Breeding the Gorky sheep breed has certain characteristics. These animals were bred by Soviet breeders. They are characterized by excellent meat characteristics and excellent wool productivity. At the same time, only complete and thorough care will help to achieve high parameters. It should include proper nutrition and the creation of optimal living conditions.
Origin of the breed
This breed was obtained thanks to the efforts of Soviet breeders from the Gorky region. She was withdrawn in 1936. Only in 1950 the breed was included in the register.At the same time, work on improving animals was carried out for more than 10 years.
Hampshires were used as the basis, which were crossed with local rough-wool sheep. As a result, it was possible to obtain semi-fine-wool sheep that were adapted to the local climate.
Description and characteristics of the Gorky sheep
The main characteristics of animals of this breed include the following:
- white or gray shade of wool;
- short hair – downy undercoat accounts for 10%;
- medium strong build;
- height at the withers - 55-60 centimeters;
- height at the sacrum – 60-65 centimeters;
- the average weight of females is 40-45 kilograms, males - 55-65;
- wide and long body, voluminous chest - its girth is 70-75 centimeters;
- medium-sized head, high neck;
- small ears - should stand up, while lop ears are considered a disadvantage;
- beard in males and females;
- straight limbs and strong hooves.
To assess the productivity parameters of a female, it is worth taking into account the appearance of the udder and milk ducts. It is important that the udder has a symmetrical shape and large size.
To purchase a purebred variety of sheep, you should pay attention to the veins - they should go to the stomach.
Main pros and cons
The main advantages of animals include the following:
- high fertility parameters;
- early maturity - lambs can be slaughtered as early as 6 months;
- adaptability to life in the middle zone;
- high viability of newborn cubs.
The disadvantages of the breed include:
- low annual wool clipping parameters;
- lack of fleece uniformity.
This type of sheep has proven itself well among farmers. They make a profit by selling milk, wool, and meat. These animals are undemanding in nutrition. Most of the time they feed on pastures and are characterized by their unpretentiousness to living conditions.
Conditions of detention and care
These sheep do not require special housing conditions. In this case, several requirements must be observed:
- The temperature should be at least +5 degrees. In this case, sheep should not be exposed to drafts.
- Animals are characterized by sensitivity to fungi. Therefore, it is important to ensure that there is no dampness or mold in their home.
- One pet requires a minimum of 2 square meters of free space.
- It is recommended to decorate the room for sheep with wood. If the walls are made of concrete or brick, the inside will be cold and damp.
- It is best to make the floor earthen.
- It is important to ensure that there are no sharp corners, protruding nails or wires in the room. This will help prevent traumatic injuries and damage to the integrity of the coat.
Diet
From 2 weeks of age, it is recommended to accustom animals to pasture. The basis of the diet should be brooms, greens and high-quality hay. You can graze sheep all year long. If there is a small amount of snow, this can be done even in winter. Sheep are able to independently find greenery under the snow cover.
During severe frosts, it is recommended to additionally add straw, oats, and barley to the diet to provide animals with useful substances.
Sugestity and lambing
To raise sheep, it is important to purchase the animals correctly. It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Buy sheep from specialized farms that breed the Gorky breed. When keeping other lines, there is a risk of acquiring non-purebred pets.
- It is worth buying animals in the spring. This will help achieve better development. The cubs will be able to get more greenery and warmth.
- New animals should be quarantined for 30 days.
Sheep lambing occurs once a year. The queens give birth to 1-2 lambs. There are usually no complications during childbirth. At the same time, lambs grow and develop quickly. It is worth considering that a larger number of these sheep are found in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The most productive and numerous tribe is located in the Bogorodsky region. There are small herds in the Kirov, Samara, and Saratov regions.
Diseases and prevention
Animals are characterized by resistance to pathologies. At the same time, violation of detention conditions provokes various diseases. When infected with parasites, there is a risk of developing psoroptosis. This pathology is caused by special types of mites. Common non-contagious illnesses include pneumonia. Lambs most often suffer from this disease. The main provoking factors of the disease are drafts and increased dampness in the room.
To avoid problems, it is recommended to vaccinate young animals. Compliance with the conditions of keeping animals is of no small importance. They must eat a balanced diet. Also, do not expose your pets to drafts.
The Gorky breed of sheep is considered popular. Animals are highly productive, and therefore many farmers breed them. For this process to be successful, it is important to create suitable conditions for the pets.
