The health of the sheep is a determining factor in the production of these animals, both for milk and for meat and fur. Their health must be properly maintained so that the harvest obtained is of good quality and becomes a superior product with a high selling price which then results in double profits for sheep farmers.

For this reason, sheep farmers must take several actions in the sheep care process to ensure the health of their sheep. Both preventatively or preventatively, such as quick handling if the sheep are already infected with the disease so that it can be cured quickly and not infect other sheep to cause an epidemic. Following 10 tips to keep sheep healthy.

1. Cage cleaning

Sheep manure, dust and food scraps are usually mixed together in the sheep barn. It is better if the cage is cleaned every day, morning and night to prevent the reproduction of microorganisms that are likely to transmit diseases to sheep. But if you don’t have time, at least the cage is cleaned once a week. (Also read: Benefits of goat manure for chili plants)

Also diligently scan the corners of the cage to make sure no predators are hiding. Note that large snakes love to sneak into the sheep barn to eat. However, they are also very good at hiding from human sight. Occasionally check the sheep barn at night, because that’s when the snakes come out to hunt. (Also Read: How To Choose A Java Goat Parent)

2. Vaccination and treatment

Vaccination is a preventive measure that can be taken to prevent sheep from contracting the disease. Sheep are known to be very susceptible to germs, so they need vaccinations to have enough immunity to fight back. In the meantime, if the sheep already has the disease, proper treatment should be given immediately so that it does not become fatal. (Also read: How to Live a Successful Humpback Goat)

Pay attention to ectoparasites Ectoparasites are parasites that attach themselves to sheep and ewes. You can start with the insects. Ectoparasites can bother ewes and ewes and can cause decreased appetite in sheep. (Also read: How to make fermented goat feed with em4)

3. Drinking water needs are met

Sheep need clean water for drinking. Try not to give original drinks to sheep, because in the water itself it is easy to develop germs that can infect the body when drunk and make sheep sick. The water does not need to be boiled, just pay attention to the clarity and PH level of the water. (Also read: Symptoms of Mastitis in Goats)

4. Regular feeding and adequate composition

Sheep feeding times must be scheduled and adhered to so that the sheep do not starve, which can result in weakness and make them susceptible to disease. The composition of the feed must also be suitable so that all the nutritional needs of the sheep are met in order to build body immunity and produce fresh and fat sheep.

5. Environment

A trench is made around the cage so as not to cause puddles of water or wet conditions. Likewise, in the grazing fields where each plot edge is also made a ditch so that the water flows without problems. Thus, when it rains, the grazing field does not get muddy.

6. Sheep as stable occupants

All sheep that inhabit the pen must also be clean. The trick is to bathe and shave your hair regularly. Sick sheep were separated from the healthy flock.

7. Team

Feeding and drinking water locations are cleaned and washed daily so as not to provide an opportunity for the spread of disease.

8. Grazing sheep

Herding sheep means giving them the opportunity to exercise, train their muscles and improve blood circulation. Thus, the sheep become healthier.

9. Food

Supplying poor quality feed that does not meet the nutritional content can lead to deficiencies in sheep. On the other hand, the provision of quality food with high nutritional value will increase productivity and prevent diseases.

10. Bathe, shave and cut your nails

• bathing the sheep

Sheep should be bathed regularly once a week so that their bodies do not get dirty and do not easily become a nest of diseases. The sheep bathing activity can be done in sunny weather using clean, running water. When bathing, the entire body and body hair are cleaned with soapy water and brushed, then rinsed with clean water. After being bathed, the sheep can walk until their skin is dry.

• sheep fleece shearing

In general, the sheep’s hair grows relatively long, so it requires care so that it does not get dirty and does not become a breeding ground for disease germs and parasites. Shearing must be performed on sheep that are over 6 (six) months old and must be performed 2 (two) times a year. Before shearing, the sheep should be bathed first so that the coat is clean and the shearing process is easier.

The shape at the time of shearing, the sheep can stand or be knocked down by tying all four legs together for faster shearing and cleaner results. You can use large, sharp scissors or electric razors to shave. Shaving starts from the lower abdomen, up, back and forth to the head and leg area. The fur left on the skin is between 0.5 and 1 cm long. Shaving must be done carefully so that the sheep’s skin does not get hurt.

• cut sheep’s nails

Terna Sheep animals that are kept in cages will naturally grow their nails and increase in length. The long uncut hooves of sheep can cause discomfort when walking, for male sheep they can interfere with mating and become a nest of dirt and germs making it very easy to get infected. To prevent these things, sheep’s nails should be trimmed regularly every 3-6 months.

Nails can be cut by tying sheep to bamboo. Next, the left and right front nails are cut alternately by raising the sheep’s legs by bending the knee joints. To cut the left and right hind nails, the back of the sheep is held in the direction of the tail, then the hind legs are raised and cut alternately. To cut the nails you can use scissors, rennet or a sharp knife. The part of the nail that is cut is the part where there are no nerves or blood vessels.

Happy sheep farming, good luck!