Small-scale Sheep Research Articles

Small-scale sheep and cattle enterprises in Scotland: Demographics, animal health, and biosecurity

Livestock keepers who operate on a small scale in the United Kingdom are often described as either smallholders or hobby farmers; however, this is not always the case. There is another distinct population in Scotland. The crofting system promotes the preservation of a way of life that is significant to the cultural heritage of Scotland, whilst at the same time utilising and maintaining marginal land that could otherwise be deemed of very low productive value. We developed two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys to gather descriptive data about individuals from two populations (crofters and smallholders) who kept sheep and/or cattle. Our aim was to explore demographics, animal health, husbandry, and biosecurity practices of these two communities, including how they may interact with other livestock sectors. Most respondents in each population kept sheep, with far fewer keeping cattle. There was a distinct geographical difference in the approximate location of respondents’ holdings. Movement of sheep was often local, temporary, and exempt from reporting to national databases. Visits from the vet were infrequent, but the vet remained an important source of animal health advice, alongside peer networks. The information from these surveys is valuable because policy decisions taken with predominantly larger, commercial-scale enterprises in mind also frequently apply to small-scale enterprises, even though these smaller enterprises may not have the same opportunity to influence those decisions or implement the requirements. Aspects of agricultural activity and food production at the scale explored in these surveys – including plurality of employment and diversification away from purely agricultural activities – are relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable cities and communities, zero hunger and life on land. In this context, competent authorities should support this type of context-sensitive agriculture, alongside seeking to maintain animal health and welfare standards at the highest possible level on a national scale. Our surveys contribute to improved understanding of how these enterprises function and therefore will support policy makers when considering the breadth of keepers and circumstances affected by rules and regulations governing agriculture.

Investigation of Challenges Faced by Small-Scale Sheep Farmers in the Northern Cape (Hantam Karoo), South Africa

The study aimed to evaluate the challenges facing small-scale sheep farming systems and their production practices in the Hantam Karoo. The challenges facing small-scale sheep farming systems have been under scrutiny due to crises related to environmental, productivity and social issues. A better understanding of these unique responses could guide the development of improved strategies to increase small-scale sheep production in South Africa. Structured and unstructured questionnaires were used to collect data from 32 small-scale sheep farmers. The questionnaire includes both closed-ended questions and open-ended questions. The descriptive analysis was done by using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 22). The results revealed the following challenges faced by small-scale sheep farmers: overgrazing (54%), shortage of grazing land (85%), poor grazing veld (85%), poor condition of sheep (40%), predation (94%) and infrastructure issues (59%). Furthermore, sheep diseases, gender imbalance, lack of youth interest in agriculture, and lack of knowledge of the selection of specific traits were some of the challenges. In 2017, there was drought, which was responsible for poor grazing and poor conditions of sheep. Finally, the results revealed that agricultural extensionists need to address the shortage of grazing land, predation, infrastructure, livestock diseases, gender imbalances and selection of sheep for breeding to achieve sustainable development goals. Future studies should consider multi-criteria analysis when assessing the challenges of small-scale sheep farming systems in South Africa.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MONITORING THE PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats, as well as wild small ruminants, occurring mainly in acute or subacute clinical forms. PPR causes great economic damage to the small-scale sheep and goat farming and as the whole states. The article presents epidemiological monitoring and analysis of preventive measures carried out in Kazakhstan against PPR. The country’s territory is conditionallydivided into two safe zones (territories with and without vaccination). Specific PPR prevention is carried out in a safe zone with vaccination (buffer zone), which includes five regions and a city of republican significance (Almaty, Zhambyl, Zhetysu, Kyzylorda, Turkestan regions and Shymkent). In 2018-2022 from 3225570 to 6733974 sheep and goats were vaccinated in buffer zones annually. At the same time, vaccination coverage from thetotal number of susceptible animals was 15.2-36.8%.Planned monitoring diagnostic studies have confirmed the epidemiological well-being of the country in terms of PPR. Over the past 5 years, 86,830 serological and 482 molecular genetic studies have been conducted, with negative results in all cases. Serological monitoring of «risk zones of possible infection» for the presence of antibodies to the PPR virus in susceptible pets also confirmed the absence of infection in the studied territories.

