PROJECT REPORT

ON
SHEEP AND GOAT REARING
 INDEX
SL.NO TITLE PAGE NO
1 SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT AND FINANCIAL ABSTRACT
2 INTRODUCTION
3 THE PROMOTER DETAILS
4 MARKET POTENTIAL
5 SWOT ANALYSIS
6 LOCATION OF THE UNIT
7 THE PROCESS/QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS/TECHNOLOGY
8 MACHINERY
9 A. MANPOWER / EMPLOYMENT
10 B. ELECTRICITY LOAD
11 C. SCHEDULE OF IMPLEMENTATION
12 D. GOVT SCHEMES
13 FINANCIAL ASPECTS
14 1. LAND & BUILDING
15 2. MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
16 PRODUCTION, SALES & R/M ETC., DETAILS
17 DEMAND AND SUPPLY
18 SUPPLIERS DETAILS, RAW MATERIALS AVAILABILITY
19 PROJECT COST DETAILS
20 TERM LOAN REPAYMENT / INTEREST CALCULATIONS
21 PROFITABILITY STATEMENT
22 PROJECTED BALANCE SHEET
23 PROJECTED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
24 WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENT STATEMENT
25 BREAK-EVEN ANALYSIS (BEP)
26 RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)
27 INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN (IRR)
28 DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO (DSCR)
29 ABSTRACT OF FINANCIAL PARAMETERS/DATA
30 UDYOG AADHAAR
31 NOC FOR POLLUTION – ANNEXURE – 2
32 LEASE DEED DOCUMENT – ANNEXURE – 3
33 PLANT LAYOUT – ANNEXURE – 4
34 QUOTATION OF M/s. – ANNEXURE – 5
35 QUOTATION OF M/s. – ANNEXURE – 6
36 QUOTATION OF M/s. ANNEXURE – 7
36 QUOTATION OF M/s. ANNEXURE – 8
38 QUOTATION OF M/s. ANNEXURE – 9
 Introduction & Salient Features to Start the Sheep & Goat Rearing Farm

Goat and Sheep farming is the raising and breeding of domestic sheeps & goats (Capra
aegagrus hircus). It is a branch of animal husbandry. Goats are raised principally for
their meat, milk, fiber and skin. Sheep are raised principally for their meat (lamb and mutton), milk
(sheep's milk), and fiber (wool). They also yield sheepskin and parchment.

Goat farming can be very suited to production with other livestock such as sheep and cattle
on low-quality grazing land. Goats efficiently convert sub-quality grazing matter that is less
desirable for other livestock into quality lean meat. Furthermore, goats can be farmed with a
relatively small area of pasture and limited resources.

Sheep can be raised in range of temperate climates, including arid zones. Farmers
build fences, housing, shearing sheds and other facilities on their property, such as for water,
feed, transport and pest control. Most farms are managed so sheep can graze pastures,
sometimes under the control of a shepherd or sheep dog.

The major sources of income for a farm come from the sale of lambs and the shearing of
sheep for their wool. Farmers can select from various breeds suitable for their region and
market conditions. When the farmer sees that a ewe (female adult) is showing signs of heat
or estrus, they can organize for mating with males. Newborn lambs are typically subject to
tail docking and males may be castrated.

There are many meat consumption people in the area, where I am going to start the
business of meat. There are only few shops in the area at present. My business point will be
very near to Gollapally, Jadcherla, Mahaboobnagar. There are 50,000 populations who are
regular meet purchasers for their consumption. Hence there will be heavy demand for meet
in the area. Where I am going to start the meet sale points.
 Promoters Details- Background & Experience
The Proprietor of the proposed unit is Mr. Adla Srinivasulu, S/o. Mr. Adla Laxmaiah, is male
Candidate and DOB: 06-01-1991, aged: 28 and residing at H.No: 2-15, Gollapally (Vg),
Jadcherla (Mdl), in Mahaboobnagar (Dt)., of T.S., and studied Intermediate and belongs to
Minority Community and considered as 'Special Category'. The Promoter is having Two (2)
years experience in the field of Sheep and Goat Rearing Farm and worked in Similar Units Of
This Kind at Mahaboobnagar as administrative supervisor and having exposure in handling
Administrative Section activities. During the tenure, he developed good contacts with the
local people, co-employees, contractors, suppliers, vendors etc., related to Sheep and Goat
Rearing Unit, and occasionally involved in other areas also as and when required in the
above said unit.

