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Small Ruminant Farming Practices Report

This document presents a practical report on small ruminants conducted on a sheep and goat farm in La Guajira, Colombia. The summary describes the facilities and pens of the farm, the breeds of sheep managed (Katahdin and Santa Inés), and the economic and social importance of small ruminant farming in the region.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
15 views20 pages

Small Ruminant Farming Practices Report

This document presents a practical report on small ruminants conducted on a sheep and goat farm in La Guajira, Colombia. The summary describes the facilities and pens of the farm, the breeds of sheep managed (Katahdin and Santa Inés), and the economic and social importance of small ruminant farming in the region.

Translated by

ScribdTranslations
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PRACTICE REPORT

123

SMALL RUMINANTS

PRESENTED TO:

Horacio Rojas Cardenas

PRESENTED BY:

LAUREANO AGUILAR BARROS

CODE: 84079747

GROUP: 201560_15

TUTOR (PRACTICAL)

ALVARO ARAUJO

NATIONAL OPEN AND DISTANCE UNIVERSITY UNAD

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

ECAPMA

RIOHACHA - GUAJIRA

NOVEMBER - 2016

1
INTRODUCTION

It is very common in our field that when we refer to ruminants


we think only of cattle, because our conviction is that they are
the only productive species in the genus of ruminants; but it is very important
recognize sheep and goats as a species of great zootechnical interest
within this genre since it has good advantages for its production.

All of this is due to the lack of industrial interest in this type of


exploitation and has remained a secondary activity, for this reason it is
this course is important as it provides us with a very different perspective on
this type of exploitation.

This fieldwork aims to acquire knowledge of the aspects


basics of sheep and goat exploitation to be compared with the
other types of livestock exploitation and thus recognize their strengths and weaknesses
and in this way generate new expectations for our professional performance.

2
OBJECTIVES

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

Know the general aspects of sheep and goats.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Identify the aspects that may affect the productivity of the species.
Observe the types of installations and their appropriate distribution areas.
for this type of exploitation.
Recognize the characteristics of the breeds present in the farms
considering aspects such as phenotype productivity of this in the area.
Learn the basic management practices of goats and sheep.
Know the main differences between sheep and goats.

3
PRACTICAL REPORT

PAICI CAPRICHULTURE

The development of this practice took place at the PAICI capriculture farm, located in the
Guajira media in the area of the municipality of Uribía at about 500 meters above sea level, with a
temperate climate reaching 40°C.

GENERALITIES

The raising of small ruminants is one of the oldest practices in history.


one of the first animals domesticated by man.

Today, it is spread all over the world and in Colombia the first
animals were brought by the Spaniards for the production of meat, milk and
leather.

After a period of splendor in antiquity followed by a long


decadence, the raising of goats and sheep arises as an alternative of
meat and milk production. This is due to their high proliferation, adaptability, and low
space.

The productive systems of small ruminants such as sheep and goats offer
a range of possibilities that go from intensive approaches to systems
of subsistence in marginal areas, where the roles that this system
may be based on economic terms merely
social

They are often sidelined because they are considered degrading.


environmental, a situation that is almost always due to a lack of proper management.

Like other ruminants, goats and sheep can convert low-fiber


quality in high-quality food products. However, they have efficiency
biological that cattle convert forage into meat, milk, and derivatives.
majority of their diet consists of products not usable by humans.

The size they have makes them generally easier to handle,


especially for women and children. Their shelters and pens are simple
build and cheaper than those needed for other livestock.

4
Facilities

The facilities are very important for good herd management, but it is necessary to
remember that it is usually the most expensive, which is why the facilities must be
functional and economic, because starting a goat farming operation with purpose
productive means adopting a new vision, being receptive to change with
rationality and common sense this vision is from inside the gate and gate
outside the establishment.

Inside is the management of economic and productive resources


available in the establishment, based on their genetic potential, to good condition
of animal health with food in quantity and quality, and with facilities
suitable.

