SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCTION

FATTENING OF SHEEP AND GOAT

INTRODUCTION
Fattening/Finishing involves intensive feeding of sheep and goats to slaughter weight with
adequate finish (fat deposit) in feedlots. This targets the local market that has high demand for
fat animals. The operation of large feedlots by export slaughter houses and independent feedlot
operators (on-farm feedlots) is becoming feasible. The principal functions of such feedlot
operations are to assemble large numbers of sheep and goats, often coming from different
genetic and management backgrounds, and produce a product of acceptable standard. The
following guidelines will serve these operation and also small farmers that want to fatten smaller
numbers of sheep and goats. This will be the subject of this particular technical bulletin
Advantages of fattening
Fattening is a strategic feeding option that can have the following advantages under Ethiopian
conditions:

(1) Technically: it is quite simple and within the capabilities of small farmers to implement;
moreover, the results are highly visible. This helps farmers to have confidence in the
technique. Other techniques such as feeding to boost reproductive performance are less
convincing because the farmer may be unsure that the extra feed resulted in any benefit.
(2) Benefits can be realized within a short period of time unlike other animal production
activities.
(3) Fattening generates cash income that is eagerly sought by farmers.
(4) Fattening is generally profitable because the value per kilogramof live weight increases
as both weight and condition increase.
Fattening systems
Intensive feeding of sheep and goats before slaughter in Ethiopia can becategorized into two
systems:
(1) Traditional systems: This system generally depends ongrazing natural or planted
pastures with variable degrees of supplementation. Animals require a long period of time
to attain market weight and condition. It is also associated with huge fluctuations in the
weights and conditions of the animals depending on feed availability. This system can be
improved to supply animals of acceptable condition to slaughterhouses for ultimate
export.
(2) Agro-industrial byproduct based fattening: Fattening of sheep based on agro-industrial
byproducts is also practiced in Nigeria. This system can be promoted to similar areas
where agro-industrial byproducts are available. Fattening using agro-industrial
byproducts like sugar processing byproducts is feasible in places for instance in parts of
Adamawa where valuable feed resources such as molasses (from the Savanna sugar
 factory) and corn (grain and residue) are widely available. Protein sources like oilseed
cakes can be purchased from nearby processing plants and/or forage legumes can be
grown in the area. Brewery byproducts are also used. The following table shows
examples of rations where byproducts form the feed base. Local equivalents of the
weights indicated can be used whenever scales are not available
HOW TO FATTENED SHEEP AND GOATS
Consider the following when selecting sheep and goats for intensive fattening:
(i) Condition: Select animals that are healthy and have no visible physical defects.
Target animals with medium body condition. Body condition scores of 2.25-3.0).
(ii) Skeletal frame: The animals should have a large skeletal frame and good body
condition.
(iii) Castration: Castration influences the fattening process.
(iv) Breed: Identify breeds with greatest potential for growth and fattening. Early
maturing breeds start depositing fat at an earlier age and can be ready for market at a
lower weight.
(v) Sex: Females are earlier maturing than males. Males can do well in feedlots, but often
cause problems by fighting. Females can do well in feedlots, but often have lower
growth rates partly because they reach carcass finish at an earlier age.
(vi) Weight of animals: Weight of animals at the start of the feedin operation governs the
duration of feeding and the types and amounts of feedstuffs needed. Lightweight (15-
20 kg) animals can use more roughage, whereas heavier lambs (>25 kg) require more
concentrates and a shorter feeding period.
(vii) Age: Animals can be placed on intensive feeding at any age, usually after weaning.
Avoid animals that are too old. Check that the teeth are sound. This has implications
on feed utilization. It is advisable to select sheep/goats between 2 and 4years of age
for fattening;

Health of fattening sheep and goats

It is best to use own animals for the fattening operation if available. The second option is
purchasing from the immediate village. Purchase from the market should be taken as the last
option. The incidence of especially pestes des petits ruminants (PPR) is rampant in many areas
whenever sheep and goats from different sources are gathered in the local markets. Drench for
internal parasites and treat for external parasites with broad spectrum anthelmintics and
acaricides respectively before the start of the feeding operation.
Feeding finishing sheep and goats

