Method for raising mutton sheep in winter in cold region
By setting environmental temperature thresholds and coordinating the control of sheepfold environment, feeding parameters and drinking water temperature in cold regions, the slow growth and stress of meat sheep in low-temperature environments have been solved, achieving stable growth and safe feeding, and reducing energy consumption and costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HU LUN BEI ER SHI NONG MU KE XUE YAN JIU SUO
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
In cold regions during winter, sheep farming faces problems such as decreased feed intake, increased energy consumption, slowed growth, and cold stress. Existing technologies lack systematic control methods based on the physiological characteristics of sheep, resulting in unstable feeding outcomes.
By setting an external ambient temperature threshold, dividing the area into low-temperature zones, and controlling the temperature of the sheepfold, adjusting feeding parameters, and regulating the drinking water temperature within different zones, combined with cold stress prevention and control measures, the physiological needs of meat sheep can be linked and regulated.
It improves the growth stability and feeding safety of mutton sheep in low-temperature environments, reduces the risks caused by human judgment errors, reduces energy consumption and costs, and improves the economic benefits of mutton sheep farming in cold regions during winter.
Smart Images
Figure CN121867151A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal husbandry technology, specifically to a method for raising meat sheep in cold regions during winter. Background Technology
[0002] In cold regions during winter, the low and prolonged ambient temperatures can easily lead to problems in sheep farming, such as decreased feed intake, increased energy consumption, slowed growth, and cold stress. Current winter sheep farming methods rely heavily on manual experience for management and adjustment, lacking a systematic control method based on the physiological characteristics of sheep, making it difficult to achieve stable and replicable feeding results under different temperature conditions.
[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a winter feeding method that can adjust parameters based on changes in the low-temperature environment and the physiological cold resistance characteristics of meat sheep. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to improve the growth stability and feeding safety of sheep in winter by combining changes in external temperature with the low-temperature physiological needs of sheep and implementing coordinated control of sheepfold environment, feeding parameters, and drinking water conditions. Addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies, the technical solution adopted by this invention is: a method for raising sheep in cold regions during winter, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the sheepfold, and set the threshold for the ambient temperature based on the physiological tolerance range of meat sheep in low-temperature environments. Step 2: Divide the external ambient temperature into different low-temperature ranges according to the aforementioned external ambient temperature threshold, and control the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold accordingly when the external ambient temperature enters different low-temperature ranges, so as to keep the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold within the range that meets the low-temperature physiological needs of meat sheep. Step 3: When the ambient temperature is lower than the ambient temperature threshold, or when the number of consecutive days below the ambient temperature threshold reaches a set number of days, the feeding parameters are adjusted based on the increasing metabolic energy required by the sheep to maintain body temperature, thereby increasing the energy supply ratio on the basis of the basic diet. Step 4: Based on changes in the external ambient temperature, coordinate and regulate the drinking water temperature and cold stress prevention and control measures to reduce the impact of low temperature environment on the physiological state of meat sheep. Step 5: When the ambient temperature rises steadily and continues to reach the set temperature recovery conditions, gradually restore the normal feeding parameters according to the preset recovery logic.
[0005] Preferably, the low temperature range includes: a first low temperature range where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 5°C, a second low temperature range where the ambient temperature is between -10°C and 0°C, and a third low temperature range where the ambient temperature is below -10°C.
[0006] Preferably, when the ambient temperature is in the first low temperature range, the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold is controlled to be no lower than 8℃; when the ambient temperature is in the second low temperature range, the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold is controlled to be no lower than 10℃; and when the ambient temperature is in the third low temperature range, the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold is controlled to be no lower than 12℃.
[0007] Preferably, the number of days that are continuously below the external ambient temperature threshold is 2 to 5 days.
[0008] Preferably, the feeding parameter adjustment includes increasing the basic dietary metabolizable energy by 10% to 30% to compensate for the extra energy consumption required by sheep to maintain body temperature in low-temperature environments.
[0009] Preferably, when the ambient temperature is below 0℃, the drinking water temperature for sheep should be controlled between 10℃ and 20℃.
[0010] Preferably, when the ambient temperature drops by 8°C or more within 24 hours, cold stress prevention and control measures are initiated.
[0011] Preferably, the cold stress prevention and control measures include at least one of the following: increasing vitamin supplementation, shortening the duration of a single ventilation and maintaining the air exchange frequency, and enhancing the insulation of the sheepfold, wherein the enhanced insulation measures include increasing the insulation layer, reducing the direct flow of cold air, or improving the insulation performance of the enclosure structure.
[0012] Preferably, the set temperature recovery condition is that the ambient temperature is higher than the ambient temperature threshold for at least two consecutive days.
[0013] Preferably, the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the sheepfold are obtained through a temperature monitoring device or through manual, timed measurements.
