Related Experiment Videos
[Sheep rearing in Shaba (Zaire): present-day situation]
Revue D'Elevage Et De Medecine Veterinaire Des Pays Tropicaux
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Extensive sheep rearing, especially in ranching systems, significantly boosts production and profitability compared to traditional methods. Effective range management and feeding are key drivers of this success.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Livestock Management
Context:
- Study conducted in Shaba (Zaire) evaluating four distinct sheep rearing systems.
- Focus on comparing production output and economic profitability across different management strategies.
Purpose:
- To identify the most productive and profitable sheep farming system in the Shaba region.
- To analyze the factors influencing production variations among different sheep rearing methods.
Summary:
- Extensive sheep rearing under a ranching system yielded the highest weight production per mother (30 kg) at nine months, surpassing traditional (4.5 kg) and basic ranching (23 kg) systems.
- Key factors influencing production include range management (fire, rotation) and feeding habits, followed by internal parasite control and housing.
- The ranching system, integrated with cattle pastures, demonstrated the greatest profitability in the region.
Impact:
- Provides data-driven insights for optimizing sheep farming practices in Shaba and similar agro-ecological zones.
- Highlights the economic benefits of extensive and well-managed sheep rearing systems for local farmers.
- Informs policy and investment decisions aimed at improving livestock productivity and profitability in developing regions.