Intensive constant temperature automatic control quantity nursing feeding method for large-scale angora goats

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of scale cashmere goat intensive thermostatic automatic control quantity nursing feeding method, belong to cashmere goat breeding technical field.The method includes according to physiological stage to carry out group on cashmere goat, in lamb supplementary feeding rest area set limit fence and gravity type automatic unloading feeding trough to realize lamb precise supplementary feeding, according to ambient temperature to regulate the proportion of concentrate in daily ration to promote rumen fermentation heat production, in supplementary feeding rest area lay down specific carbon-nitrogen ratio and moisture content straw bedding layer to make it mixed fermentation with lamb excrement, and mother and baby group timed lactation.The present application is through the synergistic effect of limit supplementary feeding, daily ration regulation and bedding fermentation, forms feeding, excretion, fermentation, counter-feeding closed loop nursing cycle, whole process does not need power, suitable for pastoral cashmere goat breeding large-scale grazing supplementary feeding and intensive production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cashmere goat breeding technology, specifically to a method for intensive, temperature-controlled, and quantity-controlled nursing and feeding of large-scale cashmere goats. Background Technology

[0002] Cashmere goats are an important economic livestock breed in my country's pastoral and semi-agricultural areas. The feeding and management level of their lambs during the nursery stage (from birth to around weaning) directly determines the survival rate, growth rate, and adult production performance. Currently, there are several technical approaches to feeding cashmere goat lambs during nursery: First, supplementary feeding technology based on the indoor environment, which involves starting to supplement lambs with concentrate or starter feed 10-15 days after birth to promote gastrointestinal development and digestive function; Second, zoning and isolation supplementary feeding technology, which isolates lambs from adult goats by setting up zoning pens or supplementary feeding pens to solve the problem of adult goats competing for lamb feed; Third, lamb insulation technology based on environmental control, which maintains the temperature of the lamb house by adding firewood or lighting stoves during cold seasons; Fourth, breeding technology that does not use fermented bedding, but purely utilizes microbial fermentation to decompose manure and generate a certain amount of heat. The aforementioned technologies have each solved some of the problems in the conservation of cashmere goat lambs, but they all have obvious shortcomings: the limited feeding devices and automatic feeding equipment mostly rely on electric power, and the rugged conditions of pastoral roads seriously restrict the promotion and application of the above technologies; at the same time, the limited feeding, diet regulation and environmental management in the existing technologies are independent of each other, lacking a systematic collaborative design, and the various technical means have not formed an organic technical linkage relationship.