Presently the Promoter is doing Trading in Product/s like selling goats and sheep meat etc.,
which comes from the sheep & goats. Goats are multi-functional animals. You can produce a
wide variety of products from goats, such as milk, meat, fiber, manure etc. Goat’s milk is
used for producing full cream goat powder, skimmed goat milk powder, goat butter, goat
milk cream, fresh goat milk etc., & other related products since last 1 years in Mahaboob
Nagar district and surrounding areas / towns and involved in marketing of above products
and established relations with parties, now with the earlier practical experience gained in
industry as production supervisor and with the present experience, the Promoter is
interested to start ‘SHEEP AND GOAT REARING FARM' on his own at S.vy no., 103/18,
103/19, Gollapally (Vg), Jadcherla (Mdl), Mahaboobnagar D,t., T.S., he surveyed and
analysed the market and other areas like Procurement of Raw materials, Sales, Production
etc., areas since last three months and is Confident in organizing to run the new proposed
unit on his own.

The Promoter got varied experience and exposure in making and marketing for a
considerable period of time and has good exposure in the relevant field of production and
marketing skills are good advantage to the business. The Promoter with his good social
contacts and qualitative product is quite confident of marketing the product on a large
scale. The Promoter Geographically very familiar with the surroundings of the unit area of
Gollapally and can mould the situation to the advantageous to run the unit successful. Now
with all these above factors, the proposed beneficiary is Confident and interested in setting
up a new unit in the above said address under PMEGP Scheme by availing Loan from
__________, _________ Branch, Mahaboobnagar Dt., T.S., and with this the Promoter is
eligible 35% subsidy i.e. Rs. 350000/-(Rs. Three Lakhs Fifty Thousand Only ) on the Eligible
Project cost, from T.S.K.V.I.B., Rangareddy Dt., T.S., by fulfilling all the terms and conditions
under PMEGP Scheme.
MARKET POTENTIAL AND MARKETING ISSUES, IF ANY:

In Goat & Sheep Farm the preparation of livestock for market is a detailed process that begins with
business planning. It is essential that producers understand the management practices that assist in
maximizing returns was formed with the aim & objectives to improve the various breeds of goats,
and especially to develop those qualities which are generally recognized and valued. We are
improving coverage of breedable bovine population under organized Breeding Programme.

Business planning brings together the physical, financial and human resources needed to operate
the business and examines the costs, risks and potential rewards from the enterprise.

The formal outcome of business planning is a written business plan, which provides clarity and focus
for a business.

I will give a brand name to my farm and also to my product (Meat). I will use print media i.e
Pamphlets, Banners and Social media to advertise my product. I will sell my sheep in group
in nearby market to reduce transport cost. I will see that my product is ready in large quality
during festivals like Dusshera, Sankranthi, Bakrid and local festivals when there is a large
demand for meat. I will also have contract agreements with hotels, restaurants and function
halls to supply meat at market price. I will also sell live goats/ sheep at my farm. There is a
huge town population nearby my farm i.e. Gollapally and Mahaboobnagar. The population
in the towns is also growing because of urbanisation and Industrialisation. The purchasing
capacity of the people is also increasing which will also improve my business and loan repay
plan.
 Marketing Analysis

Sheep 65%
Goat 75%

Our Market activities includes

 Understanding market specifications

 Understanding selling options

 Breeding and selecting livestock for target markets

 Supplying for local markets

 Set Quality Standards

 Province Livestock Insurance

 Perfect Record keeping

 Guide our Customers to market.