Finishing can be accomplished with rations containing different proportions of roughages and
concentrates. The proportion depends on the type of feeds available, the desired length of feeding
and the types of animals to be finished. Higher proportions of concentrate feeding shorten the
time required for fattening.
(1) Concentrates:
High-energy concentrates are fed for energy. Grains and grain products commonly fed are
shelled corn, sorghum and wheat. Liquid feedstuffs, such as molasses, can also be used as a
source of dietary energy. Alternative energy sources, such as fodder beet and sweet potato can be
fed to growing and finishing sheep and goats, but in most situations performance will not equal
that obtained from grains and grain byproducts. High-protein concentrate sources most
commonly fed are cottonseed cake, sunflower cake, brewer’s grains, distiller’s grains and other
similar feeds.
(2) Roughages:
A wide variety of roughages can be fed to growing and finishing lambs. The amount of roughage
to feed depends on the objesctive of feeding the roughage.
The rations used for fattening can be classified into three categories: starter, intermediate and
finishing.
(3) Starter: contains higher levels of roughage, 14% crude protein. The ration is hand-fed in
order to control feed consumption and identify any sick animals or animals going off-
feed. This ration is generally fed for one week. For animals that have been transported
long distances, it is advisable to increase this phase to two weeks.
(4) Intermediate: The animals are gradually changed to the intermediate ration containing a
lower proportion of roughage to the total ration, 13% crude protein. Is hand-fed for one
week.
(5) Finishing ration: Animals are gradually changed from the intermediate to the finishing
ration, which contains even less roughage, with protein content initially of 13%,
declining to 12% when successful adjustment on the rations has been achieved. Finishing
rations are selffed. The finishing ration should contain about 10% roughage which is fed
in a separate feeding trough, concentrates being self-fed. Heavy lambs must be finished
more rapidly with a high concentrate ration, while lighter lambs can be fed rations
containing more roughage.

SHEEP PRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Careful management of the pregnant, parturient and lactating ewes will have a marked influence
on the percentage of lambs dropped and reared successfully. So, the following steps may be
taken to afford roper attention to these animals.
Management of ewe
 Do not handle the pregnant ewes too frequently
  Separate the advanced pregnant ewes from the main flock and take effective care in their
feeding and management.
 Extra feed during the latter part of pregnancy (3-4 weeks before parturition) will be
beneficial for the condition of the pre-parturient ewes which will help in improving milk
production of ewes, birth weight and growth of lambs.
 Inadequate and poor nutrition may result in pregnancy, toxaemia, abortions and
premature births of weak lambs.
 Bring lambing ewes into lambing corals 4-6 days before parturition and provide
maximum comfort. If possible, provide soft, clean bedding and individual lambing pens.
 Watch gestation length, which ranges from 142 to over 150 days. Early maturing breeds
have slightly shorter gestation period.
 Save parturient ewes from cold and chilly weather.
Management of lamb
 Care of lamb farm birth to slaughter age
 Average gestation period is about – 150 days
 About a week to lambing the following are observed
 Production of milk from mammary gland
 Ewe becomes nervous and excited
 Few hours to parturition, theirs expulsion of the bag containing a fluid
 It is not uncommon to have twin birth in ewe

Steps
 The lamb should be able to suckle the dam 15-20mins after birth, if this does not
happened the lamb has to be assisted by placing the ewe’s teat into the lamb’s mouth.
 Keep the ewe and lamb in a confinement for at least 24hours, this is done in other to
allow the ewe and the lamb get use to each other.
 The livestock man should monitor closely the health of the ewe and lamb.
 Provide for the ewe water, good quality hay, silage or freshly cut silage.

