Sheep farming is among the most adaptable and rewarding livestock enterprises. Whether on a large ranch, a small farm, or even a modest plot, sheep can be efficiently raised with minimal infrastructure.

This versatility allows farmers to convert underutilized land, including semi-arid or seemingly unproductive areas, into profitable ventures quickly.

One of the key advantages of sheep farming is the quick return on investment. With proper care and feeding, lambs can reach market weight in just five months, offering a relatively fast turnover.

Additionally, sheep manure is a valuable organic fertilizer, contributing to soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Furthermore, sheep thrive in sparse dry land vegetation because they graze on a variety of pastures. Calm in nature, they can be safely kept by women or children without posing any harm.

Characteristics of Sheep.

Sheep have several unique characteristics that make them an interesting species to keep. You have observed sheep walk, run, or jump as a herd; this is due to strong herd instincts and an established hierarchy system.

This instinct makes them good animals under the ranch system, as they always keep a tight flock. One person can herd a large number of sheep easily, making them less laborious.

While goats are destructive during their grazing, sheep are graceful grazers that won’t destroy trees. Sheep can tolerate drought while maintaining a good-quality carcass

But you must endeavor to know some basic production steps to fully make use of the sheep enterprise. For example, selecting the breeding stock (ewes and rams), lambing, lamb nutrition, weaning, diseases and parasites, and culling.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Breeding Stock.

The male sheep or ram contributes up to 90 per cent of the genetic improvement of the flock, and therefore, selection of a good ram is of paramount importance. Rams are sometimes called tups; the act of mating or season of mating in sheep is called tupping. 

A castrated ram is called a wether, and a juvenile one is called a lamb ram. If you are establishing a farm and expecting to get super lambs, the selection of a superb foundation ram is the secret.

Most sheep breeds are seasonal breeders and will start cycling when day length decreases. They will come into heat after every 16 to 17 days until they are served; when on heat, they will be receptive to the male for 24 hours. A twin ewe from a highly productive ewe is a plus when selecting your breeding foundation stock; ask for reproduction and performance records. 

Keenly observe the legs, the mouth, the posture, and the general body condition. The udder is a very important organ in a breeding ewe, and it must be checked for any lumps which are indicative of past or current mastitis infection.

Sexual aggression and masculinity in rams are a positive trait of a good sire; however, scrotal circumference is the surest test for fertility in rams. The average scrotal circumference at seven months old should be around 30 centimeters. 

Palpate the scrotal sac and feel the testicles for any deformities; they should be oval and have a slippery feel. Masculinity is measured by a strong, bold head and neck, and good body muscle cover. A weak, thin, and sick ram is often sterile and will not serve ewes.

How Do You Prepare Sheep for Successful Breeding?

Sheep are highly susceptible to internal parasites, which can significantly reduce fertility and productivity. To prevent this, drench both rams and ewes before the breeding season to eliminate internal worms.

Hoof trimming is essential before mating, especially for rams. A lame ram may struggle to mount ewes, leading to a lower conception rate.

Start flushing ewes two weeks before introducing them to rams. This involves increasing their nutrient intake to improve body condition and enhance ovulation. For effective flushing, feed high-energy diets such as grain supplements and high-quality pasture, but avoid legumes, as they can interfere with hormonal balance and delay conception.

Prepare rams by shearing them about seven weeks before the breeding season. Ensure rams are neither too thin nor too fat, as poor body condition can reduce fertility and breeding aggression. Maintain them on a high-nutrition diet and keep them separated from ewes except during active mating periods. A single ram can serve 15 to 25 ewes efficiently.

What Should You Feed Pregnant Ewes for Healthy Lambs?

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is critical for a successful lambing outcome. Inadequate or imbalanced feeding can lead to complications such as embryonic death, weak lambs, low birth weight, and poor milk production.

Feed pregnant ewes with nutrient-rich roughage and concentrates, and ensure a calcium- and phosphorus-rich mineral lick is available, especially during the final 4 – 6 weeks of gestation. During this period, 70% of the lamb’s growth occurs, so nutritional support is vital.

Handle pregnant ewes gently. Avoid crowding, forcing them through narrow gates, or allowing them to jump. Two weeks before lambing, shear the ewes, especially around the udder, flanks, and belly, a process known as crutching, to improve hygiene and ease of nursing.

How Do You Manage Ewes During Lambing Season?