Neonatal mortality of lambs in production systems in a semi-arid environment: main risk factors

AbstractThe sheep farming has economic and sociocultural importance in semi-arid regions worldwide. Of the total of 1.2 billion sheep in the world, 0.4 are found in semi-arid regions. In this review, we have discussed the main risk factors for neonatal lamb mortality and its association with the prevailing environmental conditions of tropical semi-arid regions. Over the last decades, the average mortality rate of newborn lambs remained relatively constant (~15%) around the world. This rate is reported to be higher (Up to 30%) in small-scale sheep farming systems from developing countries. Overall, the main risk factors of neonatal mortality include low birth weight, dystocia, adverse weather conditions, inadequate milk, or colostrum supply, competition between siblings in multiple births, and poor expression of maternal behaviour. In tropical semi-arid regions, recent findings revealed that newborn lambs from hair coat sheep breeds are less vigorous to perform the first suckling when even exposed to moderate cold conditions (18–20°C). On the other hand, the high radiant heat load in these areas can also challenge the thermoregulation of ewes and newborn lambs, especially if they are kept in areas without protection against direct short-wave solar radiation. Under such circumstances, newborn lambs were reported to be hyperthermic. The heat stress as risk factor for neonatal lamb mortality is a topic that deserves more investigation, particularly in tropical semi-arid areas, where is expected to be drier and hotter as consequence of rapid advances in climate change.

The sustainability of small-scale sheep farming systems in the Northern Cape (Hantam Karoo), South Africa

The objective of the study was to assess the current sustainability of small-scale sheep farming systems in the Hantam Karoo, Northern Cape Province (South Africa). The influence of economic, social, and environmental variables (indicators) in promoting the development of sustainable sheep farming was taken into account. Thirty-two small-scale sheep farmers were interviewed using questionnaires which consisted of structured and unstructured questions. The results showed that the sheep farming system was mostly not economically viable due to low sheep numbers, but partially sustainable in the social context. Small flocks result in low income and profitability which is not sustainable. Market access was not a limitation because farmers had good trade relations. Farming benefitted farmers’ families and the community and farmers had access to basic resources. Secure tenure was a major challenge to small-scale farmers. With regard to environmental variables, grazing conditions were poor. In 2017, stocking density was within the norm, which means that frequent droughts and continuous grazing methods rather than sheep stocking rates were probably responsible for poor grazing conditions. Extension advisors could teach the practice of rotational grazing and it might be a good idea to promote gender equality in order to alleviate poverty and increase food security.

On-farm lambing outcomes after transfer of vitrified and slow frozen embryos

The aim of the present study was to determine the most suitable embryonic stage and embryo freezing technique for commercial implementation of frozen embryo trading by small-scale sheep producers. There was a 2 × 2 factorial design utilized for conducting the study consisting of two embryo stages (2−8 cells or morula/blastocyst) and two cryopreservation protocols (vitrification or slow-freezing). For the in vivo produced embryos, there were treatments of crossbred donor ewes to induce superovulation. Embryos were recovered surgically on either Day 2 or 5.5 after estrous onset. The embryos were cryopreserved using either a vitrification or slow-freezing method before there was transfer to recipients. Ovarian response, embryo survival and lambing outcomes were analyzed. There were no differences in number of recovered and fertilized embryos at the two embryonic developmental stages. There were no effects of embryonic stages and cryopreservation methods on pregnancy rate, twinning rate, fetal birth weights and lamb weight at 1 month of age. When there was use of vitrified embryos for transfers, there was a greater lamb weight at 2 months of age (8.38 ± 0.20 compared with 7.78 ± 0.21 kg; P = 0.044) than when there was transfer of embryos cryopreserved using slow freezing procedures. Considering economic and practical benefits to small-scale sheep farms, morula/blastocyst stage-embryo collection and transfer into the uterus is more efficacious than transferring 2−8 cells embryos into the oviduct. Results of this study may contribute to the genetic improvement in the flocks of small-scale sheep producers.

