Agribusiness: Sheep Farming

Introduction

Financial freedom is a goal everyone aspires to achieve, but relying on formal employment alone limits its achievement. Business offers an easy way out of the salary dependence, and if all goes well, it offers practical alternative sources of income. Agribusiness is a venture that can be explored. Sheep farming stands out as a low-capital investment yet offers high returns. With as little as Kshs 3000, one can start a small-scale sheep farming business and gradually expand it. Like any other business, proper planning and management ensure its longevity and success.

Getting Started with Sheep Farming

Understanding the business is the first step in running a successful sheep farm. Knowing the right breed, their feed, where to get them, and the challenges one is likely to face is more important than having the capital without the requisite knowledge.

Choosing the Right Breed

Profitability is largely determined by the choice of the right breed of sheep. The choice depends on one's budget and production objectives. For instance, in Kenya, farmers choose between local and exotic breeds. For local breeds, farmers can choose between Molo sheep, red Maasai sheep, and Galla sheep. Exotic breeds include Dorper, Romney, and Merino sheep.

If a farmer's goal is mutton production only, then hair sheep will be the preferred choice. Hair sheep have less wool, and they include the Red Maasai, Dorper sheep, and the Persian blackhead. Wool sheep include Corriedale, Merino, and Romney Marsh sheep. 

Local Breeds

Molo sheep, whose origin can be traced to a mix of Hampshire Down, Corriedale, and Romney Marsh, are well adapted to Kenya's highlands. They can be termed as low-maintenance and resilient. A mature sheep goes for an average of Kshs 9,000. 

The Red Maasai sheep is ideal for semi-arid areas because of its resistance to parasites and droughts. From its name, this breed is mainly reared by the Maasai community, and it is found in southern Kenya, northern Tanzania, and some parts of Uganda. They are large in size and primarily reared for their meat.

The Persian Blackhead sheep, originally from Somaliland, is characterized by a fat tail. They are primarily raised for mutton and are best suited for hot areas. At maturity, rams weigh 68 kilograms, and ewes weigh 52 kilograms.

Exotic Breeds

Dorper sheep are a composite breed from South Africa whose origin can be traced to the cross-breeding of Persian Blackhead ewes with the Dorset Horn rams. They are highly profitable because of their fast growth, but the initial capital is high. A mature ewe goes for as high as Kshs 40,000. 

The Merino sheep has its origin in Spain and is mainly raised for wool production. They are well-suited for semi-arid to sub-humid Kenyan climates. 

Housing and farm SetUp

Predators and diseases are major threats to sheep. Proper housing ensures healthy sheep and minimize chances of losses. When setting up a sheep farm in Kenya, ensure that you build a simple shelter. A dry and clean shed is recommended, and for better breeding management, ewes, rams, and lambs should be separated.

Feeding and Nutrition

Growth, reproduction, and profitability depend on good nutrition. Feeding practices for sheep in Kenya include grazing, supplementary feeding, and mineral supplements. A well-fed sheep matures and reproduces faster and is less susceptible to diseases.

Breeding and Reproduction

Sheep reproduce twice a year, with a gestation period of about 150 days.  Key breeding practices include choosing healthy, high-performing ewes and rams to improve flock quality. To prevent inbreeding, rams are usually separated from their mothers. Good practice calls for record keeping and tracking birth dates and growth rates for better management.

Sheep Diseases and Health Management

The biggest challenge facing sheep farmers in Kenya is disease control. Some of the most common diseases include pulpy kidney, foot rot, Nairobi sheep disease, and Rift Valley fever. Pulpy kidney can be confused with diarrhea and it can lead to high mortality. Vaccination can help prevent huge losses. The best way to deal with foot rot is by keeping shelters clean and dry. When infections are diagnosed, they should be treated promptly, and high levels of hygiene should be maintained to prevent further outbreaks. 

Engage a qualified vet for routine checkups and vaccinations. Proper disease management results in improved survival rates.

Marketing and Sales

Profits come from marketing. Understanding the market trends and building worthy networks are critical in a profitable venture. Marketing channels, such as Farmer's Choice, are important for a fish farmer. Sheep products include meat, breeding stock, wool, and manure. 

Conclusion

Sheep farming is a practical pathway to financial freedom for people willing to invest time and effort. Start small, learn the best practices, and grow slowly. With proper breed selection, feeding, disease management, and marketing, farmers can run a sustainable business venture.