 SWOT ANALYSIS:
STRENGTHS
 India is having the second highest
number of Sheep & Goat. (after China).
 
 Extraordinary hardiness and ability to
adapt to the most harsh regions and
facility of movement in rugged and
harsher terrains
 Control of weeds through grazing anima
 Indigenous breeds with good potential
 Veterinary infrastructure at ground level
 Marketing potential for wool and meat.
 Regulatory compliance.
OPPORTUNITIES
 Low production costs compared to other
breeds and animal species
 The rising demand of products
 Low start-up cost
 Integrated Systems Farming/ Mixed
Species Farming
 Untapped potential for the export &
value added products.
 Paradigm shift in Government policies.
 Modern production technologies
WEAKNESSES
 Un-organized structure of sector.
Lack of marketing infrastructure
facilities for Value addition such as
meat processing, warehousing, Cold
storage, refrigerated vehicles
 Absence of Public Private
Partnership.
 Lack of demand driven interventions
 Poor technical training of sheep
growers/farmers.
 Low income/ productivity/production
efficiency
 Lack of manpower in the traditional
system viii.
THREATS
 Extreme climatic conditions and
natural calamities.
 Invasion of diseases
 Depletion of natural resources
(pastoral land)
 Urbanization.
LOCATION OF THE UNIT

Goats hardly stay inside the house. But we must have to build a house for keeping them safe
and free from predators. A house also gives them shelter in winter season and rainy days.
Goats can adopt themselves with almost all types of environment. If we want to keep them
in a small pole barn, they will happily stay there. We can also keep them with our other
livestock animals. But we need to keep in mind that, for commercial production special
house is a must with all modern facilities available. Goat can’t tolerate heavy cold and rain
water. Never let the snow and rain water enter inside the house. A draft free building will
help to keep your goat warm enormously. Make proper drainage facility inside the house, so
that you can clean the house easily. The location must have the electricity facility and water
supply.

After determining the space, we need to establish the unit. If we able to manage a covered
space its good, otherwise we can build the shade with color coated steel roofing sheets.
Generally, the sheet companies help in design, development, manufacture, and erection.

In addition to that, we need a floor plan. And according to the machinery installation plan,
we need to do the electrical wiring. Also check, what type of furniture and fixture we need
to run the production.

6. Get Trained
Is there any livestock rearing training center in your nearest area. If yes, try to contact with
them and complete training on goat farming. It is very necessary for successfully running
goat farming business. By training on goat farming you will gain practical knowledge about
goat and their rearing methods. You will be able do some basic and essential goat caring
tasks like goat diseases, performing goat health check, breeds of each variety of goats,
required space in their house, feeding, health management, caring kids, caring pregnant
goats etc. In accordance with training, try to read lots of books on goat rearing.

7. Procure the Machinery

You need some equipment for your goats, like water pot, feeding basket, medicines etc.
Before bringing your goat to your farm make all necessary equipments ready
The necessary things for starting goat farming business are money, goats, fencing, housing,
separate barn for both does and bucks, silage pit, bet, suitable market and possible
customers.

Recruit Manpower
Sheep & Goat Rearing is a labor-intensive business. Also, you need manpower for official
work and distribution. However, the specific manpower recruitment depends on the specific
business model. Here, we put a list of basic requirements.

 Production and technical head

 Feeder
 Machine operator
 Storekeeper
 Semi-skilled worker

Procure Raw Materials

In this business, the main necessary raw material is Sheep & Goat Rearing. And you will
need to ensure the regular availability of this item. Also, you will need to procure quantity.

The necessary things for starting goat farming business are money, goats, fencing, housing,
separate barn for both does and bucks, silage pit, bet, suitable market and possible
customers.
1. RAW MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The necessary things for starting goat farming business are money, goats, fencing, housing,
separate barn for both does and bucks, silage pit, bet, suitable market and possible
customers.

