Improving the reproductive efficiency of sheep

Publication date: 31/03/2017
Extent: 8 pages

Contributions by: J. P. C. Greyling, University of the Free State, South Africa

Chapter synopsis: Sheep, in the form of mutton and lamb, fulfils, in large part, the world’s ever-increasing demand for animal protein. Large areas of the world are arid and semi-arid and are thus suitable for sheep farming, but there is only limited availability of pasture area. Therefore, sheep production must be increased for an efficient and a sustainable food supply. This chapter describes how sheep nutrition, animal diet and welfare, reproductive technologies and sheep production management techniques can all contribute towards achieving sustainable sheep production. The chapter concludes that, provided adequate nutrition is given and a strict animal health and reproduction programme is adhered to with a breed adapted to the specific environment, a lambing rate of 130–150% is achievable.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0019.07