- Beetal: Punjab breed; dual-purpose; good milk and meat production.
- Sirohi: Rajasthan breed; hardy; good for arid conditions.
- Boer: Exotic meat breed; fast growth rate; popular for crossbreeding.
4. Housing & Management
- Provide 1.5–2 sq. metres of floor space per adult animal.
- Ensure good ventilation and drainage to prevent respiratory diseases.
- Separate housing for pregnant females and young kids/lambs.
- Clean and disinfect sheds regularly to control parasites and pathogens.
5. Feeding & Nutrition
- Goats and sheep are browsers/grazers; allow access to pasture or browse land.
- Supplement with concentrates (200–300 g/day) during pregnancy and lactation.
- Provide mineral blocks (salt licks) to prevent mineral deficiencies.
- Ensure clean water supply at all times.
6. Health Care & Disease Prevention
- Vaccinate against PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants), Enterotoxemia, and FMD.
- Deworm every 3 months; rotate anthelmintics to prevent resistance.
- Control external parasites (ticks, lice, mange) with regular dipping or spraying.
- Maintain a flock health register for vaccination and treatment records.
7. Wool Production & Marketing
- Shear sheep once or twice a year depending on breed and climate.
- Grade wool by fineness, length, and cleanliness before sale.
- Sell through Wool Board procurement centres or directly to textile mills.
- Goat hair (Pashmina, Angora) commands premium prices in specialty markets.