It is very important to remember that to improve the production of herds are


clean pens that protect and shelter the goats, in addition to
facilitate the work. It is noteworthy that this farm manages flocks of sheep and
goat cheese

The corral has 3 divisions


For pregnant and giving birth goats
For dry goats.
For kids.
2. The surface area is 2 square meters per animal.
The fence can be made with wire, posts, rods, and bark.
sawmill and must have a height of 1.30 m at minimum.
4. The doors must be wide (2.5) so that the animals do not get hurt.
5. The southwest part of the corral must have a compact wall to prevent the
cold.
All animals must have shade and water in the pen.
The ceiling must be low towards the southwest (1.5m) and higher towards the northeast.
8. To facilitate milking and improve hygiene, a room is necessary.
milking, equipped with an 80 cm high table and a brick or floor
concrete.
It is very important for the good health of the herd to keep the ...
feeders preventing them from getting dirty with guano. For this it is necessary
that the animals only keep their heads in the feeder in the same way
for the waterers and salt licks.

5
IMPORTANCE OF EXPLOITATION IN THE REGION

Sheep and goats have taken on an important social role for the population.
rural and indigenous communities of the Colombian territory, as they provide
food, they provide means for cultural and economic maintenance and they have
possibilities to supply profitable markets.

While the importance of sheep and goats is given by their conditions of


rusticity precocity, generally one should not overlook the importance that
These animals range from the economy and small-scale production.
this reality is evident in the rural areas of Colombia where sheep farming
it has no commercial connotations but contributes to the production of
subsistence and food security.

The economic importance of goats lies in the production of meat and milk.
and skins. They raise part of the male animals for sale within the
department, transaction made with intermediaries and consumers
direct. Females are usually kept to serve as breeding stock and
for milk production especially for self-consumption. The skins are
they trade with intermediaries from the department and from Venezuela.

6
BREEDS OF SHEEP THAT ARE WORKED ON THE FARM

The Colombian Criollo sheep, Katahdin, and Santa Inés are some of the breeds.
with which Colombian businessmen are working.

Adaptability to adverse climates, high reproduction, greater yield in


less space and the increase in demand in international markets, are
some of the factors for which livestock farmers also face it
they play for this economic activity.

Katahdin breed

They are resilient, adaptable, low-maintenance sheep that produce a


production of lambs for consumption with high meat content and low in
fat. They do not have wool so they do not need shearing. They are medium-sized and
very efficient. The color of their fur is very diverse and allows for all the
combinations. Sheep have an exceptional maternal ability and have
you breed easily; The lambs are born vigorous and alert. The breed is ideal for
pasture, with an excellent development in systems based on the combination
fodder

It is a medium-sized breed, the weight of adult females in good condition


it fluctuates between 60 and 80 kilos and a mature ram weighs from 90 to 125 kilos, the weight
From the offspring at birth, it ranges from 3.5 to 4 kilos, even in multiple births.

7
SAINT INES BREED

THE FLOCK within its herd has the Santa Ines breed for three years now, with 6
appearances in the attempt to improve genetics.

The Santa Inés breed has been in Bolivia for approximately more than 20 years but the
the origin of the same is from the crossing of the Bergamasco breed (Italian origin) with the
Morada Nova breed, animal raised in the Brazilian northeast. Raised on pastures
Natives can reach up to 360 days with 38 kg during the puberty period.
The recorded ovulation rate is 1.04. The average of the rates of
Mating is 97%, of the birthing 84% and of the weight at birth 42kg.

The Santa Inés breed has certain marked characteristics such as:

Long Droopy Ears

Big head and with a curved nose

8
Black in color

Males can weigh between 50 to 80 kg. By two years of age.

When they are supported with food in feeders, they become too much.
mild

They love to be petted.

In the case of females, they generally have shorter flippers than their legs.

They are mostly noble, but above all, they tend to walk in groups and not
They tend to be alone unless they are injured.

BREEDS OF GOATS THAT ARE WORKED ON THE FARM

THE CRIOLLO RACE

The crossing of different races over time, in the same place, gave rise to the
goat that is currently known as criolla. This type of goat is raised and
it develops easily, but it is not a very good producer of milk or meat. For
for that reason, it is necessary to develop a genetic improvement scheme, with the
purpose of improving its productive characteristics.

La Guajira is a native breed of goats from a region in the north of Colombia, that
it has multiple advantageous characteristics, such as the reproductive ones that allow

9
that the females have a birth and then go back into heat in very few days,
becoming pregnant again, which ensures that they have two births a year.