2. LIST OF MACHINERY REQUIRED:

1. Grass Cutter
2. Feeding Buckets
3. Water Tanker
4. Shed Shelter Material
5. Lambing equipment
6. Handling facilities
7. Hay Feeders
8. Bunk Feeders
 Demand & Supply
Meat and meat products are crucial part of the man‟s diet. Meat is highly demanded food
items of human being due to presence of plentiful proteins, minerals and all the B-complex
vitamins with excellent digestibility and well-balanced composition of essential amino acids.

The availability of meat in India is only about 15g/person/day against the ICMR
recommendation of 30g/person/day. Thus it is apparent that there exists a huge gap of
meat availability

Analysed from the point of required nutrition, as per World Health Organization (WHO)
standards, the daily requirement of protein is 63 gm per day. In average Indian diet
conditions, 50.75 gm per day per person (approx.) for the vegetarian population, and about
55.25 gm per day per person (approx.) for the non-vegetarian population is available.

Not with standing this, the average deficit of protein requirement is approximately 12.25 gm
for vegetarian and 7.75 gm for non-vegetarian. iv. Moreover, by 2050, it is expected that the
population in India would increase by 34% and to fulfill the dietary recommended levels of
the livestock products by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for a population of 1.7
billion people, the livestock sector should produce 186.2 million tons of milk, 18.7 million
tons of meat and 306 billion eggs per annum.

This means that the current level of production, the milk, meat and eggs would have to
increase by 1.5, 3 and 4.7 times respectively. Fulfilling the feed demand of this huge
livestock from same resource base of land and water is going to be a huge challenge.
Therefore, rather than increasing the number of animals, improving the genetics through
breed improvement programme might be a better strategy to address the required demand
for animal protein.
 Sheep and goat production

Reproduction

Social
Dominance Production Nutrition

Diseases

1.Reproduction:

There are a few differences in the reproductive systems of sheep and goats. The estrus
(heat ) cycle of the ewe averages 17 days while the doe's estrus cycle averages 21 days.
Goats are much easier to artificially inseminate (AI) than sheep. There are several reasons
why.

Ewes have a more complicated cervix which makes passage of an insemination rod very
difficult. Frozen semen is usually delivered laparoscopically into the uterine horns. Sheep
show few visible signs of estrus as compared to goats. A teaser ram is required to detect
estrus or timed inseminations are done after hormonal manipulation.

Though it varies by breed, goats tend to be less seasonal and more prolific than sheep.
Male goats have an offensive odor during the mating season; rams do not. The mating
rituals of the two species vary, with goats being more "bizarre" in their behavior.

2.Nutrition:

Sheep and goats have similar nutrient requirements, though goats have higher
maintenance requirements because they are not able to digest the cellulose of plant cell
walls as well as sheep. Lambs tend to grow much faster than kids, no matter what the diet
is. Sheep convert feed more efficiently. Grain-feeding is less likely to be profitable in goat
(meat) production.
With the exception of a few breeds, sheep and goats fatten very differently. Goats deposit
fat around their internal organs before depositing external fat over their back, ribs, and
loin. Sheep deposit external fat before depositing internal fat. Finn sheep and hair sheep of
tropical orgins deposit fat around their organs similarly to goats.

Sheep have a narrow tolerance for excess copper in their diet, though toxic levels depend
upon the level of other minerals in their diets. Breeds also vary in their sensitivity to
copper toxicity. For this reason, it is generally recommended that sheep not be fed grain
and mineral mixes that have been formulated for other livestock (including goats), as these
feeds likely have copper added to them.

It can also be risky to graze sheep on pastures that have been fertilized with poultry or hog
manure. Caution should be exercised when using any form of copper as a deworming
agent. Additional copper should not be added to the diet of sheep unless a deficiency is
confirmed by laboratory tests.

Goats require more copper in their diets than sheep and are not as sensitive to copper
toxicity. Their maximum level of copper is considered to be similar to cattle. When co-
mingled, sheep products should be fed. It may be necessary to give copper supplements to
goats that are co-raised with sheep.

