SHEEP and GOAT BREEDING Prof Dr Necmettin NAL

SHEEP and GOAT BREEDING Prof. Dr. Necmettin ÜNAL Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry

Importance of sheep and goat breeding q Sheep and goat, which were among the first domesticated species, have provided and continue to make significant contributions to humans with their various yields for centuries. q The yields of sheep and goats such as meat, milk, skin, wool, hair, mohair yields have an important place in meeting the needs of people.

Importance of sheep and goat breeding q Sheep and goat breeding today provides millions of people directly or indirectly with jobs in many countries. n Figures: Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) are called Small Ruminants (Photos were taken by the author)

Importance of sheep and goat breeding q Three methods are applied in sheep and goat breeding: q Extensive breeding q Semi-intensive breeding q Intensive breeding

Importance of sheep and goat breeding q Most of the sheep and goats reared in the world are native breeds and generally extensive and semi-intensive breeding rules are applied in the breeding of these breeds. q On the other hands, intensive breeding rules are practised in the breeding of improved sheep ang goat breeds

Importance of sheep and goat breeding q Sheep and goats mostly feed on rangelands. They have an important place especially in the evaluation of rangelands with low yield and low quality. n Figure: Poor pastures are best utilized by native sheep and goat breeds (Photos were taken by the author)

The yields from sheep 1. Lamb and mutton production 2. Milk production 3. Wool production 4. Byproducts

The yields from goat 1. Goat and kid meat production 2. Milk production 3. Mohair, cashmere, hair production 4. Byproducts

Sheep number (x Million head)

Goat number (x Million head)

Comparison of morphological and physiological characteristics of sheep and goats n Sheep and goats are similar in terms of body structure and size. However, there are significant morphological and physiological differences between them.

Determining the age of sheep and goat n Mature sheep and goats have 32 teeth, of which 24 are molars and 8 are incisors. n. All incisors are in the lower jaw. Milk or Temporary Incisors Permanent Incisors

Determining the age of sheep and goat Left Side M Right Side P C I I C P M 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 3 3 Temporary U pper jaw Lower jaw Permanent Upper jaw Lower jaw

Determining the age of sheep and goat 14 to 16 Months 2 Years