Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Sheep Farming and Breed Selection

• Importance and opportunities in sheep farming

• Production systems (extensive, semi-intensive, intensive)

• Meat, wool, and dual-purpose breeds

• Breed selection criteria and sourcing breeding stock

• Practical Exercise: Selecting suitable breeds for specific production goals

Module 2: Housing, Grazing, and Feeding Management

• Sheep housing requirements and design

• Pasture management and rotational grazing systems

• Nutritional requirements at different growth stages

• Supplementary feeding and mineral supplementation

• Practical Exercise: Developing a feeding and grazing plan for a sheep flock

Module 3: Health Management and Disease Control

• Common sheep diseases and parasites

• Vaccination and deworming programs

• Biosecurity and preventive health strategies

• Monitoring flock health and record keeping

• Practical Exercise: Designing a flock health management calendar

Module 4: Breeding and Reproductive Management

• Selection of breeding rams and ewes

• Heat detection and mating systems

• Pregnancy care and lambing management

• Lamb rearing, weaning, and growth monitoring

• Practical Exercise: Creating a breeding and lambing schedule

Module 5: Sheep Farm Business Management and Marketing

• Record keeping and performance tracking

• Costing, budgeting, and profitability analysis

• Marketing strategies for sheep and sheep products

• Risk management and enterprise expansion planning

• Capstone Exercise: Developing a sheep farming business plan