Volgograd breed of sheep: characteristics, pros and cons, breeding

Volgograd breed of sheep is characterized by a number of features. These animals belong to the meat and wool direction and are characterized by high productivity. For their cultivation to be successful, it is necessary to provide animals with full and high-quality care. It should include proper nutrition, prevention of the development of diseases and pest attacks. Equally important is the creation of a suitable microclimate in the sheepfold.

Appearance and characteristics of the Volgograd breed

This is a fine-fleeced breed of sheep that was obtained by complex crossbreeding. Breeding work was carried out at the Romashkovsky state farm in the Volgograd region from 1932 to 1978.As a basis, fat-tailed queens with coarse wool were used. They were crossed with New Caucasian rams and prekos. The resulting crosses were combined with the Caucasian and Grozny breeds. Representatives of the next generations were raised "in themselves", choosing the most successful individuals.

The authors were faced with the task of creating a breed of meat-and-wool sheep. However, they did not discard the dairy characteristics either.

As a result of the breeding work, a fine-wool breed was obtained, which belongs to the meat-and-wool direction of productivity. Representatives of this breed are well developed. They are distinguished by their large size, pronounced meaty forms and proportional physique.

Sheep are characterized by a compact body 70-75 centimeters long. They have strong legs with well-executed thighs. At the withers, the height of the animals reaches 68-70 centimeters. The head is large. Also, animals are characterized by a massive neck.The back is level and the withers and loins are broad.

Sheep of this breed do not have folds, but there may be a burda in the neck area. Most females and males are polled.

Representatives of this breed perfectly combine meat and wool productivity. Sheep weigh 110-125 kilograms, sheep - 58-65. Representatives of this breed are considered precocious. Lambs at 7 months already weigh 20-25 kilograms. Live weight of lambs to beating is 30-35 kilograms.

Uterus are characterized by a fairly high fecundity. This figure reaches 130-160%. Milk production in queens with 1 lamb is 95-105 kilograms. If there are two lambs, this parameter is 145-150 kilograms. Sheep are distinguished by a fairly thick coat, which is characterized by a noticeable uniform crimp and a white tint. The fleece is characterized by a staple structure and medium density.The outer staple has a predominantly small square shape.

The length of wool in females is 8-9 centimeters, in males - 9.5-10.5. Zhiropot differs in light shades - mostly cream. On average, wool sheared from males is 13-15 kilograms, from females - 5.5-6.

Representatives of this breed are grown in the Volga region, in the Urals, in central Russia. At the same time, the best breeding herd is located in the Volgograd region. Since the animals successfully combine meat and wool characteristics, the number of livestock is increasing all the time. Today it includes 940 thousand heads. Moreover, 98% of the herd is purebred.

Main positives and negatives

Pros and conshigh productivity parameters;combinationa combination of meat, dairy and wool characteristics;strong immunity;resistance to weather fluctuations.not very high wool characteristics;rune dryness.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

It is recommended to keep animals in a warm barn. This should be done at a temperature of at least +8 degrees. It is important to keep the floor dry and warm. Preferably made from wood. Sheep can hardly tolerate high humidity and drafts, so it is important to keep the barn dry and warm.

Excessive air humidity and drafts also harm the he alth and normal development of these animals, and the quality of lighting does not really matter.

Sheep can spend a lot of time on pastures. They are able to adapt to the cold and even get food under the snow. However, in rainy weather, driving sheep to pasture is not worth it. Wet food can cause digestive problems.

Food

Feeding animals is easy. They can eat different types of grass, leaves, dry stems. At the same time, sheep should spend most of their time on pastures. In spring and summer, in addition to pasture, it is required to feed pets with minerals. In autumn the grass becomes less nutritious. Therefore, root crops, cereals, peas, bran should be introduced into the diet of animals.

In the winter season, silage and compound feed are used as the basis of nutrition. Throughout the year, animals can eat hay. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the lambs drink a lot. A grazing site should be placed close to a watering hole.

Breeding rules

To get offspring, 1 lamb is enough for 10-15 queens. Animals reach sexual maturity at 5-7 months. At the same time, it is worth allowing lambs to breed no earlier than 1 year. The mating is performed during the hunting of females.It lasts 1-2 days. In the absence of coverage, the next hunt begins after 2.5-3 weeks.

Sheep have a gestation period of approximately 5 months. It is important to ensure that during this period the animals are not afraid of anything. Lambs are most often born in late winter or early spring. Sometimes this also happens in the summer.

Diseases and prevention

Sheep are often attacked by blood-sucking insects in summer. They not only use animals as a source of food, but also lay their eggs in the affected areas. To prevent diseases and alleviate the living conditions of sheep, they need to be examined. When wounds appear, they should be cleaned and disinfected.

Volgograd breed of sheep is very popular with farmers. Proper care is recommended to be successful in raising animals.

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