Ewes have a gestation period of about five months (148 days on average); at one month before lambing, the ewe needs to be fed on an improved diet composed of grains, good quality roughage, and pasture. 

Although ewes give birth easily, first-time mothers can experience some difficulties. Signs of birth are loss of appetite, enlarged udder and teats, dilated vulva with mucus discharge, and will appear restless. After birth, cut the lamb’s umbilical cord and disinfect with iodine, and make sure the lamb suckles the colostrum immediately.

Ewes have a gestation period of about five months (approximately 148 days). In the final month before lambing, provide a diet rich in grains, pasture, and quality roughage to support energy needs and milk production.

Most ewes lamb naturally, but first-time mothers may experience difficulties. Look for signs such as:

• Enlarged udder and teats
• Dilated vulva with mucus discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness

After birth, immediately cut the lamb’s umbilical cord and disinfect it with iodine. Ensure the lamb suckles colostrum within the first hour, as this boosts immunity. If the lamb cannot suckle naturally, use a stomach tube to feed colostrum and call a veterinarian for assistance.

How Do You Keep Newborn Lambs Safe and Healthy?

Lambs are naturally playful and curious, which can lead to injury if their environment isn’t safe. Provide ample space and remove any hazards such as:

• Loose strings
• Open water bodies
• Holes
• Unsecured doors or gates

Tail docking of female lambs should be done within the first week of life, both for hygiene and health management.

Weaning.

This is the removal of lambs from the mother’s milk diet and introduction into forage or grain diets. This is a critical stage in the lamb’s life as it results in stress, which must be minimized. In early life, a lamb’s digestive system hasn’t developed fully and can only digest milk. It is recommended to wean at two months or 20 kgs. Weaning helps the mother to return to cycling and the lamb to gain more weight much faster. It should be done gradually to reduce stress to the lamb. 

At weaning, care should be taken to reduce mastitis in the ewe due to the presence of milk in the teat cistern that will not be suckled by the lamb and can easily predispose to the disease.

Mastitis in ewes will negatively affect future production.

To prevent mastitis in ewes at weaning, try to reduce milk production in the ewe around two weeks to weaning by remove grains from its diet and replace it with low quality forage and little water (don’t reduce water intake if the ewe is in hot environment, this can be dangerous) to stop milk production. This should be continued for another week post-weaning.

Docking.

Docking refers to cutting the sheep’s tail and has been a standard management practice in sheep farms. It is done to improve the health and ensure the comfort of the sheep and lambs. A cut tail prevents fecal accumulation and reduces instances of fly strike and secondary bacterial infections.

In females, it makes it easier for natural mating. In some cultural settings, docking isn’t done for religious or cultural reasons; some animal welfare activists have also raised concerns, which are still subject to debate.

Why Are Parasites a Major Threat in Sheep Farming and How Can You Control Them?

Parasitic infestations, especially from external, stomach, and intestinal worms, pose one of the biggest challenges in sheep farming, often more severe than in other livestock species. This is primarily due to the natural grazing behavior of sheep, which involves nibbling close to the ground, where worm larvae are most concentrated.

Lambs are especially vulnerable, as their immune systems take longer to mature. Without early and effective control, they can easily succumb not only to heavy worm loads but also to secondary bacterial infections, leading to poor growth, low weight gain, and even death.

Another major contributing factor is overstocking, keeping too many sheep on limited pasture. High stocking rates put pressure on the land and lead to heavy pasture contamination with worm eggs and larvae. As sheep continually graze on the same land, the parasite life cycle is reinforced, worsening the infestation.

Conclusion: Grow Your Flock, Grow Your Future

Sheep farming isn’t just about animals; it’s about building a sustainable source of income, food security, and purpose. Whether you’re managing a few sheep on a small plot or running a larger enterprise, success comes down to the choices you make every day, from breeding preparations to lambing care and nutrition.

Healthy lambs start with healthy ewes. And healthy ewes start with informed, attentive farmers. By investing time in parasite control, feeding strategies, and safe birthing environments, you’re not just raising sheep, you’re raising opportunity.

Remember, no two farms are the same, and challenges will come. But with patience, planning, and proper management, sheep farming can become one of the most rewarding ventures you’ll ever take on. Start small, learn as you go, and let every new lamb born be a sign of growth, not just for your flock, but for your future.

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