Pre weaning management of lamb

This covers about 2-5 months Steps
 Take care of the navel by dipping it in 7% solution of iodine to avoid injection
 Take data of the lamb (see farm records)
 Provide creep feeding under intensive condition when ewes are milking
 The feeding is separate from that of the mother

GOAT PRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The domestic goat is a subspecies of the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. It is a
member of the bovine family, and is closely related to the sheep, both being in the "goat
antelope" group. Domestic goats are one of the oldest domesticated species. For thousands of
years, they have been used for their milk, meat, hair, and skins all over the world. In the last
century they have also gained some popularity aspets.
Management of breeding goat stock
Steps
 Bucks intended for breeding should be kept in good condition.
 Provide adequate amount of food because poorly fed goat are sluggish and tend to have
reduce libido (the keenness to mate).
 Reduce high phosphorus diet because it reduces fertility in terms of sperm quality.
 Avoid Vitamin A and iodine deficiency (deficiency cause reduce libido)
 Exercise yard should be provided
 Dehorned bucks regularly and the hooves should be trimmed to reduced limpness.
 Provided good pasture.
 In absence of pasture provide concentrate up to 0.75kg /day/buck.
 Two (2) weeks before and during breeding season, increase the level of concentrate by
0.45 to 0.9kg.
 To achieve good breeding efficiency mating should be 1:50 (hand mating).
 1:40 (pasture mating)
Management of breeding does
The Management of breeding does is related to Physiological phases:
 The dry period
 Pregnancy period
 Lactation period
Dry period
This is the period when the does is last productive Place the does or high level of nutrition
(flushing) usually done for dairy goats.
 Provide exercise yard
 Nanny kids (yet to reproduce should not be breed too fat). Age of puberty is between 6-7
months.
 Pregnancy period
 During the last 6-8 weeks of frequency, the doe should be placed on high level of nutrition
(steaming up).
 Period enough water and mineral lick
 At last week of pregnancy, concentrate of about 0.3 to 0.5kg should be given.
 Uneasiness, restlessness, sitting down and getting up, smelling the ground, appearance of
water bag are the signs of parturition.
 Watch the doe closely coming kidding which should be completed in 2 to 3 hours whish may
be longer in cases where the doe produce more than 1 kid.
 Observe the doe careful in case (Dystocia) and also size of the foetus can also pose difficulty
during kidding.
Lactation period
 Provide enough pasture and concentrate to the lactating doe.
Management of kids
 Immediately after with, clean the air passages if the kids is that breathing
 Use straws and tickle the nostril or tongue of the kind to stimulate respiration
 If it still doesn`t breath take it by its hind leg and turn it upside down for some time or poor
cold water on the kind or give it kiss of life (month to month respiration)
 After all these and it still doesn’t breath the it may die or survive and be very weak
 Take care of the navel by dipping it in 7% iodine solution to prevent infections.

ESTIMATING OF AGE USING DENTITION

INTRODUCTION
Both sheep and goats have a total of 32 teeth. They do not have any upper incisors. The dental
formula for sheep and goats is as follows:
0/4 incisors, 3/3 pre-molars, 3/3 molars. The first number in each formula represents how many
sets of teeth are on the upper jaw; the second number indicates how many sets of teeth are on the
lower jaw. For example, the 0/4 means that sheep/goats have no upper incisors, but have 4 sets of
lower incisors (8 lower incisors in all). Most of the time the dental formula looks like this 2 (0/4
incisors, 3/3 pre-molars, 3/3 molars) = 32. All baby sheep and goats are born with deciduous
teeth (teeth that will fall out). Deciduous teeth are much smaller than permanent teeth. The
deciduous teeth are replaced with permanent teeth as the animal ages.
PROCEDURE
Table 3: sheep and goat dentition

Permanent Tooth Eruption in

Sheep and Goat

Permanent Age at Eruption

Tooth
Incisor (11) 1-1.5 years
Incisor (12) 1.5-2 years
Incisor (13) 2.5-3 years
Incisor (14) 3.5-4 years
Premolars 1.5-2 years
Molar (M1) 3 months
Molar (M2) 9-12 months
Molar (M3) 1.5-2 years

