Unique sheep farming model in Ben Cui

Việt Nam•13/03/2024

In addition to being kept in confinement, sheep are also allowed to graze under rubber tree canopies.

Sheep are gregarious animals that can withstand harsh, hot, and dry weather. In particular, while other animals seek shelter in temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius, sheep remain calmly grazing in the fields. Because of these characteristics, sheep are widely raised in the central provinces, with Ninh Thuan having the largest sheep population in the country. Recently, a sheep farming model has emerged in Ben Cui commune, Duong Minh Chau district, Tay Ninh province.

Sheep under the rubber tree canopy

Mr. Phan Do Tan Huy, originally from Ninh Thuan province, initially moved to Long An province to start a career as a teacher. Later, he settled in Hamlet 1, Ben Cui commune. Previously, he raised poultry, but due to fluctuating prices, he switched to livestock farming. Mr. Huy recounts that over 10 years ago, he tried raising a few goats and sheep, and found that they thrived better than traditional livestock like pigs, chickens, and ducks.

In 2017, he brought Phan Rang sheep breeds to Ben Cui commune to establish a farm. Starting with just a few sheep, utilizing the grass resources from the Ben Cui rubber plantation and his own garden, his farm now has over 80 sheep and 60 goats. His flock is thriving, the breeding costs are not too high, and the animals are easily sold when ready for market.

“Sheep are omnivorous, easy to raise, and reach 30kg after 8 months. They adapt to all conditions and can be kept in confinement or left to roam freely in dry, barren fields without needing supervision. In confinement, just one hour of grass cutting each day is enough food for a flock of 80 sheep as we currently have. Raising sheep requires less time for care, suitable for the economic situation of households in remote areas lacking favorable natural conditions. The market for sheep is more stable, and lamb meat is increasingly favored by consumers. The average selling price of lamb meat is 110,000 VND/kg, while breeding sheep sell for 3-4 million VND/each. Raising sheep yields more profit than raising goats or cows,” Mr. Huy shared.

Huy's sheep farm is quite simple in design, but it's spacious, well-ventilated, and bright, with feeding and drinking troughs. The pens are about 1 meter above the ground, providing good ventilation and sufficient height for easy cleaning. He divided the farm into two sections, one for sheep and one for goats. The sheep's feed mainly consists of fermented bamboo shoot peels, various types of grass, and dried rubber leaves from the garden.

During the dry season, supplementary feed such as bran, cornmeal, and wheat flour can be given, but roughage remains the main food source. Alongside keeping the sheep in confinement, Mr. Huy also lets them graze under the rubber trees behind his house. After eating their fill, the flock of sheep will line up in an orderly fashion to climb the stairs into the pen.

According to Mr. Huy, sheep are less susceptible to disease, but occasionally they still suffer from hemorrhagic septicemia, foot-and-mouth disease, and liver fluke. Therefore, sheep must be vaccinated against liver fluke or dewormed every 3-6 months. In addition, to prevent and treat diseases in sheep, the barn must be kept clean, with manure swept away daily. Disinfect the barn once a month with lime or dipterex, and regularly bathe and groom the sheep. Drinking troughs must be clean and have enough clean water. Absolutely no moldy or spoiled feed should be used…

Mr. Phan Do Tan Huy feeds the sheep grass.

Replicating the model

Sheep are a unique livestock species with great potential for economic development, and Mr. Huy is willing to share his experience in breeding sheep with anyone who wants to learn. If female sheep are fed adequately, they will come into heat after 6 months. After 5 months, they give birth. Twenty days after giving birth, the female sheep are brought into heat again, and 1.5 months later they become pregnant again.

A young female sheep gives birth to only one lamb in its first litter, but subsequent litters produce 2-4 lambs. Female sheep give birth twice a year. Sheep are raised for 8-10 years before being culled. After about 6 months of raising, the lambs are ready for sale. Sheep farming offers a fast turnover and high efficiency, representing a new direction and approach in the restructuring of the rural economy, selecting livestock that provides high income.

Mr. Pham Quang Thao, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Ben Cui commune, said that for a long time, most of the agricultural land in the locality has been planted with rubber trees, and arable land for other crops is very scarce. Local people utilize the grass under the rubber trees to raise livestock, mainly cattle. Some households also raise goats. Due to the nature of sheep being omnivorous, gaining weight quickly, and growing fast, this has initially proven effective.

Raising sheep is very convenient, utilizing grass and agricultural by-products as feed. The main markets are Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, etc. Sheep have high resistance to disease and are easy to raise, so some households interested in raising them are contacting Mr. Huy to learn from his experience and purchase breeding stock.

The Farmers' Association organized a visit for Mr. Huy and several other farmer members to learn about sheep farming in large fields; and coordinated with the Agricultural Extension Station to organize a thematic talk on livestock farming, including sheep farming.

Mr. Phan Do Tan Huy is tending sheep in his rubber plantation.

Currently, Huy's sheep herd is thriving, providing a stable income. Therefore, Huy plans to open another sheep farm in Binh Phuoc province, with the intention of supplying breeding stock, providing technical support, and guaranteeing the purchase of products for those interested in raising sheep. At the same time, he plans to open a sheep hill cafe in Ben Cui, where tourists can visit and take photos with the sheep. According to Huy, raising sheep is less risky than some other traditional livestock, has a wide market, and the breed adapts well to the weather and soil conditions of Tay Ninh.

Nhi Tran - Hoang Yen

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