In Ozhegov’s dictionary, the meaning of the word “flock” is described as a large flock of sheep. Also, it can often be heard in the vocabulary of experienced breeders, without having the slightest idea what they put into it. However, the essence of the definition provided by Ozhegov is not quite enough to fully understand what the flock is. How many goals should be in the herd, how and why it is formed - all this you can find in this article.
Flock formation
Otara is a large flock of sheep created by man for their joint keeping and grazing.
The flock is formed from young lambs. When they grow up to a certain age and mother’s milk is not enough for them, they are gradually combined into a herd and taken to the pasture.
The first couple of weeks of young lambs are isolated from adults. They are kept in a separate pen. When forming a flock, the following factors are taken into account:
- The sex of the animal.
- Age.
- Breed.
- Class.
In large farms there may be flocks formed depending on the color, origin, size of an individual, etc.
Lambs are divided into flocks several months before the next mating of animals. Before this, the sheep must undergo a physical examination at the veterinarian, do all the necessary vaccinations and get rid of the parasites. As a rule, all these procedures are carried out in one day. Otara is a well-coordinated team. Therefore, the sheep cope with all the procedures quickly, clearly and following the order.
How many sheep are in the flock?
Otar, the definition of the term does not contain specific numbers, consists of many heads of small cattle.
The number of sheep in the herd depends on the size of the holding. The abundance is also affected by the type of herd. For instance:
- A flock of adult valuha can reach up to 1000 goals.
- Uterine flock - 850 goals.
- A flock of flocks - 600-700 goals.
- There are as many pedigree lambs as there are trenches - 600-700 heads.
- Flock of producers - 100 goals.
- Rams "samplers" - 250 goals.
There are always more production individuals in the flock than breeding ones.
Sheep flocks
Keeping sheep costs farmers much cheaper than keeping any other animals. Sheep are able to find food even in the remote steppe, which cannot be said about cows that need high-quality green pastures.
In housing, these animals are also unpretentious. Most of the time the flock spends in the fresh air, which contributes to an increase in the amount of wool.
At night, the herd is led into corrals under canopies to protect them from attacks by predators. In winter, sheep are kept in shepherds. They do not represent complex architectural structures. This is a dull room with mud floor. Litter in the shepherd does not require frequent replacement, because the waste of sheep does not have an unpleasant odor.
From this we can conclude that flocks - this is the most profitable way to earn on the maintenance of small cattle.
Flock replenishment
A month and a half before the mating, the sheep are transferred to special food. Her diet includes selected hay, root crops, etc. The main thing is to ensure that the sheep does not gain excess weight, the nutrition should be complete and balanced. The lamb is spoiled with cottage cheese, root vegetables and raw eggs.
The owners have a special relationship with pregnant sheep. So that the future mother does not have a miscarriage, she can not be scared, worried and overworked. The diet must be supplemented with chalk and bone meal for an additional source of calcium.
Sheep help is usually not required. But in case of complications, it is better to have a veterinarian number on hand. After the lamb was born, the sheep should be given drinking water. Then it is necessary to express the first colostrum, because it is highly concentrated, which can harm the lamb. And then you can let the baby feed.
You can transfer lamb to adult food after 20 days of life. This should be done gradually, starting with soft hay. The conclusion to the pasture is possible in the fourth month of the lamb's life. After the lambs began to be raised for grazing, the lambs and small boxes need to be resettled. At five months, they begin puberty, which can lead to mating of closely related individuals. From incest, a weak and inferior offspring can be born. Sheep reaches a half-year age.
Sheep Care
Otara is not just a flock of sheep. Each of them requires individual care. Because Most of the time the sheep spend on the street, they are subject to systematic attacks of parasites. Baths with the addition of a 1% solution of creolin help get rid of ticks.
In the winter season, the sheep practically do not leave the stall, so you need to monitor their hooves. They can outgrow, which will hurt the animal.
The wool of sheep grows quickly enough, so they need to be systematically sheared. If you have never done this before, then it is better to entrust this matter to professionals. During the haircut, you can not scare the animal and hurt him. The more comfortable the first haircut will take place at the ram, the more willing it will be for the next.