Policy measures to preserve Norwegian coastal and fjord landscapes in small-scale farming systems

The open landscapes produced over centuries by small-scale farming in Norwegian coastal and fjord areas are threatened by agricultural abandonment, raising public concern for maintenance of the species-rich and valuable coastal grasslands. Semi-natural grasslands, traditionally grazed in the spring and fall and mown in summer, are most affected. Two linear programming models, one for small-scale sheep and one for small-scale mixed dairy and meat farms, both described in a separate method article, were developed. In the models is studied effects on production, grazing and land utilization, of altering government financial support among leys on arable land, enclosed farm pasture, grazing animals, and altering the (regulated) prices farmers pay for concentrate feed at the farm level. Sheep grazing can be expanded by intensification through increased fertilization and purchase of concentrate feed. Raising steers instead of bulls on dairy and beef farms with a milk quota would result in more mixed grazing by both sheep and steers, which is advantageous for the landscape. Steers are currently quite rare in Norway and their numbers can be increased with more subsidies for grazing, (Grazing Support (GS)) or by increasing the Regional Environmental Support (RES), a policy instrument targeting local projects for more grazing in specific areas. The current Agriculture and Cultural Landscape (ACL) subsidy payment places a higher value on arable land compared to the more biodiverse farm pastures, resulting in weaker incentives for keeping farm pasture in production. Raising the rate for farm pasture relative to that of arable land in the ACL scheme would result in stronger incentives for keeping such farm pasture in production, and likely increase biodiversity and landscape values. Increased GS for sheep might lead to more purchase of concentrate to keep more animals through the winter and eventually needs to be counteracted with higher prices for concentrated feedstuffs.

English

The study was conducted to identify farmers’ perception and ranking of the most important constraints to sheep production at Sinqumeni administrative area, in Ngcobo local municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that 72.6% of the surveyed farmers were males and 62.5% of the farmers were between the ages of 52-80 years. The most important challenges of sheep production perceived by the farmers were disease and parasites (27%), shortage of feed (16.7%), lack of infrastructure (16%), organized market access (14.7%), lack of water availability (10.1%), high cost of drugs/vaccines (9.8%), stock theft (5.7%) respectively. Thus, there is a need to forge strategic partnership with various stakeholders to control the identified challenges through on-going training of farmers using a demonstration approach rather than an oral presentation, formation of cooperatives to minimise the cost of drugs; and conservation of feed and rain water harvesting in preparation for dry season can be a sustainable way of overcoming the constraints experienced by small-scale sheep producers. Key words: Constraints, feed, disease, sheep, small-scale.

Socioeconomic Determinants and Constraints to Small-scale Sheep Marketing in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State Nigeria

The demand for sheep and their products is destined to increase by more than 250% in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially the West Africa [1]

Economics of Small-scale Sheep Marketing in Gombe Metropolitan Livestock Markets Gombe State, Nigeria

This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sheep markets were purposively selected for their popularity in small ruminants marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers these markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and maximisation of consumer satisfaction models. The result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% and 91.50% of the total marketing costs respectively. The result further revealed the average net income of ₦4,922.46 ($13.72) per head of animal was realised. The gross and operating ratios for the respective animals were < 1; meaning that the business was profitable. Also, the returns per naira invested for ram and ewe were ₦0.17 ($0.00048) and ₦0.18 ($0.0005) respectively. The marketing coefficient (134.80%) of Tike-babba market, revealed to be most efficient. Inadequate capital was critical; this was attributed to insufficient sources of credits. However, improvement in the existing infrastructural facilities will help promote expansion of the present scale of the enterprise operations. Governments and other financial institutions should also do more to extend funds in the form of soft loans to the marketers, so as to improve efficiency. Keywords: Market; Profitability; Efficiency; Sheep; Small-scale; Gombe JEL Classification: L10, Q13

SHEEP FETAL GOITER: STUDY CASE IN MEXICO

&lt;p&gt;In a small-scale sheep flock located in the State of Mexico with eight ewes and one stud, four ewes had clinical signs of endemic goiter, two aborted fetuses were used for a diagnostic study. In fetuses, thyroid gland samples were used for histopathological evaluation, and liver, heart, kidney and skeletal muscle samples were used to measure selenium. In the ewes the blood serum profile of thyroid hormones was measured by ELISA test. In fetuses there was an increment of thyroid gland size (6-8 cm), firm consistency and red intense color, as well as scarce fleece and subcutaneous edema; there were hyperplasia and hypertrophy of follicular cells of thyroid, with cube-like aspect, diffuse expanded, irregular shape and distension with presence of vacuoles and abundant eosinophilic colloid. The selenium concentrations in liver and kidney of fetuses were low (0.25 and 0.90 ppm). In ewes, the thyroxin (T&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;) and triiodothyronine (T&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;) contents were deficient (0.48±0.08 and 4.14±0.29 µg dL&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) and the ratio (T&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;:T&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;) was very broad (1:8.6 µg dL&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;). It is concluded that the lambs suffered from colloidal goiter; thyroid hormones concentrations in ewes were low and confirmed a thyroid metabolism altered; additionally goiter may be aggravated by selenium deficiency.&lt;/p&gt;