DETERMINATION OF BODY WEIGHT

INTRODUCTION
Proper measurement of live body weight, which often is hard in the village settings due to lack of
weighing scales, is a prerequisite for achieving so many lofty goals that are always associated
with either medical or economic status of the animals. Knowing the live bodyweight of small and
large ruminants is important for a number of reasons, such as for breeding, correct feeding and
health (Slippers et al., 2000). Apart from taking live weight of meat animals, researchers also
livestock scales are the most accurate and consistent method for determining body weight. Under
farm conditions however, where scales and records may be absent, it may be difficult to know
theweight of sheep and goats (Abegazand Awgichew, 2009). Some of these standard weighing
scales coupled with their shortcomings are too expensive for most of small farmers Mahieu,
2011). This has forced many farmers to rely on estimates of body weights using certain number
of body characteristics which can be measured readily
PROCEDURES FOR ESTIMATING WEIGHT OF SMALL RUMINANTS
 Weight band:
 Briefly, the weight band is wrapped directly behind the shoulder blade, down the fore-
ribs, under the body behind the elbow and all the way around to the point behind the
shoulder blade.
 The ends of the weight band are overlapped on top, on the goat’s spine. Lastly, the
resultant weight measurement is read off the weight band in kilograms.
 Visual appraisal: Visual determination of the weight of animals is often faced by errors
like using the same estimate for more than one breed of a particular species (Otoikhian,
2008). Body structure can be deceptive when estimating weight (Slippers etal., 2000).
For instance, Red Sokoto goats appear lighter than hey actually are because of their light
bones. Apart from bones and body structure problem in estimating weight, a white
animal always looks bigger than it is (Otoikhian, 2008).
 Body Linear Measurements: There are a number of linear dimensions which can be
used to quantify the size of an animal and to estimate weight. The most widely used body
linear measurements include height at withers, heart girth, chest depth, body length, fore
cannon bone, rump height, distance between eyes, ear length, ear width, paunch girth and
tail length. Heart girth and cannon bone length are least affected by the posture of the
animal. Abegaz and Awgichew (2009) described the linear measurement as follows:
 Height at Withers (HAW). This measures the distance from the surface of a platform
on which the animal stands to the withers. The measurement is best made with a special
measuring stick made with two arms one which is held vertical and the other at right
angles to it sliding firmly up and down to record height. The sheep or goat should stand
squarely on all four legs. The legs should be equally spaced, and carry equal portions of
its weight. The vertical arm of the measuring device is placed on the ground and ensures
it is at a right angle to the platform. Then the other shorter arm is slide down until it just
touches the shoulder at the desired point. The vertical measuring device is withdrawn
and the distance is measured with a measuring tape. Alternatively, the vertical arm could
have the measuring scale inscribed onto it and height read directly. This method can be
used alone or in combination with the other linear measurements to get more accurate
results.
 Heart Girth (HG) or Chest circumference: Heart girth is a circumferential measure
taken around the chest just behind the front legs and withers. The measurement should be
taken to the nearest 0.5 cm. HG is a highly repeatable measure though it does vary
somewhat with extremes of posture and perhaps as the animal breaths.
 Body Length (BDL): Body length refers to the distance from the base of the ear to the
base of the tail (where it joins the body). It can also be measured as the distance from
base of tail to the base of the neck (first thoracic vertebrae), or to front of the chest or to
tip of the nose. Extreme care is needed to ensure that the backbone is straight in both
vertical and horizontal planes.
 Hip Width (Pin Bone Width) (HW): Hip width is the distance between the outer edges
of the major hip bones on the right and left side. The hipbones are easily located and the
distance between them easily measured with a pair of large, half round or oval shaped
callipers.
 Rump Height (RH): Rump height is the distance from the surface of a platform to the
rump using a measuring stick as described for height at withers.
  Fore Cannon Bone Length (CB): This is the length of the lower part of the leg
extending from the hock to the fetlock in hoofed mammals. It is a well-established fact
that linear development of different bones in the body is strongly related.
 Chest Depth (CD): Chest depth measures the distance from the backbone at the
shoulder (standardize on one of the verticalprocesses of the thoracic vertebrae) to the
brisket between the front legs.