THE NUBIAN

The Nubian goat is a good 'all-purpose' goat for both meat and milk;
although the Nubian gives less milk than the Swiss, it is compensated because they have a
fat in milk between 4% to 5% higher in the Swiss. the Nubian adapts better
to hot and tropical places where it has been proven that they have better
performance in meat and milk, the Nubian is a relatively large goat and
proud of her grace of being a milkmaid. Any solid or partially colored
colored is allowed in the Nubians, with the colors being black, red or
yellowish the most common in the Nubians and all the previous colors can
to be combined with the color white. the head is the characteristic part of this
breed with a facial profile between the eyes and the snout in a convex shape; the ears are
long (more than 3 cm below the snout), wide and drooping, its hair is short and
fine.

10
THE ANGLONUBIAN

This breed originated in England by crossing English goats with oriental goats.
with drooping ears that came from places like Egypt, India, Abyssinia, and Nubia. It is
a dual-purpose breed used for meat and milk with productions between
700-900 kilos of milk per lactation and with a high percentage of fat content
(4.5%). This breed is one of the largest and heaviest, with males reaching
weighs 140 kilos, has a docile, gentle, calm, and family-oriented character. Adapts well
to heat conditions and is widely used in tropical regions to increase the
meat and milk production of local breeds. Its most physical characteristic is
outstanding are the long and drooping ears.

They adapt very well to warm climates. They are slender animals of medium size.
the height in males is from 80 to 90 cm, and in females from 70 to 80 cm.

TYPES OF MEADOW

Commonly known as savannas, tropical grasslands correspond to the


zone located between tropical forests and deserts. They are characterized by
to have vegetation where tall grasses predominate and a large
diversity of animal species.

The sheep population of the peninsula is predominantly located in the High.


Guajira, where they have adapted to the adverse conditions of arid soils,
burning climate, water scarcity, and xerophytic vegetation that alternates with legumes

11
such as the trupillo (prosopis juliflora) and the dividivi (Libidibia coriaria). They have developed
special features such as its excellent resistance capacity to the
bacterial and parasitic diseases.

MANAGEMENT AND TYPES OF FEEDING

The goat's ability to consume a greater variety and types of vegetation,


which are not normally consumed by other ruminants and their greater efficiency
digestive for low-quality forages, are two important factors that
it favors the production of goats in areas with low forage availability.

The influence of the dry season on the nutritional value of forage plants
of arid and semi-arid zone is decisive.

The grazing habits of sheep are different from those of goats, it has the
particularity of grazing at ground level taking the soft parts (shoots
tender) and by the nitrogen-fixing plants, which characterizes them in the present.
tendency of overgrazing even in areas where grass is abundant justifying the
presence of the pastor.

NUTRITION

Food is the basis of the intervention since the time of scarcity is


fundamental to give an alternative to the traditional (grazing), for which they have
adopted the stabling and the supply of dietary supplements such as the
molasses, mineral salts and the construction of silvopastoral insulation, with the
combinations of native and introduced shrubs such as Trupillo, Dividivi,
Mokochirra, Moringa, Leucaena, and Matarraton, to ensure a bank of
food in these critical times.

Goats prefer browsing, eating foods such as weeds,


small leaves and trees.
Sheep prefer to eat herbs and grasses.
Goats and sheep are capable of selecting the most nutritious parts.
from the plant.
Sheep and goats like to have a variety of forages.
which ones to choose.
It is always important to provide a source of clean water and minerals.
frescos.

12
REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

In every operation carried out in the field, its main goal is to achieve a
process that is carried out properly in livestock and have a successful outcome
in production, the sheepfolds of the Caribbean coast could be no exception in
methods and animal welfare among other factors good nutrition and
technology.

What makes us pay more attention to agricultural processes is to improve.


the quality of life of goat and sheep livestock so that it is a product for the
consumer and meet the goal of technification by improving management and yields
with the help of the genetics of different sheep breeds.

SHEEP AND GOAT REPRODUCTION

Reproduction in all domestic animals is essential for maintenance and


to increase their number, their main objective is the production of meat and milk, a
Efficient reproduction is very important; in dairy animals, a new calving
It is necessary to start another lactation for good fertility.
Adequate management during mating, pregnancy, and childbirth is necessary.