[0014] In this invention, the technical meaning of the sheepfold temperature "within the range of low-temperature physiological needs of meat sheep" is: to maintain the temperature inside the sheepfold above the critical temperature of meat sheep, so as to significantly reduce the extra maintenance energy consumption generated to maintain body temperature, thereby directing more energy to weight gain.
[0015] The aforementioned "increasing the energy supply ratio" aims to compensate for this additional maintenance energy consumption. Through the linkage control of the embodiment, the essence of ultimately achieving "maintaining normal growth status" is: in a low-temperature environment, stabilizing the physiological state of the sheep within its thermoneutral range, so that energy allocation shifts from "maintaining survival" to "promoting growth".
[0016] The "gradual restoration to normal feeding parameters" refers to restoring the sheep to their normal feeding state by gradually reducing the energy compensation ratio and the intensity of environmental control after the ambient temperature meets the warming conditions. This aims to avoid secondary stress reactions in meat sheep caused by sudden changes in feeding parameters. The phased process can be completed within 3 to 5 days, depending on the local climate and sheep breed.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention, based on the characteristics of environmental temperature changes during winter sheep rearing, pre-sets multiple environmental temperature threshold ranges. During actual rearing, it compares real-time collected pen temperature data with these threshold ranges, automatically triggering corresponding feeding control strategies. Compared to the traditional method of relying on human experience to judge the degree of cold and temporarily adjust feeding measures, this invention, through explicit temperature threshold judgment logic, provides clear triggering conditions and execution paths for the feeding control process. This improves the standardization and consistency of winter feeding management and reduces feeding risks caused by human judgment errors.
[0018] 2. When the ambient temperature is below a preset low-temperature threshold, this invention simultaneously activates pen insulation measures and feed energy compensation strategies, ensuring that sheep can still obtain sufficient energy to maintain metabolism and growth under cold conditions. This effectively alleviates problems such as decreased feed intake and increased energy consumption caused by cold stress in sheep under low-temperature environments, thereby maintaining a relatively stable growth state during the winter feeding cycle and preventing slow weight gain or even weight loss due to prolonged low temperatures.
[0019] 3. By mitigating the adverse effects of feeding fluctuations through tiered regulation and recovery logic, this invention does not immediately restore normal feeding parameters when the ambient temperature rises above the aforementioned low-temperature threshold. Instead, it gradually reduces the insulation intensity and restores the feed ratio within a limited time period according to a preset recovery logic. This phased recovery method avoids the impact of sudden changes in feeding conditions on the digestive system and metabolic level of meat sheep, helps maintain a smooth transition in the physiological state of meat sheep, and improves the stability and safety of the winter feeding process.
[0020] 4. This invention pre-links environmental temperature thresholds with corresponding feeding control measures, allowing feeders to execute appropriate control steps based solely on changes in environmental temperature, eliminating the need for frequent empirical judgments and repeated trials. While ensuring the safety of sheep growth in winter, it avoids excessive insulation and overfeeding, thereby reducing energy consumption and feed costs to some extent and improving the overall economic benefits of sheep farming in cold regions during winter.
[0021] 5. The feeding method of this invention uses ambient temperature as the core control parameter. The threshold judgment, feeding strategy switching, and recovery process all have a clear logical structure, making them easy to implement and promote in large-scale farms. This method does not rely on specific breeds or complex equipment, has strong versatility, and can meet the needs for stability, controllability, and practicality in the winter raising of meat sheep in cold regions. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the environmental temperature threshold range and the feeding control strategy of this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to better illustrate the principles and practical application of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose. Example
[0024] A method for raising sheep for meat in cold regions during winter includes the following steps: Step 1: Obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the sheepfold, and set the threshold for the ambient temperature based on the physiological tolerance range of meat sheep in low-temperature environments. Step 2: Divide the ambient temperature into different low-temperature ranges based on the ambient temperature threshold, and control the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold accordingly when the ambient temperature enters a different low-temperature range, so as to keep the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold within the range that meets the low-temperature physiological needs of meat sheep. Step 3: When the ambient temperature is lower than the ambient temperature threshold, or when the number of consecutive days below the ambient temperature threshold reaches a set number of days, the feeding parameters are adjusted based on the pattern of increased metabolic energy required by the sheep to maintain body temperature, thereby increasing the energy supply ratio on the basis of the basic diet. Step 4: Based on changes in the external ambient temperature, coordinate and regulate the drinking water temperature and cold stress prevention and control measures to reduce the impact of low temperature environment on the physiological state of meat sheep. Step 5: When the ambient temperature rises steadily and continues to reach the set temperature recovery conditions, gradually restore the normal feeding parameters according to the preset recovery logic.
[0025] The low temperature range includes: the first low temperature range where the ambient temperature is between 0℃ and 5℃, the second low temperature range where the ambient temperature is between -10℃ and 0℃, and the third low temperature range where the ambient temperature is below -10℃.
