Sheep Farming in Kenya
Sheep farming in Kenya is one of the traditional activities and occupations of people in some countries of the world. Sheep have been kept as pets since ancient times.
A Dorper Sheep breed of sheep that adapts well to adverse weather conditions and matures faster than ordinary sheep is valued by farmers, especially because of its low-fat meat, which fetches up to 10,000 shillings. for the sheep.
Known as the Dorper, the sheep is considered hardy and does well in dry areas. These unique features have revived sheep farming in Kenya, a country that has seen a declining trend in recent years due to a lack of markets. Sheep have become so popular that farmers from neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Rwanda are flocking to the country to buy sheep.
Most breeders prefer to produce and breed sheep which they sell to farmers for breeding, rather than allowing other farmers' sheep to enter their farms. This is to prevent the spread of disease.
Is Sheep Farming Profitable In Kenya? - Sheep Farming in Kenya
A pure, ready-to-serve Dorper ram costs Ksh 45,000 more than an adult ewe, which costs Sh25, 000, while a cross with a native breed sells for Sh15, 000-20,000 for a ram and Sh10, 000. For a sheep. .
Now, with the calving interval being about eight months, the average Dorper ewe can produce more than two lambs a year.
This means Sheep farming in Kenya with around 50 Dorper sheep; 30 ewes and 20 rams (a good breeding ratio) will have about 110 ewes by the end of the year.
The Dorper lamb can reach a live weight of around 36 kg at the age of 3-4 months. At this stage, a ram does not cost less than 10,000 Ksh.
Sheep Farming in Kenya | Profitable Sheep Farming in Kenya
10 Benefits of Starting Sheep Farming in Kenya - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Sheep Farming in Kenya are kept mainly for the production of wool, milk, leather and manure. Mutton is very tasty, nutritious and popular with all kinds of people all over the world. Sheep farming can be an excellent source of income and to eradicate poverty in arid, desert, semi-arid and mountainous areas. It is also a reliable source of income for people working in the livestock sector.
1. You don't need a lot of capital to start a sheep farm.
2. You don't need to make an expensive home for your sheep.
3. The sheep farming business is less labor intensive than any other livestock business.
4. Sheep give birth to offspring frequently, so your flock size will be large in no time.
5. Sheep eat different types of plants compared to other types of farm animals. So you can use them to clean unwanted plants from your garden or field.
6. Sheep do not destroy trees much more than goats.
7. Sheep can survive on poor quality grass and convert feed into meat and wool.
8. Sheep products like wool, meat and milk are used for different purposes.
9. They are very hardy animals and can adapt to almost any type of environment.
10. Sheep need less space to live. You can even farm sheep with your other farm animals.
With proper care and management, commercial sheep farming can be an excellent source of income and employment. Educated unemployed youth can also earn a good income and a source of employment through commercial sheep farming.
Zero Grazing Sheep Farming in Kenya - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Sheep farming in Kenya generally means "bringing sheep into trade for the purpose of producing meat, milk and wool". Although raising sheep in Kenya for commercial milk production is not a good decision. Sheep are suitable for meat and wool production. If you have the right facilities, you can raise sheep on a small and large scale. Commercial sheep farming in Kenya is very profitable and you will recoup your investment in a very short time.
Starting a Sheep Farming in Kenya - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Before starting the sheep farming business in Kenya, make a proper business plan and work according to the plan. Here we describe in more detail the main advantages of commercial sheep farming in Kenya and the steps to start such a business.
Sheep make good manure; well-managed lambs reach their market weight in five months and thus guarantee a rapid RETURN ON INVESTMENT. Sheep are adapted to the sparse vegetation of arid lands as they feed on a variety of grasses. Sheep are relatively calm animals and can be safely cared for by women or children without danger.
Sheep Farming in Kenya Business - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Sheep farming in Kenya can, of course, be profitable, but on average on a large scale. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world derive considerable livelihood and income from sheep farming.
However, as with almost all farming and ranching activities, the first 1-2 years of participation are preliminary and you do not normally expect income. You can start raising 3 or 4 ewes for milk and occasionally mate them with outsourced male ewes. After a few years, you will naturally have enlarged your herd and accumulated enough experience in managing all types of sheep, controlling all types of costs and finding markets to sell your products (meat, milk or wool).
The minimum number of sheep with which you can earn a good income and live exclusively from Sheep Farming In Kenya depends on many parameters (market price of meat, milk and wool in your country, local regulations, prices of food, diseases that may require veterinary care).
However, as with almost all crop and livestock activities, economies of scale are required. This means that you cannot make a living from sheep farming in Kenya with just 1-5 sheep, as the fixed operating costs will likely exceed the profits. There are sheep farmers who claim to only live by keeping 10 to 80 sheep, but these farmers usually live near forests with rich and diverse flora and raise their sheep in pastures. Therefore, they mostly do not pay for food or only pay a very small amount of money for certain food supplements or cereals during harvesting time.
In all cases, the purchase and housing of ewes, feed, milking equipment and medicines are the main cost centers. Added to this are the logistics and infrastructure for the slaughter and processing of slaughter ewes and the storage/processing of dairy sheep's milk. In many countries there are very strict regulations, which is why most sheep farmers outsource these operations.
Starting A Sheep Farming in Kenya
When deciding to start a sheep farm, the following is good to know;
Select the Breeds - Sheep farming in Kenya
A breed is a group of domestic animals with uniform appearance, behavior and other characteristics that distinguish them from other animals of the same species.