Physiological reproductive considerations of the female

Type of reproduction Seasonal polyester


Age of puberty 7 to 10 months of age
Duration of the estrous cycle 21 days
Duration of gestation 146 to 155 days
Number of offspring birth 1a2
Placentation Cordial syndesmo, cotyledonary.

The reproductive organs of sheep and goats, and of other species


Animal husbandry techniques are completely similar.

FUNCTION OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT

They have at least two functions:

An exocrine function: production of sperm or germ cells


masculine in the basal parts of the seminiferous tubule.
2. One endocrine function: production of male hormones
(particularly testosterone) that influence the development and behavior of
macho, development of the beard male shaping, as well as the
sexual conduct.

13
FUNCTION OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT

For being the functions of the organs that make up the female genital tract
consequence of sexual behavior, the morphological aspects
macroscopic are very variable.

OVARIES

They are the essential organs of reproduction in the female: in number of two,
they produce the eggs of two that unite with the sperm to form a
new individual.

Among its functions stand out:

They transport the egg to the uterus by peristaltic movements.


b. It allows the second division of maturation and fertilization of the ovum and the
first divisions of the zygote.
c. The epithelium of the inner layer has secretory functions.

Breeding periodsThis activity should possibly mark the beginning of


sheep and goat calendar on the farm; strict management of this period is
key to coordinate all activities within the farm; in addition to
organize the delivery periods of the improved players through
crosses of two previously selected breeds with the desired characteristics
for the production of milk and meat.

In this activity, two mounting systems are used: directed mounting and mounting.
free.

GENETIC SELECTION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The interest in genetically evaluating animals is due to the fact that an animal
outstanding will transmit characteristics to its offspring, being the
identification of those genetically superior individuals that allows us to
improve the production efficiency of our flocks generation after
generation.

The objectives for selecting livestock or a herd are often multiple, needing to
carry out the evaluation of genetic progress through selection indices or
through BLUP, which are methods difficult to implement for small
producers, even more so if there are no productive and genealogical records.

14
On the other hand, in the selection of a single character, it is generally observed
medium to high heritabilities through individual or phenotypic selection,
achieving rapid genetic progress.

OBJECTIVES AND SELECTION CRITERIA ACCORDING TO PARAMETERS


PRODUCTIVE OF ECONOMIC INTEREST IN SHEEP AND GOATS

Selection objective Selection criteria Involved characteristics


Improve the production of total kilos at weaning Production of milk
lambs for the market. maternal.
Birth weight.
Daily weight gain.
Increase the Reproductive Rate Prolificity.
productivity of the flock. Number of lambs
born.
Number of lambs
destetados.
Kilos of lambs
desteted.
Reproductive precocity.
Improve the quality of the channel Commercial performance.
meat Back fat thickness.
eye area of the hill.
Fat infiltration.
Morphology.
Improve efficiency in food efficiency Food consumption.
use del food Daily weight gain.
consumed Commercial performance of
the channel.
Animal Selection Resistances a parasites Daily weight gain.
resistant to gastrointestinal parasites Egg counting in the
gastrointestinal feces.
Maternal factors Maternal skill Maternal instinct.
Milk production.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Health in goats:

Healthy animals have better well-being, are more productive and profitable, and
easier to raise. It is always important for this health case to be of the
I go with the veterinarian, as he is the one who helps with prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of any disease that may occur. It is
important to maintain and fill out the sanitary registry, including the date of the
treatment, safeguarding periods and the costs of each of them.

15
Physiological constants

Rectal temperature of 36.5–40.5

Pulsations of 70–90 per minute

Respiratory rate of 12–20.

Vaccination

The first vaccine that a newborn should receive is colostrum because through it
she the mother transfers to her offspring her defenses represented in
immunoglobulins.

Commercial vaccines developed by various laboratories must be handled


carefully to achieve the final goal, consists of triggering
of an immune response, (formation of antibodies) against a specific
disease or pathogen depending on the type of disease (antigen).

Useful recommendations for the handling of biologicals

Always store in refrigeration 3 -7°C.