CASTRATION
INTRODUCTION
Castration is an important management practice for sheep and goat farmers to maintain control of
their breeding program and successfully carry out breed improvement. Castration is the removal
or destruction of the testes, epididymis and a portion of each spermatic cord from a ram/buck. In
most cases, non-breeding males and males not slaughtered at a young age should be castrated.
Traditionally, farmers do not castrate animals and both males and females are allowed to run
together. The result is that inferior males mate with females passing on undesirable traits and the
young stock produced are not very productive. There are also other reasons for castrating sheep
and goats:
METHOS OF CASTRATION
There are three commonly used methods of castration for sheep/goats: the Burdizzo method, the
banding or elastrator method and the knife (surgical) method.
The different methods are more suitable for different sizes and age of animals, e.g., the elastrator
method being more suitable to very young animals. It is good to match castration method to size
and age of animal.
The following step wise procedures and figures show the castration of sheep/goats using the
burdizzo.

Step 1. The animal should be properly restrained by the assistant. The operator grasps the
scrotum in one hand and manipulates the testes down into the scrotum. He then locates the two
spermatic cords between the fingers and pushes one cord over to one side of the scrotum. This is
the first cord to be crushed
Step 2. Place the jaws of the burdizzo onto the upper scrotum, leaving the rudimentary teats
above the crushing point. Do not crush the septum or tissue between the testicles. Rather, do one
side of the scrotum at a time
Step 3. Clamp the burdizzo over the cord on the side of the scrotum you are doing first. You cun
generally hear a clicking sound as the cord is crushed. Leave the instrument closed for 20 to 25
seconds or the time it takes to count from one to 25. The spermatic cord is very elusive when you
try to crush it. Be sure that you feel it within the jaws of the burdizzo before and after the jaws
are closed. You can tug on the cord to see if it feels ruptured.
Step 4. Release the Burdizzo, move it lower to a new site about 1 cm closer to the testicles and
close it again to be doubly sure that the cord is crushed. A site below the first crush is chosen to
minimize acute pain from a second crush.
Step 5. Locate the cord on the other side of the scrotum and position the burdizzo over it. Close
the burdizzo and repeat what you did with the first cord.
Step 6. When you are done, you may see a mark on each side of the scrotum. The animal may be
sore and move slowly for about a day. Be sure to encourage it to move around. At first the
scrotum will swell up a little, but the testicles will gradually shrink over the next few weeks
leaving a small scrotal sac.

THE BANDING OR ELASTRATOR METHOD

 This method involves cutting off the blood supply to the testicles with a heavy-duty
rubber band or ring.
 Materials needed include an elastrator and castrating bands. An elastrator is a special
applicator that stretches a heavy duty rubber band and applies it to the neck of the
scrotum.
 The scrotum and testes will fall off in two to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the
testicles.
This method causes some stress to the animal due to the pain and discomfort experienced by the
constricting band, especially for 10 to 15 minutes after the elastrator band is applied. Follow
these procedures to castrate lambs/kids using the elastrator method:
PROCEDURE
 Do not use rings older than 12 months to avoid breakage and to assure a tight fit. The
rings must be strong enough to cut off blood flow in the arteries as well as the veins. If
not, the scrotum will swell.
 Restrain the animal as described above.
 Place a rubber ring over the prongs of the elastrator. Hold the elastrator with the prongs
facing up. Close the handles to open the band. The scrotum and testicles are then passed
through the expanded hole of the band. Position it as close to the animal's body as
possible, with care taken not to place the band over the rudimentary teats or involve the
penis.
  Release the elastrators displacing the ring from the prongs, thereby positioning the band.
The band will return to its original shape cutting off circulation to the testicles and
eventually causing all of the tissue below the band to die and fall off.
 Check to be sure both testicles are still in the tip of the scrotum and that the ring is placed
properly. If not, cut the ring with scissors and repeat the procedure.
 Administer an injection of tetanus antitoxin. Even though this is a bloodless procedure,
the tetanus organism can gain entry through the irritated tissue around the rubber ring.
 Check daily to be sure that the rubber band is still around the neck of the scrotum and for
signs of infection.
THE KNIFE METHOD
 The testicles may be surgically removed.
 Materials needed include a clean and sterile sharp knife, a one sided razor blade or a
scalpel, warm water; disinfectant (iodine can be used), syringes, tetanus antitoxin and a
fly control spray designed to be sprayed on open wounds.
 Bucks and rams older than 6 months may need to be sedated prior to castration using a
knife.
IDENTIFICATION
INTRDUCTION
Animal identification is a process done to identify and track specific animals. It is done for a
variety of reasons including verification of ownership, bio security control, and tracking for
research or agricultural purposes.
Proper identification of sheep and goats is essential for the maintenance of systematic farm
records, feeding of required quantity of nutrients, better management practices and individual
care of the animals. It is also an essential requirement for the registration of pure-bred animals
and to make selections of breeding stock and sale animals.
A number of systems can be used for identification. Some, such as stencils, are temporary and
are meant to be used until more permanent methods are instituted; others, such as tattooing, are
permanent.
METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
A. Tattoo
Animals can be tattooed on any part of their skin that can be seen but the ear is the may be used
in leather production. Marking ears avoids damaging the skin which may be used in leather
production. The process involves making a series of pierced marks through the ear rubbing in
Indian ink. The equipment required is:
 Lettering
 Indian ink
 Methylated spirits
  Tattooing pliers
 Records
Procedure
1. Place the letters of figures in the tattooing pliers and test on paper.
2. An assistant holds the animal in standing position.
3. Clean the ear of ax and dirt with methylated spirits.
4. Smear ink on the inside of the ear.
5. Line up pliers between ear blood vessels in middle of ear
6. Squeeze pliers with quick firm movement to penetrate skin (assistant restraining the animal)
7. Remove pliers and rub more ink into holes using a stiff brush.