Sheep are classified into four categories: Lamb, Wool, Milk And Dual (Multi)Purpose: e.g. lamb and wool, or lamb and milk.
Hairy Sheep Breeds Include: Dorper, Nyanza Fat-tail, Persian Black Head, Red Maasai and crosses of these four with local cattle. They breed mainly in arid and semi-arid areas.
Woolly And Dual Purpose Breeds Include; Merino, Corriedale, Hampshire Down, Romney Marsh and crosses of these breeds with local stock. They mainly breed in cold areas with heavy rainfall.
When buying, make sure your stock are sexually mature, healthy, free from pests and disease, easily identifiable by ear tag or the like, good posture and gait, and ready to mate or to be mated.
Sheep Food - Sheep Farming In Kenya
Nutrition plays an important role in the overall productivity, health and welfare of the sheep flock. Feed costs are about two-thirds of the total cost of production, so make nutrition management a priority.
Nutrient requirements vary by age, sex, body weight and stage of production.
Good nutrition involves feeding your sheep well-constituted rations of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins, in addition to clean water. The quantities must be sufficient and of good quality.
Sheep Housing - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Sheep do not need expensive or fancy housing. They are happy as long as you meet their basic housing needs. You can even breed them with other farm animals, in small-scale production. But for commercial production, you need to create a separate, suitable house for them. Their home should be adequate enough to protect them from harsh weather and harmful predators. An adult sheep generally requires about 20 square feet of space. For example, if you intend to raise 10 sheep, you need to make a house 3 meters long and 6 meters wide. Keep the ceiling at least 6 feet above the floor. Make a good ventilation system. Always try to keep the house clean and dry. Ensure sufficient air circulation and light inside the house. It will be better if you can make a good drainage system inside.
Pests and Diseases - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Some of the persistent pests are ticks, mites, worms and coccidia. Deworming at the right time with the right De-wormers as well as spraying with the right acaricides keep pests at bay.
Common diseases include: Pestis Ruminants (PPR), orf, bluetongue, sheep and goat pox, enterotoxaemia, tetanus and brucellosis.
Systematic vaccination against endemic diseases is essential in disease control.
Always isolate a new sheep from the flock to monitor for parasites and disease and subsequent treatment by a veterinarian.
Dorpers Sheep are not susceptible to fly attack or wool rot. They have a high degree of disease resistance and Red Maasai sheep have a high tolerance/resistance to roundworms.
See Also; 7 Amazing facts About Dairy Farming in Kenya
Problems Facing Sheep Farming In Kenya
You cannot run a business without any problems. Sheep farming is no exception. In the case of Sheep Farming in Kenya, you may encounter some common problems such as protecting your sheep from predators, providing shelter, protecting them from cold, diseases, etc. Among these problems, predators and diseases greatly harm sheep. So make a proper fence to protect your sheep from predators. Diseases are also a major threat to sheep. Therefore, get them vaccinated in time so that they are free from various types of diseases.
Sheep and goat farming is a traditional breeding activity. Before starting a sheep farm, choose the right breeds. Because the maximum profits depend mainly on the selection of healthy and high quality sheep breeds. Read lots of books, magazines, or web pages about sheep farming. And if possible, visit farms practically in your area, accumulate experience and finally do it. God bless you!
Where to Buy Dorper Sheep - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Are you interested in learning more about some of the places you can buy Dorper sheep in Kenya today? Well, here is a list of some of the places:
• Chemichemi Dorpers.
• Haras Amagoh Dorpers.
• Kisanana Dorper Sheep Breeders Society.
• Lenguetia Farm
Where to Get Dorper Sheep in Kenya - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Here are some of the places where you can get Dorper sheep in Kenya.
Dorper Sheep Farming Regions - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Naivasha - Sheep Farming in Kenya
There are also Dorper sheep in Naivasha. Sheep are considered healthy because they are in an area well supplied with food. The farmers who raise Dorper sheep in Naivasha are among the wealthiest people in the region.
Laikipia - Sheep Farming in Kenya
There are also Dorper sheep for sale in Laikipia. Sheep, however, come in a variety of colors. For example, you must choose the color of your choice. The prices are also affordable for anyone who wants to buy.
Nakuru - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Dorper sheep for sale in Nakuru can be found to suit your budget. Once the purchase is made, you will not regret it because the profits will be greater than the purchase price.
Eldoret - Sheep Farming in Kenya
If you have the necessary amount of money, you can buy healthy Dorper sheep to sell in Eldoret. You can then buy it and decide whether to resell it, keep it or use it for lamb production.
Nanyuki - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Nanyuki is well known for its green pastures which can support the life of sheep. Many farmers keep Dorper sheep in Nanyuki because the climate favors them.
Conclusion - Sheep Farming in Kenya
Many sheep farming in Kenya are increasingly considering raising the Dorper breed of sheep rather than indigenous breeds such as the Red Maasai sheep due to the breed's superior traits such as adaptability to various adverse environmental conditions and its disease resistance.
Fortunately for Kenyan breeders and ewes, Dorper ewes have a 10% twinning rate, 78% calving (fertility) rate, average birth weight of 3.6 kg, growth and mortality of lambs before weaning. of 178 g/day and a mortality rate of 14%. , respectively.
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