Do not subject it to sudden temperature changes that may eventually
alter its composition and effectiveness.
Dispose of biological residues when using multidose vials.
Vaccinate animals in very good health.
Carry out vaccination in calm environments, preferably in the area.
minimized the animal's stress as much as possible.
Use syringes and other properly sterilized utensils.
independently for each of the samples.
Do not use expired biologics.
Do not use vaccines that have been improperly stored, as they have been compromised.
its antigenic properties.
Carry out destruction or incineration of vials containing live virus biologicals.
once they are vacated.
Consider a period of 10 to 15 days post-vaccination for it to really
began the formation of antibodies and defense of the animal.

REGISTERS

Records are the orientation of the progress or setback of an agricultural business.


They are the basis for identifying the productive indices that were explained in the
lesson on cattle that are also applicable to small ruminants:

16
sheep and goats, with the aim of reviewing the strengths and maintaining them as well as
see the weaknesses and correct management, practices, and programs that define the
improvement in production. All activities that are carried out must be recorded.
animals both individually and generally. The records are the
productive, reproductive, weight, health among others.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The goat's udder is more delicate, which is why it is necessary to carry out
all the milking manipulation is done very carefully, either from the side or
behind the goat, always bearing in mind not to stretch the ligaments of
suspension of the mammary gland when practicing the traditional style of bell ringing
what causes defective udders.

Hygiene during milking.

Milking utensils must be clean and, if possible, disinfected.


buckets, ribbons, towels, etc.
Milking is carried out on a platform built for this purpose, in
where the comfort of the worker is sought, it can be done manually
or mechanics.
Before milking, the goat must be brushed to remove hair and all types of
impurities that can contaminate the milk and then wash the udder with water
tibial and dry it immediately with a clean cloth.
It is advisable to stimulate milking with the supply of food while
this operation is carried out.
The worker must be clean, with hands washed with water and soap, the
cut nails.
The stallion must always be separated from the females at the moment
from milking, to avoid impregnating the obtained milk with a characteristic odor.
Collect the first drops from each nipple and place them in a container.
different from the storage of milk since this usually comes
with a contaminant with the microorganisms that inhabit the conduit of the
nipple. Generally, these first streams are collected for different purposes.
for human consumption.

A good milking must be:

Carry out in a dry manner: in a calm environment without stress or maltreatment of the
females; gentle without injuring the nipples; continuous and rhythmic; uniform

17
(milking the nipples at the same time) and complete (complete emptying of the
udder).
When a goat exceeds one liter of milk in its daily production,
It should be milked twice a day.
Sick or convalescent goats are kept separate.
They are milked separately and their milk should not be mixed with the others.

SACRIFICE OF GOATS

Meat benefit:

The weight of the species should range from 35 to 45 kilograms, but in this area of
country this recommendation is applied, since the local market demand,
prefers the tender meat of lambs and goats, obviously there are no plants with
technical designs for this purpose, such practices correspond to empirical systems and
cruel, in precarious hygiene conditions in the handling of meat and entrails.

Basically, the animals are hung by their lower limbs and are beheaded.
with a sharp knife without prior numbness. Of course, this type of
domestic procedures are prohibited by health authorities (Code
National Sanitary.

18
CONCLUSION

I. As a general rule for our extensive systems, we will have to


keep in mind that changes in diet, as well as in management
from our herd, they must be carried out gradually in order to offer to
our animals the best guarantees for them to adapt to them and not
compromise their productions and our profitability.
II. The contribution of animal-based foods to society has been very
limited, due to the low performance of livestock production,
particularly sheep and goat livestock.
III. In this region of the country, livestock farming is considered an activity
secondary after agriculture, as shown by the fact that
Basic products such as milk, meat, and eggs are produced by them.
for self-consumption.
IV. Within technological practices, we find that livestock farming
it shows little development, as it does not have appropriate grasslands for
the grazing, nor with genetically productive livestock, in addition to neglect
of singular relevance such as vaccination and
deworming, where according to studies by the ICA, 40% of the
producers do not carry them out or, the fact that no type of
records, highlighting the knowledge of areas such as management,
nutrition and genetic improvement among others.

ANNEX IMAGES

19
BIBLIOGRAPHY

ACEVEDO L, T and RUIZ B, J. Management of goats. SENA Netherlands Agreement


Bucaramanga, 1984.

Module on Small Ruminants 2013 1 UNAD

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RUMIANTES/[Link]

[Link]
strong-the-caribbean-region.

Unable to access the provided link.

The provided text is a URL and cannot be translated.

Caprinotecnia

20

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