B. Ear tagging
Procedure
1. Dip the tags and applicator in disinfectant.
2. Write the number on the tag before tagging
3. Restrain the animal in standing position.
4. Clean ear with methylated spirits.
5. Clip tag into ear with applicator, avoiding ear veins
6. The tag is best placed as near to the head as possible to reduce the chances of ripping.
C. Ear Notching
Many purebred breeders do not like to use ear notches because it detracts from the appearance of
the animal. A simple system of notching that can be read and interpreted easily should be used.
For example, notches in the top of the left ear (1), bottom of the left ear (10), end of the left ear
(100), centre of the left ear (1000), top of the right ear (3), bottom of the right ear (30), end of the
right ear (300), and centre of the right ear (3000).
Procedure
1. Hold the animal by the head and use a pair of ear notchers to remove a V-shaped piece of
tissue from the edge of the ear to notch the correct numbers.
2. Apply some antiseptic to the notches
b. Ear tagging
Procedure
1. Dip the tags and applicator in disinfectant.
2. Write the number on the tag before tagging.
3. Restrain the animal in standing position.
4. Clean ear with methylated spirits.
5. Clip tag into ear with applicator, avoiding ear veins.
6. The tag is best placed as near to the head as possible to reduce the chances of ripping.
CATCHING AND HOLDING OF SHEEP AND GOATS EASILY
SHEEP
Catching a sheep the right way should be easy. Doing it the wrong way is stressful both for the
shepherd and for the sheep. If the sheep that need to be caught is not placid or familiar with
human contact, and cannot be approached directly, it should be walked together with few other
sheep into a corner or small pen. The sheep can then be caught and in the following way.
1) Grasp the sheep by the neck or upper part of a back leg.
2) Put one hand (your right) on its muzzle and turn its head slowly but firmly sideways (to its
left). The sheep will fall to the ground.
3) Take hold of the top of the front legs. One in each hand, and tilt the sheep into a sitting
position, with it leaning slightly backwards against your legs.
4) The sheep is now relaxed and you can trim its hoofs or examine its udder. NB: Some shepherd
use a crook to catch sheep. A crook is a strong pole, about 1.5m long, with a hooked end. A neck
crook has a large hook to fit around the neck of a sheep. A leg crook has a small hook to fit
around.
GOATS
Catching and restraining a goat
The easiest way to catch a goat is to bribe it with food! If this fails a group of goat can be herded
into a pen or enclosure from where individual animals can be caught. Approaching from the side
and catching the horns, leg or neck usually succeed. The goat can be manhandled to sitting
position by:
1. First reaching under the belly and gently pulling the two furthest legs towards you.
2. With the goats now on its side lean over to catch both front legs, back up the goat towards you
so that it sits on its bottom.
 An alternative method is to up one hand of the shoulder and one under the neck and carefully
twist the goat into the sitting position. Mind the horns! Feet can now be examined and hooves
trimmed.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