A questionnaire survey on diseases and problems affecting sheep and goats in communal farming regions of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

A questionnaire of 15 questions was completed by four categories of respondents with the aim of establishing the experience and opinions of these groups on the constraints including animal health problems for communal, small-scale sheep and goat farming in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The questionnaires were completed independently and categories were representative of the areas investigated. Analysis of responses was done by means, ranges, votes and clusters of responses. Comparisons between the responses of the four categories were made to identify similarities or contrasts. The results revealed that of non-veterinary concerns, stock theft was the major problem for these farms. Nutrition was a further major constraint. A third area of significant concern was the provision or availability of facilities like fences, water troughs, dips and sheds. Lack of marketing and business skills were also seen as important deficiencies to be rectified so as to promote profitable farming. Of the most important veterinary problems identified, the provision, availability, cost and care of drugs and vaccines were seen as major stumbling blocks to effective disease control, as well as lack of access to veterinary services. The most important diseases that constrain small-ruminant livestock farming in the farming systems investigated were sheep scab and other ectoparasites, heart water, enterotoxaemia, internal parasites and bluetongue. A lack of knowledge in key areas of small-stock farming was revealed and should be rectified by an effective training and support programme to improve the contribution of small-ruminant farming to livelihoods in these communities.

Effect of a Middle-Term Flushing in Chilota and Suffolk Down Sheep Breeds in Chilo&#233; Archipelago

In Chiloe Archipelago, traditional and short-term flushing are not usually feasible for small-scale sheep farms due to economic and logistic reasons, and cheaper/easier alternatives are needed. The effects of flushing on the reproductive performance of sheep can vary depending on the breed; nevertheless, this effect has never been compared between Chilota and other breeds in Chiloe. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the application of a middle-term flushing in fertility, prolificacy and lamb mortality in two sheep breeds in Chiloe archipelago, Chile. Under the conditions of this study, the supplementation (300g of concentrate per sheep per day) for ten days before and after the introduction of the ram in the flock was an efficient tool to improve the fertility and prolificacy on Chilota and Suffolk Down ewes, becoming an alternative to traditional and short-term flushing in low technology sheep farms in Chiloe Archipelago.

DETERMINANTS OF SMALL SCALE DAIRY SHEEP PRODUCERS’ DECISIONS TO USE MIDDLEMEN FOR ACCESSING MARKETS AND GETTING LOANS IN DRY MARGINAL AREAS IN SYRIA

SUMMARYThe paper describes value chain actors and institutional arrangements along value chains, and identifies major determinants of farmers’ decision making to work with middlemen/traders ‘jabbans’ (or cheese makers), and based on those identify short implications for research, development and policy processes. We hypothesize that small-scale sheep producers are more dependent on middlemen for market and loans than larger holders, leading to welfare losses. Our empirical findings based on a Heckman model applied for 120 farming households conducted in Khanasser region (Syria) show that despite unequal benefits, local arrangements are more blessing than curse for the poor. Small-scale sheep producers and middlemen developed intricate institutional arrangements that are mutually beneficial. Producers act collectively to pool sufficient quantity of milk to be attractive to traders (jabban) while gaining access to market and cash loans mainly for feed. This provides the middlemen needed supplies with reduced transaction costs. This suggests that development organizations should support local capacity of producing organizations to work together, small-scale producers to organize, develop small scale dairy processing workshops for pooling and possibly processing milk, support training for direct market access and facilitate access to loans. Finally, supporting organizations such as rural financial services and micro-finance need to ensure up-to-date market information is available to ensure fair prices are paid. They should also be able to negotiate favourable conditions for loans and reach out to these resource-poor rural populations where formal credit systems are absent.

Sheep Production in the Mixed-Farming Systems of Mexico: Where Are the Women?

