Altai breed of sheep: description and characteristics, breeding rules

Altai breed of sheep is characterized by a large number of advantages. Animals are large and well-shaped. They are characterized by a strong constitution and high productivity parameters. In order for the cultivation of pets to be profitable, they need to provide full and high-quality care. At the same time, it should include hygiene and a balanced diet.

History of the Altai breed of sheep

Gorno altayskaya breed was bred 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 can endure the difficult climatic conditions of the Altai Territory.

Initially, the sheep that lived in the region were small in size and had a lean physique. They were characterized by not too strong immunity. As a result of breeding work, it is possible to obtain animals that are resistant to cold climates and colds. They were created on the basis of Siberian merinos. 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 wide rump;
wide and deep chest;
high density and excellent quality rune;
white lard;
dense and good overgrowth of the head, limbs, abdomen.

The average weight of females reaches 65 kilograms, while the weight of males reaches 100 kilograms. Individual individuals can weigh more - their weight reaches 130 kilograms. Animals are characterized by a strong immune system and excellent endurance parameters.

Pros and cons

Pros and consstrong physique and developed muscles;heavy weight, high-quality meat and good wool;precocity;high fertility;excellent milk characteristics;long limbs that allow animals to make long transitions;endurance;resistance to cold and colds.hot climate intolerance;a decrease in the yield of wool when crossing the Altai breed with others;uneven coat;the risk of having proximity of the limbs - this creates difficulties with movement.

The main disadvantage of these sheep is considered intolerance to elevated temperatures. Therefore, they should be bred in areas where a cool climate prevails.

Maintenance and care requirements

For breeding these animals, it is recommended to use the pasture-stall method. This allows the animals to walk in the fields and live under the roof.

Insufficiently active lifestyle prevents the full reproduction of animals.

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 water;
00 - pasture of individuals in the field;
00 - return to the stall for the night.

These animals do not tolerate enclosed spaces. They need pasture. However, in order to grow sheep and rams at home, they need a paddock - a koshara or a sheepfold. In these places, individuals hibernate 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 must be dry and lit. Inside it is worth organizing a nursery, feeders and partitions. It is advisable to provide a separate place for sheep. This provides females with rest during the period of reduced sexual activity.

When the temperature drops to +10 degrees, the stall needs to be sheathed with insulation. Sometimes it is necessary to install an additional stove, which helps to warm the lambs.

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 for feeding animals. However, they should be used in small doses, as there is a risk of excessive weight gain.

Nutrients include legumes and clover. It is forbidden to use sedge and rush for feeding. The use of combined feed is only suitable for industrial animal breeding. When raising sheep in small farms, this food option is too expensive.

Breeding rules

This breed is characterized by good reproductive functions. There are about 150 lambs per 100 females. To get a great offspring, breeders use simple tricks. When mating at an early age, the queens go hunting faster and give more cubs.

These lambs, when released to pasture in the spring, feed well. This helps them fully get stronger by the arrival of the first winter. Also, early weaning helps queens prepare for the next mating faster.

Besides this, it is worth considering that in well-fed queens, 2 or more eggs mature at the same time. Therefore, before the start of the hunt, it is recommended to feed the sheep intensively so that they can work up more mass.

Frequent illnesses

Sheep of this breed are distinguished by 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 wool with special preparations is required.

The rest of the Altai sheep are subject to pathologies that are typical for all farm animals. To avoid infections, it is worth systematically vaccinating and having check-ups with veterinarians.

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 influence of low temperatures. This helps to grow them in regions with a harsh climate.