How to Raise Sheep on a Small Acreage for Profit
While you are unlikely to get rich raising sheep on a small acreage, it is an effective way to supplement your income. According to Colorado State University, sheep are easier to raise than cows, which makes them a preferable livestock for beginners. As well as being less of an investment than cattle, they also produce meat in about six months. Cows, on the other hand, require 12 to 18 months before they are ready for market. As well as providing you with a source of income, raising sheep cuts down on grass-mowing expenses on the acreage. You can also include the cost of having a personal supply of meat when you calculate your profit from raising sheep.
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Instructions
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Choose your breed for the correct purpose. If you are raising market lambs, you will go with a breed known for meat, such as Barbado, California red or Romanov. If, however, you want to sheer the sheep for their wool, choose American Cormo or Panama sheep. Those raising dairy sheep can consider East Friesian or Lacaune breeds.
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Figure out your turn-around time according to your purpose. If, for instance, you want to raise market lambs, buy them in April or May when they can graze and look at selling them in October so that you don't have to feed them over the winter.
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Calculate how many sheep your acreage can support. A rough guide is six sheep for every acre. If the sheep can graze, it saves you buying feed and increases your profit margin.
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Buy your lambs or sheep from a reputable dealer. Pick healthy animals that have good balance, muscle and alertness. Also examine them for body length and bone structure.
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Make sure the sheep have a good water supply. Like all animals, sheep run the risk of becoming dehydrated if they don't have an accessible supply of water. A large trough that watered from a garden hose may suit your purpose.
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Provide adequate shelter. Sheep require shade in the summer and shelter from the wind in the winter. A tarp can provide summer shade. Enclose the area along a fence or in a wooded area, on two or three sides and it serves as a wind-breaker from storms and winter winds. Your profit margin will suffer you keep sheep in a barn during the winter.
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Vaccinate your sheep against serious infectious diseases. If you don't know how to do this, consult your local veterinarian. Also familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of overeating and sore mouth so that you can treat these ailments as soon as they appear.
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References
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