The goat and sheep rearing business is felt appropriate in our country from t geographical and economic perspective. The goat and sheep farming business has helped to create employment and to increase the income of the farmers. For t promotion of this business, we need to consider the following aspects:
1. Conservation of Pastureland
Pastureland means the grazing land for livestock. It is also called grazing land. It is a place having grass and shrubs which is necessary for grazing the animals. It provides a natural source of food for animals like goat and sheep.
If it is possible to provide green grass to the goat and sheep, it is not necessary for the farmers to totally depend on the concentrate feed for them. It also reduces the cost of production. It is necessary to do proper management and conservation of their pasture-land.
For the conservation of the pasture, there should be the promotion of the locally available grass. The pasture can be conserved by adopting a rotation pasture system.
If it is possible to provide green grass to the goat and sheep, it is not necessary for the farmers to totally depend on the concentrate feed for them. It also reduces the cost of production. It is necessary to do proper management and conservation of their pasture-land.
For the conservation of the pasture, there should be the promotion of the locally available grass. The pasture can be conserved by adopting a rotation pasture system.
In the high mountain region, the sheep and goat are reared in the meadow called a budget. Similarly, in the middle hill, the pasture-land called kharka are conserved for pasturing for the animal.
The pastureland must be properly fenced and unwanted weeds and grass need to be removed. The improved breeds of grasses like Clover, Napier, Amriso, Lucem, Berseem,
Ryegrass can be cultivated in the pastureland. These grass provide good sources of feed for the goats and sheep. Similarly, the fodder trees Ike Tanki, Koirala, Ipil- Ipil, Kimbu, Badahar, Chyuri, Khanyu, etc. also can be grown as the good source of diet and roughages in the grazing land.
Ryegrass can be cultivated in the pastureland. These grass provide good sources of feed for the goats and sheep. Similarly, the fodder trees Ike Tanki, Koirala, Ipil- Ipil, Kimbu, Badahar, Chyuri, Khanyu, etc. also can be grown as the good source of diet and roughages in the grazing land.
2. Identification of the Disease and Control Methods
Brucellosis Various kinds of viruses, bacteria, fungi and microparasites cause different diseases to goat and sheep some of them are as follow:
a. Brucellosis
Brucellosis in sheep and goats is caused mainly by bacteria called Brucella melitensis. This disease has also been associated with abortions and integrity. Inhalation is the most important route of infection in goats and sheep but infection may also be acquired through eating infected material and by penetration of une bacteria through the mucous membranes of the eve. Common grazing areas and water sources and poor hygiene favour the rapid spread of the disease.
Signs and symptoms
- Late-term abortion is the principal manifestation of brucellosis.
- Up to 60 % of the pregnant ewes in the farm or herd may abort.
- Other features include reduced milk yield and birth of weak lambs/kids.
- Testicular inflammation, joint inflammation, lameness, and infertility in male animals.
Prevention and control
- Check whether the animal that has aborted has a fever or looks sick. If so, treat it with an antibiotic.
- Isolate ewes that have aborted from other pregnant animals.
- All infected materials should be disposed of preferably by burying in a safe manner.
- Clean up the place where the abortion took place and wash thoroughly.
Vaccination with a live attenuated B. melitensis Rev 1 strain vaccine can be given to the infected animal. It is recommended that kid and lambs should be vaccinated at 3-8 months while adults should be vaccinated 2 months before breeding
b. Peptides Peptitis Ruminant (PPR)
It is a common disease of goat and sheep caused by a virus. It is also called Cholera of goat and sheep. It is a dangerous viral disease. Sometimes, it may cause a heavy toll of a large number of the goat and sheep once at a time.
Signs and symptoms
- High fever (up to 104 to 106"F).
- Redness in the eyes
- Dryness of the mouth
- Sneezing,
- Loss of appetite
- Wound in the nose
- Diarrhoea
Prevention and control
- Vaccine at every two years may prevent the animals against this disease
c. Diarrhoea
This disease is caused by toxin, bacteria, virus and protozoa.
- Signs and symptoms
- Weakness
- Thin body
- Indigestion
- Brownish diarrhoea
Prevention and control
- The medicines such as Neblone, Pergocare and Salpha can be given.
- If the disease is caused by parasites, medicine should be provided against.
d. Bloat (Acidosis)
It is the condition of the goat and the sheep in which there is an accumulation of excess gas in their stomach. This disease occurs due to the formation of gas by the bacteria and parasites in the stomach.
Signs and symptoms
- Difficulty in respiration
- Stomach pain
- If it is not treated in time, there is the chance of death of the animal.
Prevention and control
The disease can be treated with Avil injection, antibiotics and proper fodder need to be provided to the sick goat or sheep.