[0026] When the ambient temperature is in the first low temperature range, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be controlled to be no lower than 8℃; when the ambient temperature is in the second low temperature range, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be controlled to be no lower than 10℃; when the ambient temperature is in the third low temperature range, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be controlled to be no lower than 12℃.
[0027] The number of consecutive days below the external ambient temperature threshold is 2 to 5 days.
[0028] Feeding parameter adjustments include increasing the metabolizable energy of the basal diet by 10% to 30% to compensate for the extra energy consumption required by sheep to maintain body temperature in low-temperature environments.
[0029] When the ambient temperature is below 0℃, the drinking water temperature for sheep should be controlled between 10℃ and 20℃.
[0030] When the ambient temperature drops by 8°C or more within 24 hours, cold stress prevention and control measures should be initiated.
[0031] Cold stress prevention and control measures include: increasing vitamin supplementation, shortening the duration of each ventilation and maintaining the air exchange frequency, and at least one of the following measures to enhance sheepfold insulation: increasing insulation layers, reducing direct cold air flow, or improving the insulation performance of the enclosure structure.
[0032] The temperature recovery condition is set when the ambient temperature is higher than the ambient temperature threshold for at least two consecutive days.
[0033] The ambient temperature and the temperature inside the sheepfold are obtained through temperature monitoring devices or through manual, timed measurements. In cold northern regions, fattening sheep weighing 25-35 kg were selected for winter stall feeding. The ambient temperature was monitored in real time using a temperature monitoring device.
[0034] When the ambient temperature remains below 0°C for three consecutive days, a sustained low-temperature state is declared. At this time, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be maintained at no less than 10°C, and the metabolizable energy of the basal diet should be increased by approximately 20% to compensate for the extra energy expenditure required by the sheep to maintain their body temperature in the low-temperature environment. Simultaneously, the drinking water temperature should be maintained at approximately 15°C.
[0035] After the ambient temperature has been above 0°C for two consecutive days, the temperature recovery phase begins. By gradually reducing the energy compensation ratio and the intensity of environmental control in stages, the temperature is gradually restored to normal feeding parameters over approximately 3 to 5 days.
[0036] The "physiological tolerance range of meat sheep in low-temperature environment" in the present invention can be specifically embodied as the critical temperature model of meat sheep. This model comprehensively considers factors such as breed, body weight, coat condition, and wind speed. The core calculation formula can be referred to the following form: Basic critical temperature (°C) = a × (metabolic body weight coefficient) + b × (coat condition coefficient) + c × (wind speed correction coefficient) + d; Among them, a, b, c, and d are constants or coefficients determined by well-known experiments in the field. The metabolic body weight coefficient is related to the body weight of meat sheep (usually BW^0.75). The coat condition coefficient (K) is used to distinguish the cold tolerance of different breeds. For example, for Wuzhumuqin sheep (a variety with thick woolly coats), the K value can be taken as 1.0; for Small Tail Han sheep (medium coats), the K value can be taken as 1.2; for meat sheep breeds without wool, the K value can be taken as 1.5. The smaller the K value, the stronger the cold tolerance and the lower the basic critical temperature. The wind speed correction coefficient can be ignored or take a fixed value in a sheep house with good airtightness.
[0037] For example, for Wuzhumuqin fattening lambs with a body weight of 30±2 kg, the coat condition coefficient K = 1.0. According to the model calculation, its basic critical temperature is about 0°C. Therefore, in this embodiment, the external environmental temperature threshold is set at 0°C. And based on this threshold, the low-temperature intervals are divided: the first low-temperature interval: 0°C to 5°C (mild low-temperature stress), the second low-temperature interval: -10°C to 0°C (moderate low-temperature stress), the third low-temperature interval: < -10°C (severe low-temperature stress).
[0038] When the temperature monitoring system detects that the external environmental temperature enters different intervals, the following linkage control is started: Scenario A: The external temperature drops to the first low-temperature interval (for example, 3°C) Environmental control: Immediately start the first-level heat preservation measures (such as closing some ventilation windows) to ensure that the environmental temperature in the sheep house is stable at no less than 8°C.
[0039] Feeding adjustment: Since the temperature has just exceeded the critical point and the metabolic energy requirement begins to increase. From now on, based on the basic diet (the metabolic energy is set as the benchmark 100%), the energy supply of the diet is increased by 10%.
[0040] Scenario B: The external temperature drops to the second low-temperature interval (for example, -5°C), and the number of consecutive days below 0°C reaches 2 days.
[0041] Environmental control: Start the second-level heat preservation measures (such as enabling a warm air furnace for auxiliary heating) to ensure that the environmental temperature in the sheep house is stable at no less than 10°C.
[0042] Feeding adjustments: Due to the increased severity and duration of low temperatures, energy consumption has significantly increased. The dietary energy supply will be further increased from 10% to 20%.
