The Altai sheep breed is characterized by a large number of advantages. The animals are large in size and have a regular physique. They are characterized by a strong constitution and high productivity parameters. In order for raising pets to be profitable, they need to be provided with complete and high-quality care. At the same time, it should include compliance with hygiene rules and a balanced diet.
History of the Altai sheep breed
The Gorno-Altai breed was developed relatively recently. This happened at the beginning of the nineteenth century.The reason for the appearance of these animals was the need to breed individuals that could withstand the difficult climatic conditions of the Altai Territory.
Initially, the sheep that lived in the region were small in size and had a thin build. They were characterized by not very strong immunity. As a result of breeding work, it was possible to obtain animals that were resistant to cold climates and colds. They were created on the basis of Siberian merino sheep. Altai sheep belong to the category of meat-and-wool breeds, but most often they are bred specifically for wool.
Appearance and characteristics
These individuals are characterized by many features:
- large size, correct physique and strong constitution;
- developed muscles and the presence of 3 folds on the neck;
- flat back with a wide sacrum;
- wide and deep chest;
- high density and excellent quality fleece;
- white grease;
- dense and good hair growth of the head, limbs, and abdomen.
The average weight of females reaches 65 kilograms, while the weight of males reaches 100 kilograms. Some individuals can weigh even more - their weight reaches 130 kilograms. Animals are characterized by a strong immune system and excellent endurance parameters.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main disadvantage of these sheep is considered to be intolerance to elevated temperatures. Therefore, they should be bred in areas where a cool climate prevails.
Requirements for maintenance and care
To breed these animals, it is recommended to use the pasture-stall method. This allows animals to roam in the fields and live under a roof.
An insufficiently active lifestyle prevents the animals from fully reproducing.
In order for sheep to develop normally, they need to adhere to a specific schedule. It could be like this:
- 00 – sending sheep to pasture;
- 00 – return of animals to the stall for watering;
- 00 – pasture of individuals in the field;
- 00 – return to the stall for the night.
These animals cannot tolerate confined spaces. They require pasture. However, to raise sheep and rams at home, they need a pen - a shed or a sheepfold. In these places, individuals spend the winter and give birth.
It is recommended to build a dwelling from wood, and put clay on the floor. It is important to ensure that the room is fully ventilated. It should be dry and lighted. Inside it is worth organizing a nursery, feeding troughs and partitions. It is advisable to provide a separate place for sheep. This provides females with rest during the period of decreased sexual activity.
Feeding the breed
Sheep are herbivores. They eat about 2 kilograms of hay per day. Animals also eat oats - 500 grams per day. In addition, it is permissible to use barley and bran to feed animals.However, they should be used little by little, as there is a risk of excessive weight gain.
Nutrients include legumes and clover. It is prohibited to use sedge and rush grass for feeding. The use of combined feeds is only suitable for industrial breeding of animals. When raising sheep on small farms, this feeding option is too expensive.
Breeding rules
This breed is characterized by good reproductive functions. There are about 150 lambs per 100 females. To get excellent offspring, breeders use simple techniques. When mating is carried out at an early age, the queens go hunting faster and give birth to more cubs.
When released onto pasture in the spring, such lambs feed well. This helps them fully strengthen before the arrival of the first winter. Also, early weaning of the cubs helps the queens quickly prepare for the next mating.
In addition, it is worth considering that in well-fed queens, 2 or more eggs mature at the same time. Therefore, before starting the hunt, it is recommended to feed the sheep heavily so that they can gain more weight.
Frequent illnesses
Sheep of this breed have strong immunity. However, sometimes they suffer from various pathologies. At the first symptoms of infection with scabies, parasites or other pathologies, an examination by a veterinarian and treatment of the fur with special preparations is required.
Otherwise, Altai sheep are susceptible to pathologies that are characteristic of all farm animals. To avoid infections, it is worth systematically getting vaccinated and undergoing examinations by veterinarians.
The Altai breed of sheep has a number of advantages. These animals are characterized by a large muscular body and high productivity parameters.At the same time, pets are able to withstand the effects of low temperatures. This helps to grow them in regions with harsh climates.