3.Diseases:

Sheep and goats are generally susceptible to the same diseases, including scrapie, which is
transmitted via infected placenta to genetically-susceptible offspring. U.S. law requires
both species to carry official USDA identification when entering commerce or moving from
the farm of origin.

Sheep and goats are infected by the same internal parasites (worms), though coccidia
(Eimeriaspp.) tend to be host-specific. Both sheep and goats can serve as a abnormal host
for meningeal worm, a parasite of white tail deer.

Goats tend to be more susceptible to worms than sheep, due to their origins (in a dry
climate) and natural browsing behavior. Goats also metabolize anthelmintics quicker and
require higher doses of the drugs. The clostridial vaccines also seem to be less effective in
 goats than sheep. Tissue reactions (to vaccinations) tend to be more common in goats
than sheep. Fewer drugs are FDA-approved for use in goats.

OPP (ovine progressive pneumonia) and CAE (caprine arthritic encephalitis), are similar
diseases, caused by a slow virus (like HIV), that affect sheep and goats, respectively. The
primary mode of transmission is through the colostrum. Cross infection is possible.

No disease similar to "floppy kid syndrome" has been diagnosed in sheep.

4.Social dominance:

Due to their more aggressive behavior, goats will usually dominate sheep, especially if
the goats have horns and the sheep are polled (hornless). However, when young bucks
and rams are maintained together, rams will dominate because the ram will
preemptively strike the buck in the abdomen while the buck is still in the act of rearing
up.

Feeding:
Good feeding is must for proper growth and maximum production. High quality food also
helps to keep the animal healthy, productive and diseases free. So always try to feed your
goats high quality and nutritious foods. Usually all types of grasses, plants and corns are
favorite food of sheep. Follow the sheep feed chart below.
In accordance with providing high quality and nutritious foods, always provide your sheep
adequate amount of clean and fresh water according to their demand.

Importance of Sheep Farming in National Economic Growth

Commercial sheep farming can play a very important role to the national income of a
country. Not only the sheep but also the goats have a great role in the national economic
growth. By rearing sheep in small scale, the poor people can earn some extra income. Sheep
products have a huge demand in the international market. So there is an opportunity to
earn foreign currencies by exporting sheep products. That will directly increase national
income.

Sheep and goat contribute significantly to the economy of third world countries. For
instance, about 50% of sheep and 80% of the goats of the world are found in the third
world countries.

F.A.O. (1982) has given the world population of sheep as 1,130.8 million while the goat
population was 468.8 million. Africa has 16.3% of the sheep and 31.7% of the goat
population. Within African, the centers of sheep concentration of sheep population are
Ethiopia, Morocco, South African, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. The sheep an d goat
breeds in Nigeria are meat producing animals adapted to the various ecological zones
in which they are found. The highest concentration being Kano, Sokoto, Borno and
Kaduna states. They are kept largely by rural populace. It has been estimated that
goats contribute 16.0% and sheep 5.0% of total domestically produced meat in Nigeria
which has been estimated at 813,000 tonnes of meat per annum (F.A.O. 1982). In
addition, these small ruminants produce skins used in the local leather industry. Sheep
and goat skins have been estimated at 7,500 tonnes and 20,400 annually, respectively
(F.A.O. 1982). They are also handy during certain occasions e.g. marriages, festivals,
burial, and naming ceremonies. Apart from meat they also supply cash to the rural
dwellers.

Cross/Exotic Breeds of Sheep and Goat:

Some exotic breeds have been imported and these these together with their crosses
with the indigenous breeds are found in some government institutions in Nigeria. For
instance, the livestock improvement and Breeding Centers (LIBC) under the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Kaduna State. The goat improvement
centers located at Dutsin-Ma and Rimi in Katsina are working towards upgrading our
indigenous goats with those imported from Niger and Chad Republics. The project
could not attain the desired objective mainly due to the usual administrative bottle -
neck of the government.