INTRODUCTION
AI is the preferred method of introducing superior genes from individuals free of specific disease
and thereby improving the production of offspring. AI is also useful for breeding animal outside
of their natural breeding, after oestrus has been induced and synchronized by manipulation of the
photoperiod or the use of hormones. It permits the production of adequate quantities of milk and
equalized the need for labour through the year. Semen used for out of season breeding can be
frozen-thawed or liquid-stored if collected from ducks, rams and cattle held under artificial light
in order to simulate the short days of the natural breeding season. Although higher pregnancy
rates may be obtained with trans-abdominal insemination than with cervical insemination the
former method may be prohibited due to ethical consideration.
PROCEDURE FOR SEMEN COLLECTION
A. THE USE ARTIFICIAL VAGINA
 The preparation for the artificial collection is important. The normal pattern of service
routine should be adhered to procedure for semen collection
 Estrus cows should be put into the service yard.
 Bull is retrain as usual and lead up to the estrus cow. This is to lease the bull by allowing
it to see and smell the cow and the lead it away so that it does not mount immediately
 This usually cause complete creation and libido become sub-hormones.
 AU the usual technique of collection is to have the bull lead up to the cow and operator
stand to the right of the cows laid quarter.
 The bull noses the cow’s perinium, depresses its back and makes a precaution pumping
movement during which there is prostration of the penis and discharge of accessory
secretion.
 Mounting then occurs and the bull makes some poking movement ofthe penis.
 At the point the operator grape the sheath of the bull with his left hand and direct it to the
right of the cow’s lined quarter so that the defected penis enters into the Artificial vagina
(AV) which is held in the operators right hand.
 Usually when the penis makes contract with the woman lubricated surface of the AV, a
vigorous ejaculation, thrust occur.
 The AV which is held horizontally is now held upright s that the ejaculation flows into
the graduated tube.
  In case where the bull fertility is being investigated, attempt should be made to collect at
least 3 semen samples.
 Bull should be not be shouted at or beaten during semen collection.
 All things should be done quietly.
B. THE USE OF ELECTRO EJACULATOR
 It is commonly use in practice to collect semen from young bull for semen evaluation on
at AI centers.
 Electric current for a can battery or from main suppliers or transistor is suitably modified
to a 30 or 50 frequency cycle and carried by means of electrode set into a metal probe
which are passed into the bull rectum. The probe are held over the ampullae and
stimulations are applied increasing waves by varying the resistance
 At first low voltage and latter voltage of 15-20v and then semen drips would be seen
from the protruded penis.
 The drip sample from the electrical stimulation gives a greater value of ejaculation
Advantages of AI
AI is used several reasons. There include:
i. It spread more widely the merits of a top quality sire i.e. more females can be
inseminated in a wide area with semen from a proven sire without the sire moving
from one place to another.
ii. AI allows for the elimination of the cost and risk of maintaining a sire for a small
herd or flock.
iii. This permits the use of a desirable but proven quality sire.
iv. Presents the spread of certain reproductive disease.
v. Permits the easier use of exotic breed bulls which is otherwise difficult to maintain in
a harsh environment.
vi. Improve record keeping for performance tenting since exact dates of conception can
be known.
vii. It allows for a good co-ordination with estrus synchronization program.
viii. It helps in eliminating size differences between sire and dams.
ix. Permits the use semen from sire several year’s even they might have been dead. And
this can help in various research programs.
x. Sterility in bull can be easily be detected.
xi. It saves time to carry out AI than under natural mating.
Disadvantages of AI
i. It requires a trained personal
ii. The equipment to be used be costly or even unable to the local famers
iii. The behaviors of indigenous animals especially cattle makes it difficult to practice
AI. Heat detection is difficult and it is not easy for the indigenous bulls to mount or
ejaculate by means of artificial vagina.
 iv. The poor infrastructural facilities available makes it difficult to supply or perform AI.
v. The extensive use of AI tends to reduce the market for bulls.
vi. When poor or dirty equipment are used can be a source of disease or infections
injuries to the dams.
vii. If a female is inseminated wrongly when it is not in estrus, this can lead to permanent
sterility or lead to disease called matritis or if pregnant can lead to abortion, feotal
death or maternal illness.
viii. In the event of dilatrous trial in a bull being used for AI, such a trait becomes widely
spread, which will take time for climate
DRENCHING

INTRODUCTION
Deworming (sometimes known as worming or drenching) is the giving of an anthelmintic drug
(a wormer, dewormer, or drench) to a human or animal to rid them of helminths parasites, such
as roundworm, flukes and tapeworm.