• Mexican scholarship has often obscured women’s contributions to small-scale sheep production by using imprecise descriptions as to who producers are, what they do, and why. Such women can become invisible to researchers and policy makers. • A gender-based approach is needed to raise the profile of these women. This could include clarifying how and why sheep-production duties are allocated between women and men in households and understanding how and why policies differentially affect women and men in terms of their access to productive resources and entitlement programs. • Mexico needs to increase sheep productivity. Women are key stakeholders in this process. Production interventions could be facilitated by targeting women clients and making better use of their knowledge and practical experience. Perspectiva desde el campo: • La ciencia veterinaria mexicana ha invisibilizado la contribución femenina a la producción ovina de pequeña escala, al dejar de lado el análisis de quiénes son los productores, qué hacen y por qué. • Se requiere un enfoque de género para visibilizar a estas mujeres. El uso de dicho enfoque ayudará a entender la asignación de labores entre hombres y mujeres así como el impacto diferenciado de la política pública en términos del acceso a recursos productivos y programas de apoyo. • México necesita aumentar su producción ovina. Las mujeres son actoras clave en este proceso. Para aumentar el éxito de las intervenciones dirigidas a este objetivo, es necesario partir de los conocimientos y experiencias prácticas de las mujeres.

Improving client profitability by increasing veterinary services in the sheep and goat production cycle

Bovine veterinarians frequently advise cattlemenregarding management practices and herd health proceduresthat improve the economic success and productivityof the cattle enterprise. Small-scale sheep and goatproducers are often unaware of these routine veterinarypractices that would similarly increase their success inlivestock production. Bovine practitioners can increasesmall-scale client profitability by educating them aboutroutine procedures that should be undertaken priorto breeding season, routine parturition, and neonatalcare. Areas where increasing on site veterinary servicesimprove profitability include breeding soundness examination,establishment of the veterinary-client-patientrelationship,use of controlled intravaginal drug releasedevices in sheep, pregnancy diagnosis, recommendationsfor the dry period, treatment of dystocia and creation ofstandard operating protocols for producers. Both bovineveterinarians and sheep and goat producers benefit fromincreased use of veterinary services.

Common health challenges for small-scale sheep and goat herds

A frequent complaint of small-scale sheep and goat producers is the difficulty of finding a veterinarian who is experienced in working with small ruminants. Bovine veterinarians may fill this void because of their extensive experience in nutrition, livestock management practices, routine surgical procedures, and disease control programs. Some of the more common sheep and goat health challenges occurring on small properties include failure to thrive, neonatal contracted tendons, neonatal limb fractures, enterotoxemia, peracute Mannheimia pneumonia, coccidiosis, urolithiasis, pregnancy toxemia, and dystocia. Approaches to treatment of these conditions in sheep and goats that are different from routine treatment in cattle are described.

Demonstration of maize and noug cake mixture supplementation for women focused small scale sheep fattening in Yilmana Denssa District

Demonstration of maize and noug cake mixture supplementation for women focused small scale sheep fattening in Yilmana Denssa District

Analysis of the Current Status of Small-Scale Sheep and Goat Production by Farmers of Different Age Groups in the Jirapa and Lambussie Districts, Ghana

Analysis of the Current Status of Small-Scale Sheep and Goat Production by Farmers of Different Age Groups in the Jirapa and Lambussie Districts, Ghana

Peri-urban sheep production in West Africa: Do smallholders benefit from proximity of the urban centres?

Economic decline accompanied by high population growth rates in sub-Saharan African cities has led to an increase in the importance of small-scale agriculture as a survival strategy. These crop or livestock producers should benefit from the urban infrastructure by easier access to inputs and services. This assumption was tested for sheep keeping in Maroua, Cameroon. An intensive survey of 38 urban and peri-urban flocks conducted between November 1994 and March 1995 revealed that management practices and flock productivity differed little from those in rural areas. No significant influence of more intensive management practices on flock productivity was found. A parallel study explored the availability and adequacy of livestock services for urban sheep producers and the effect of these on animal productivity. The main areas of livestock services, i.e. veterinary services, consultation, extension and supply of inputs, were provided by the nine organisations offering livestock services in Maroua. However, the focus of the organisations was on rural cattle rearing and urban sheep producers gained little from the existing knowledge and competence. Among the services used by the 58 sheep owners interviewed in the second study, ‘informal contact with a veterinarian’ was the only factor showing a significant, albeit weak, effect on flock productivity. Nevertheless, flock productivity increased with the frequency of use of most services. In order to fully realize the potential benefits from urban infrastructure, small-scale sheep production needs to be formally accepted as an economic activity and supported by adequate services and an institutional environment.