The sheep and goats projects under LIBC at Panbegua imported some Merino (Buluchi)
breeds of sheep. These sheep are very hairy and are used for wool production in
Australia, Newzealand and other Western countries.

They could not thrive well in Nigeria because of the heat stress, thus the cross
breeding work for sheep did not attain the desired goal. There is another br eed of
sheep called Tuma which is found in the LIBC farm katsina. It is hairy, and so suffered
the same heat stress as the Buluchi.

Generally cross breeding of sheep and goat has not been very successful due to the
severity of weather in Nigeria which makes it difficult for the imported ones to
perform well. It is therefore advisable that we make use of the local breeds listed
above in our breeding work.

SHEEP BREEDS

 Balami: Found throughout the north Eastern part of the country, but more
concentrated in Borno State. It is big, predominantly white with convex face.
The ear is large and droopy. The tail is thin and long. Horns are prominent in
males (rams), but absent in the females (ewes). Mature weight is 40 to 65 kg in
males and 30 to 45 kg in females. Balami has good potential as a meat producer
and it has ability to survive under arid conditions.
 Uda: This breed is found throughout the Sahelo-Sudan vegetation zone in
Nigeria. But it is more predominantly found in the North-western part of the
country. The Uda is a large, long-legged sheep with a convex face. The breed
 has a characteristic coat-colour pattern. The anterior (fore) half is black or
brown while the posterior (rear) half is white. The ear is long large and
pendulous. The rams carry horns which became larger, wide and spiral as they
mature. Horns are usually absent in the females. Mature live-weight are 30 to
45kg in females and 30 to 60 kg in males. It is adapted to extensive grazing and
survival under hot and dry environment. It does not survive well outside its
ecological zone.
 Yankasa: Is found throughout the area North of Latitude 14°N. It is thus most
widely distributed and most numerous sheep breed in Nigeria. It is intermediate
in size between the Southern breed in sheep and Uda. It has a typical white
coat-colour with dwarf patches around the eyes, ears, muzzle, and sometimes
feet.

Some of the ewes have wattles. The rams carry horns. The mature rams have heavy
white mane. Mature live weight are 30 to 45kg in rams and 25 to 40 kg in ewes.

West African Dwarf Sheep: The breed is found in the whole area south of Latitude
14°N. Within this wide geographical zone are variation in type. It is small and short -
legged. The coat colour varies from all white, all black or brown to spotted black or
brown on a white coat. Many of them have wattles. Males have horns. Mature live
weight are 15 to 25kg in ewes and 20 to 30kg in rams. It is hardy and tolerant to
typanosomiasis.

GOAT BREEDS:

 Sahelian: Is found in the semi-desert area of Lake Chad in the North-eastern

part of the country. It is large in size with long legs. Is usually white or white
with brown in colour.
 Red Sokoto or Maradi: Is the most numerous (17.3million) and widely
distributed breed of goat in Nigeria. It is one of the few well-defined breeds of
goat and characterized by its uniform dark-red coat colour, short and horizontal
ears and horns in both sexes. The Kano Brown and Borno White are believed to
be strains of the Red Sokoto.

The West African Dwarf Goat: Is confined to the humid forest belts of the south. It is
hardy and short legged. The colour varies from white to black background or white
spots on a black background. They are scavengers and trypano-tolerant.

Breeding of Sheep and Goats:

a) Selection of breeding animal: The first procedure is to select animals that will
enter the breeding stock under standard condition. Selection should be based on
appearance and performance records (twinning, rearing ability, growth rate and early
maturity). However, in situations where livestock owners are uneducated, a practical
approach is to select on the basis of appearance, vigour and aggressiveness, for
example, select those that are alert, with sound feet free from rot, active rams seeking
out and serving ewes on heat, ewes with good udders, sound teats without signs of
disease, good mothering abilities and ability to lamb quickly and easily.

It is possible for the farmer to know the animals that produce twins and the mothers of
lambs that grow fastest. Such mother should be kept at the breeding flock.

