Description and characteristics of sheep of the Lakon breed, requirements for their maintenance

Sheep of the Lacon (Lakayune) breed are most widespread in France. Over the course of a year, these animals produce slightly less milk than the East Friesian breed, but the nutritional properties of the former are higher. For example, milk from Lacon sheep is used to make the famous Roquefort cheese. Breeding this breed is a necessary and in-demand activity, so scientists are constantly working to improve it and strive to increase productivity.

Description and characteristics of varnish

The place of origin of this breed is France.At first, lakayunas had low productivity and were demanding in terms of care and maintenance. But after years of careful selection, they began to produce more milk and became resistant to various diseases.

Animals are raised only to produce milk, and are rarely used for food (only lamb, since the meat of adult sheep is completely tasteless). They are also not suitable for producing wool, since the volume of the latter is significantly less compared to other breeds. The number of sheep in the world exceeds 1 million. Lacon is the best dairy breed in France, and it received its name in honor of the Mont-de-Lacon district.

The appearance characteristics of the lakayune are as follows:

1. Medium or large sizes. The average weight of rams varies between 80-100 kilograms, while sheep weigh 55-60 kilograms.
2. The wool is white in color and has a fine structure. At the same time, the head is bare.
3. There are no horns (except for the 2-centimeter horns that males have).
4. The muzzle is elongated and thin.
5. The tail is long and thin.
6. The height at the withers of rams is 75 centimeters, and that of sheep is 70 centimeters.
7. The back of the body is distinguished by well-developed muscles.
8. The chest is deep.

It is noteworthy that Lacon males are used to improve other breeds.

Advantages and disadvantages

Requirements for maintenance and care

This breed is unpretentious, but in order to achieve high productivity, it is important to provide the animals with quality care. The conditions for keeping Lakon sheep are as follows:

1. In the summer, sheep are sent out to range (during the day) and driven into pens (at night). During cold weather, cattle are kept in a sheepfold.
2. It is advisable to keep nursing females in separate stalls. If necessary, a heater should be placed. It is also very important to regularly clean the room and ventilate it periodically.
3. You should carefully prepare for the milking process. To do this, you will need specially equipped pens with an entrance and exit. The size of the room must correspond to the dimensions of the animal. It is important that the floor has a slightly inclined plane - thanks to this, the animal’s head will be higher than its legs during milking. This will ensure calm behavior of the animal.

The milking process itself includes the following steps:

1. Sit on a chair next to the sheep.
2. Place the container under the udder.
3. Cover the container with clean gauze folded in half.
4. Stretch the udder.
5. Start milking: take 2 nipples and squeeze alternately with your fingers.
6. Then move on to the next nipples.
7. At the end of the procedure, the udder is washed with warm water and wiped with a towel.
8. The milk is filtered again.

You must also follow the rules:

• Before starting the procedure, the container must be thoroughly washed, the same applies to the milkmaid’s hands;
• wash the udder with warm water;
• pour the first streams of milk into a separate container to check its quality;
• The milking process takes a few minutes.

Feeding

The diet of Lakon representatives consists mainly of pasture (grass, grain). The menu is also diversified with special feed.

In winter, the availability of hay and silage, as well as root crops, is important. Animals are fed 3-4 times a day.

Subtleties of breeding

Lacayune is a precocious breed: females reach sexual maturity at 7-10 months and are ready to mate. On average, 100 Lakon ewes produce 131 lambs. The gestation period is 145 days. Most often, there are no more than 2 lambs in one litter. The next pregnancy occurs after 1 year (in November-January). Lactation of lambs lasts about a month, at the end of which the weight of young animals reaches 15 kilograms. The lifespan of Lakon sheep is about 25 years.

Possible diseases

Representatives of Lakon are characterized by increased resistance to diseases and infection by parasites. However, like most dairy breeds, the Lacayune is susceptible to mastitis. This disease is grounds for culling sheep.

Lacon is one of the best and most popular dairy sheep breeds. Raising livestock is a profitable activity if you approach it seriously and thoroughly.