METHODS
Procedure
1) Put the liquid into a bottle with a long neck, or put a short piece of plastic or rubber tubing
over the neck of a bottle. The best type of bottle for drenching is a long-necked wine bottle. A
Coca-Cola bottle is a good alternative.
2) Hold the sheep in a standing position with its head slightly up.
3) Put the end of the bottle or tube into the back of the mouth above the tongue
4) Tip the bottle so that the liquid run slowly out into the mouth and is swallowed.
A pill or bolus can sometimes be given by placing it, with the fingers, at the back of the sheep’s
mouth and pushing it down the esophagus. An easier method, if treating many sheep, is to use a
commercial balling gun.
HOOF TRIMMING

INTRODUCTION
Keeping hooves short and in good condition is very important because lame goat will be lose
condition. Where animals travel across hard or stony ground their hooves tend to wear and
require no trimming.
Hoof trimming is an essential part of sheep and goat management. Flocks should be checked on
a regular basis for hoof growth Overgrown hooves may make walking painful, predispose the
animal to other foot and leg problems, and competing for feed difficult. This may cause sheep
and goats to stop eating and exercising. Animals with overgrown hooves are also very
susceptible to joint and tendon problems and arthritis. Also, breeding animals use their hind legs
during mating; mating and reproductive performance of a flock may seriously be affected if
hooves of breeding males are not trimmed.
PROCEDURE
Hooves are trimmed with sharp knife or foot clippers as follows
1. Restrain the goat in either sitting or standing position
2. Take one leg and clean the soil and any loose material from under and between the hoof.
3. Clip or slice away the excess nail on the outside of the hoof until it is the same height as the
inside. Cut thin slice until confident enough to avoid cutting the soft tissue because bleeding and
discomfort to the goat.
4. The heel should also be trimmed to the same height.
5. If the hoof is very long it will not be possible to trim it to an ideal shape at one trimming
session. Where the hoof is peeling away at the side, remove any loose materials but do not clip
up side to expose the soft tissue.
6. After trimming treat the feet with either
(a) Iodine; (b). Antibiotic spray (c) 10% solution of formalin or copper sulphate.
DEHORNING
INTRODUCTION
Dehorning/disbudding: Horns on animals can and do cause bruises and other injuries to animals.
Horns can also be a hazard to people and equipment. Dehorning/disbudding is the practice of
removing an animal’s horns or horn buds, depending on the age of the animal and the stage of
horn growth. Dehorning/disbudding should be done between 7-10 days of age for goats and prior
to 3 months of age for cattle. It should be pointed out that perhaps the most simple and effective
method of dehorning is to select polled breeding stock (not always possible within some breeds
and species).

METHODS OF DEHORNING
A. Chemical Method: Involves the use of alkalis e.g. CaOH, KOH, NaOHetc can be applied.
Usually the chemicals are applied in the form of paste.
Procedure
  Clip the hair around the horn bud, this is done in order to expose the bud
 Apply petroleum jelly e.g. Vaseline around the bud to prevent chemical from touching
other areas e.g. the eyes.
 Rub the paste on the horn bud until a little bit of blood occurs.
 It should be applied or calves of 3-10days old

B.
The hot iron method (Electric cauterizer)
Procedure
 In this method the iron is electrically heated until red hot usually above 5000C and a
caplide end is pressed firmly on the bud until the matrix cell are destroyed and not more
than 10 seconds.
 Care must be taken s that the iron should not go deeper to the head.
 This method is carried out on cattle that are over 3 months and below.
 It requires more time and it’s painfu