Recording keeping is very good in animal breeding. The farmer should try and identify
the animals with ear tags, to enable him keep his records. Record keeping will help to
identify the offspring with their mothers.

Animals can be selected soon after weaning at 3 months. It is necessary to separate

the sexes at the age of about 4 months to prevent indiscriminate breeding. Ewes lambs
can join the breeding flock from the age 9 months. Although ewe lambs will show the
first oestrus or heat at the age of 6 months when they are young and growing, it is best
to breed them at the age about one year or at least 9 months (Adu, 1980). The rams
and bucks can also attain puberty at the age of 6 months (Osinowo, 1985; Marira,
1986), but they are best used in mating from the age of 9 months to 12 months.

b) Mating: The males are the best detectors of heat. The farmers should therefore
leave the males with the females continuously for a period of 6 to 8 weeks during
which each females should have come on heat at least once. The best results have
been obtained with a mating ration of I male to 20 females (Adu, 1980).

Sheep and Goats Methods of Mating:

Flock or pasture mating: In this, females and males are allowed to run together with
free movement on pasture. The mating ratio is 1 ram to 20 ewes. They are allowed to
run for 6 to 8 weeks.

Individual or Pen Mating: Is a mating arrangement in which the females are observed
for heat or oestrus and once any female is on heat, it is removed into a separated pe n,
and a male is introduced to serve her. In this method, heat is detected by
vasectomized males with marking harness or by visual observation when the female
mounts or allow other to mount her.

Synchronized A.I. Method: In this method, the females are first synchronized (i.e. made
to come on heat at the same time), then they are artificially inseminated. This method
is advanced, and required a special trained manpower to collect semen from the males
and inseminate the females. It is therefore not very useful to the local farmers.

c) Breeding Interval: Sheep and goats can be bred all year round in Nigeria as
there is no anoestrous season. It is a regular practice in most farmers to breed once a
year due to insufficient supply of pasture or concentrates. In some places breeding is
not organized and animals can be served or born any time of the year. It has been
shown in NAPRI (Osinowo, 1985) that sheep and goats can be served once a year. The
number of times one wants to breed (once or twice) in a year depending on the level
of management and availability of feed.

For those who are managing their livestock under semi-intensive or range system, it is
advisable to breed once a year. The breeding should be done in September/October in
order to have the lambs or kids around March. This is to enable the young ones to
enjoy the dry favourable weather and get strong before the rains. Usually the young
ones die of cold, helminth when they are born during the rainy season. However, it is
good to have the lambs/kids near the rains to enable the dams to get enough forage
feed to be able to suckle the young ones.

d) Feeding at Mating Period: Attention should be paid to feeding in the period

before and during mating to obtain high lambing rates. In practice, there are no
feeding standards, so the farmer’s judgment is very important. An animal that spends a
lot of time on its feet looking for food is probably not having enough from grazing and
hence needs some supplement. Although breeding animals should not be over- fed to
avoid being too fat, they should have sufficient natural grazing during the day and
receive some concentrate up to 500g per head when housed at night to stimulate
multiple ovulation, high conception and twinning rates . The animals should keep th eir
bloom, be alert and have bright eyes.

During early pregnancy (the first 3 months), females should receive some concentrate
(about 200g per head and per day) to supplement grazing. The supplement should be
increased progressively during the last 2 months of pregnancy which constitutes a very
critical period from the point of nutrition. This is because the developing foetus
depends on the mother for its own food for development which becomes very rapid
from the 4th month of pregnancy. This will help in producing strong and healthy
offspring and allow for good udder development of the mother to ensure good milk
production. An adequate level of nutrition can be met by giving increasing amount of
supplement up to 750kg per head per day in addition to roughages.

e) Lambing: Restlessness and seeking for a quiet and sheltered place are the first
visible signs of impending parturition. It is best to allow the dam to lamb in pens under
cover to ensure individual shepherding, thus reducing ewe and/or lamb mortality.

Flow Chart