Gorky breed of sheep: description and characteristics, rules of keeping

Cultivation of the Gorky breed of sheep is distinguished by certain features. These animals were bred by Soviet breeders. They are characterized by excellent meat characteristics and excellent wool productivity. At the same time, only complete and thorough care will help to achieve high parameters. It should include proper nutrition and the creation of optimal conditions.

Origin of the breed

This breed was obtained thanks to the efforts of Soviet breeders from the Gorky region. She was taken out in 1936. It was not until 1950 that the breed entered the registry. At the same time, work on improving animals was carried out for more than 10 years.

Hampshires were used as a basis, which were crossed with local lambs with coarse wool. As a result, it was possible to obtain semi-fine-wool sheep that were adapted to the local climate.

Hampshire animals received high productivity parameters. Today, the breeding herd again requires corrective work aimed at increasing productivity and other parameters.

Description and characteristics of the Gorky sheep

The main characteristics of animals of this breed include the following:

• white or gray shade of wool;
• short coat - downy undercoat accounts for 10%;
• medium solid build;
• height at the withers - 55-60 centimeters;
• height at the sacrum - 60-65 centimeters;
• average weight of females - 40-45 kilograms, males - 55-65;
• wide and long body, voluminous chest - its girth is 70-75 centimeters;
• medium head, high neck;
• small ears - should stand, while lop-earedness is a disadvantage;
• beard in males and females;
• smooth limbs and strong hooves.

To assess the performance parameters of the female, it is worth considering the appearance of the udder and milk channels. It is important that the udder is symmetrical and large.

To get a purebred variety of sheep, you should pay attention to the veins - they must go to the stomach.

Main pros and cons

The main advantages of animals include the following:

• high fertility parameters;
• early maturity - lambs can be slaughtered as early as 6 months;
• adaptation to life in the middle lane;
• high viability of newborn babies.

The disadvantages of the breed should include:

• low annual wool shearing;
• lack of rune uniformity.

This variety of sheep has proven itself well among farmers. They make a profit by selling milk, wool, meat. These animals are characterized by undemanding nutrition. Most of the time they feed on pastures and are characterized by unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention.

Conditions and care

These sheep do not need special conditions. In this case, it is worth observing several requirements:

1. The temperature regime should be at least +5 degrees. At the same time, the sheep should not be exposed to drafts.
2. Animals are characterized by sensitivity to fungi. Therefore, it is important to ensure that there is no dampness or mold in their home.
3. One pet requires a minimum of 2 square meters of free space.
4. It is recommended to finish the room for sheep with wood. If you make walls of concrete or brick, it will be cold and damp inside.
5. The floor is best made earth-beaten.
6. It is important to ensure that there are no sharp corners, protruding nails, wire in the room. This will help prevent traumatic injury and damage to the integrity of the coat.

Diet

From 2 weeks of age it is recommended to accustom animals to grazing. The basis of the diet should be brooms, greens and high-quality hay.Sheep can be pastured all year round. With a small amount of snow, this is allowed to be done even in winter. Sheep are able to find greenery under snow on their own.

In severe frosts, it is recommended to additionally add straw, oats, barley to the diet to provide animals with useful substances.

Contract and lamb

For sheep breeding, it is important to acquire animals correctly. In this case, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

1. Buy sheep in specialized farms that breed the Gorky breed. When keeping other lines, there is a risk of acquiring non-purebred pets.
2. Buying animals is worth the spring. This will help to achieve better development. The cubs will be able to get more greenery and warmth.
3. New animals should be quarantined for 30 days.

Sheep lambing occurs once a year. Queens give birth to 1-2 lambs. There are usually no complications during childbirth. At the same time, the lambs grow and develop quickly. It should be borne in mind that a greater number of these sheep are found in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The most productive and numerous tribe is located in the Bogorodsk region. There are small livestock in the Kirov, Samara, Saratov regions.

Diseases and prevention

Animals are characterized by resistance to pathologies. At the same time, violation of the conditions of detention provokes various diseases. When infected with parasites, there is a risk of developing psoroptosis. This pathology is provoked by special types of ticks. Pneumonia is a common non-contagious disease. Most often this disease affects lambs. The main provoking factors of the disease are considered drafts and increased dampness in the room.

To avoid problems, it is recommended to vaccinate young animals. Compliance with the conditions of keeping animals is of no small importance. They must eat a balanced diet. Also avoid exposing your pets to drafts.

Gorky breed of sheep is considered popular. Animals are highly productive, and therefore many farmers are engaged in their breeding. For this process to be successful, it is important to create the right conditions for the pets.

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