[0043] Scenario C: The outside temperature drops to the third lowest temperature range (e.g., -15℃). Environmental control: Activate the highest level of insulation measures (such as full heating, check and seal all air leaks) to ensure that the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold is stable at no less than 12℃.
[0044] Feeding adjustments: Under extreme cold conditions, energy requirements reach their peak to maintain body temperature. Increase dietary energy supply to 30%.
[0045] Throughout the winter, as long as the ambient temperature is below 0℃, the drinking water temperature for the sheep is controlled at 10℃ to 20℃ using a constant temperature waterer to reduce the heat loss caused by the sheep drinking ice water.
[0046] If the outside temperature drops sharply from -5°C to -13°C within 24 hours, a decrease of 8°C, cold stress prevention and control measures should be immediately activated, including: Nutritional supplementation: Add extra multivitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin E, to the diet.
[0047] Ventilation management: Reduce the duration of a single ventilation session from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, but maintain the total number of ventilation sessions per day to ensure air exchange efficiency while reducing direct cold air blowing.
[0048] Enhance insulation: Temporarily hang insulation curtains on the windward side of the sheepfold.
[0049] When the ambient temperature remains consistently above 0°C for two consecutive days (e.g., 2°C during the day, -1°C at night, with an average temperature above 0°C), the conditions for temperature recovery are considered met. At this point, the feeding parameters are gradually restored, with the plan to complete the process within four days.
[0050] Days 1-2: Reduce the energy compensation ratio from the current 20% to 10%, and relax the indoor temperature control target from no less than 10℃ to no less than 8℃.
[0051] Days 3-4: Stop energy compensation and resume basic diet; turn off auxiliary heating equipment and only maintain basic insulation to allow the temperature inside the shed to gradually balance with the ambient temperature, and finally fully restore to the normal spring feeding parameters.
[0052] Through the above methods, the sheep maintained normal feeding and growth in the low-temperature conditions of winter, and no obvious cold stress was observed.
[0053] Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art and related fields based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described and explained in the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented according to conventional means in the art.
Claims
1. A method for raising sheep in cold regions during winter, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the sheepfold, and set the threshold for the ambient temperature based on the physiological tolerance range of meat sheep in low-temperature environments. Step 2: Divide the external ambient temperature into different low-temperature ranges according to the aforementioned external ambient temperature threshold, and control the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold accordingly when the external ambient temperature enters different low-temperature ranges, so as to keep the ambient temperature inside the sheepfold within the range that meets the low-temperature physiological needs of meat sheep. Step 3: When the ambient temperature is lower than the ambient temperature threshold, or when the number of consecutive days below the ambient temperature threshold reaches a set number of days, the feeding parameters are adjusted based on the increasing metabolic energy required by the sheep to maintain body temperature, thereby increasing the energy supply ratio on the basis of the basic diet. Step 4: Based on changes in the external ambient temperature, coordinate and regulate the drinking water temperature and cold stress prevention and control measures to reduce the impact of low temperature environment on the physiological state of meat sheep. Step 5: When the ambient temperature rises steadily and continues to reach the set temperature recovery conditions, gradually restore the normal feeding parameters according to the preset recovery logic.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-temperature range includes: a first low-temperature range where the ambient temperature is between 0℃ and 5℃, a second low-temperature range where the ambient temperature is between -10℃ and 0℃, and a third low-temperature range where the ambient temperature is below -10℃.
3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the ambient temperature is in the first low temperature range, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be controlled to be no lower than 8℃; when the ambient temperature is in the second low temperature range, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be controlled to be no lower than 10℃; when the ambient temperature is in the third low temperature range, the temperature inside the sheepfold should be controlled to be no lower than 12℃.
4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of days that are continuously below the external ambient temperature threshold is 2 to 5 days.
5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding parameter adjustments include increasing the basic dietary metabolizable energy by 10% to 30% to compensate for the extra energy consumption required by sheep to maintain body temperature in low-temperature environments.
6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the ambient temperature is below 0℃, the drinking water temperature for sheep should be controlled between 10℃ and 20℃.
7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the ambient temperature drops by 8°C or more within 24 hours, cold stress prevention and control measures should be initiated.
8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cold stress prevention and control measures include at least one of the following: increasing vitamin supplementation, shortening the duration of a single ventilation and maintaining the air exchange frequency, and strengthening the insulation of the sheepfold. The measures to strengthen the insulation of the sheepfold include increasing the insulation layer, reducing the direct flow of cold air, or improving the insulation performance of the enclosure structure.
9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set temperature recovery condition is that the ambient temperature is higher than the ambient temperature threshold for at least two consecutive days.
10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ambient temperature and the temperature inside the sheepfold are obtained through a temperature monitoring device or through manual, timed measurements.