[0003] Cashmere goat farming in pastoral areas also faces the following unique technical challenges. First, while cashmere goat lambs, especially winter lambs, have advantages such as high birth weight and strong disease resistance, their mortality rate remains high in low-temperature winter environments. Providing lambs with a continuous and stable body temperature in the absence of electricity is a key technical challenge restricting their survival rate. Second, to maintain lambs' body temperature and growth needs in low-temperature environments, it is usually necessary to increase the proportion of concentrate in the diet to increase energy supply. However, high-concentrate diets can easily induce rumen acidosis in lambs, leading to decreased feed intake and increased diarrhea rates, creating a technical contradiction of "adding feed to keep warm, but adding feed actually causing diarrhea." Third, although existing fermented bedding technology can utilize microorganisms to ferment and decompose manure and generate some heat, the fermentation efficiency is significantly affected by parameters such as the carbon-nitrogen ratio and moisture content of the bedding. In existing technologies, the bedding is only used as a passive medium to receive manure, without linking the lamb diet formula with the bedding fermentation conditions, thus failing to achieve synergistic effects between the feeding and bedding management stages. Fourth, current technologies for controlling lamb supplementary feeding amounts largely rely on manual experience or electronic weighing equipment, making precise control difficult in the absence of electricity. Therefore, developing a nursery feeding method that can systematically solve the above-mentioned technical contradictions, is completely electricity-free, and is suitable for the dual needs of large-scale cashmere goat farmers in pastoral areas for both grazing supplementary feeding and intensive production has significant practical and technical value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a method for intensive, constant-temperature, automatic, and quantity-controlled nursing and feeding of cashmere goats on a large scale.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: Firstly, a method for intensive, temperature-controlled, and quantity-controlled nursing and feeding of cashmere goats, comprising the step of dividing the flock into pens for rearing, wherein the method does not rely on electrical equipment throughout the process, and further comprising the following steps: S1: Based on the physiological stages of cashmere goats, the flock is divided into lactating ewe flock, lamb flock, growing flock, and non-pregnant ewe flock; the lamb flock is further divided into newborn lamb subgroups aged 0-7 days, lactating lamb subgroups aged 8-60 days, and weaning transition lamb subgroups aged 61-90 days; each group is raised in separate pens; S2: A lamb supplementary feeding area is set up in the lamb house. A limiting fence is set up at the entrance of the supplementary feeding area. The spacing between adjacent fence bars is 12-18cm. The spacing allows only cashmere goat lambs with a chest width ≤16cm to pass through, and prevents adult cashmere goats with a chest width ≥20cm from entering. A gravity-type automatic feeding trough is set up inside the supplementary feeding area. The gravity-type automatic feeding trough consists of a storage hopper, a discharge port, and a feeding tray. The discharge amount is controlled by adjusting the vertical distance ΔH between the discharge port of the storage hopper and the bottom of the feeding tray. The value of ΔH ranges from 5 to 15cm. S3: Adjust the diet formula according to the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is below -5℃, the proportion of concentrate in the diet of lactating ewes and lambs should be increased to 40%–50%. Among them, the supplementary feed for newborn lambs aged 0–7 days who suckle and the supplementary feed for lactating lambs aged 8–60 days should have a crude protein content ≥18% and a crude fiber content ≤10%; the supplementary feed for lambs aged 61–90 days during the weaning transition period should have a crude protein content of 16%–18% and a crude fiber content of 12%–15%. S4: Lay a 15-25cm thick layer of straw-based bedding material on the ground in the lamb supplementary feeding area. Before laying, spray warm water containing 0.5%-1% salt to control the initial moisture content of the bedding material to be 45%-55% and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C / N) to be 25:1-30:1. After laying the bedding layer, let it stand and ferment naturally without manual turning. Fermentation will start after the lamb excrement is mixed with the bedding material. The fermentation temperature at a depth of 5-10cm in the bedding material will reach 40-55℃, and this biological heat will radiate from the bottom up to the lamb's abdomen. The bedding material is used for 30-45 days. After the expiration period, it should be cleaned and re-laid. S5: Implement separate management for lactating ewes and lambs, set a daily lactation time period, and separate the lactating ewes after they enter the lamb pen to complete their lactation during the set time period.

[0006] In one specific implementation of the first aspect, in step S1, the lamb is weaned at 90±5 days old; the lactating ewe is a female sheep within 0 to 90 days after giving birth; the growing sheep is a young sheep from 91 days old to before its first mating; and the non-pregnant ewe is a female sheep from weaning to before its next mating.

[0007] In one specific embodiment of the first aspect, in step S2, the spacing between adjacent fence bars of the restraint fence is adjusted according to the age of the lambs: for newborn lambs aged 0-7 days and suckling lambs aged 8-60 days, the spacing is 12-14 cm; for weaning transition lambs aged 61-90 days, the spacing is 15-18 cm; the lamb's chest width is measured every 7-10 days, and when the lamb's chest width is close to the current spacing value and the feed intake decreases for 3 consecutive days, the spacing is increased by 1-2 cm.

[0008] In one specific embodiment of the first aspect, in step S2, a material control baffle is provided at the bottom outlet of the storage hopper of the gravity-type automatic feeding trough. The material control baffle changes the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet by manually adjusting the handle. The surface of the material control baffle is provided with scale markings corresponding to the feeding flow rate under different ΔH values.

[0009] In one specific embodiment of the first aspect, in step S3, when the ambient temperature is below -10°C, the proportion of concentrate in the diet of lactating ewes and lambs is increased to 45% to 55%.

[0010] In one specific embodiment of the first aspect, in step S3, the roughage in the diet is processed into a length of 1-2 cm by a manually driven chaff cutter.

[0011] In one specific embodiment of the first aspect, in step S4, the straw bedding layer uses at least one of corn straw, wheat straw, and rice straw, and the straw is chopped to a length of 2-4 cm; the temperature of the warm water containing 0.5%-1% salt is 25-40°C.

[0012] In one specific implementation of the first aspect, in step S5, the daily breastfeeding times are 6:00-8:00 in the morning, 12:00-14:00 at noon, and 18:00-20:00 in the evening, with three breastfeeding sessions per day, each lasting 40-60 minutes.

[0013] In one specific implementation of the first aspect, step S6 is also included: when the ambient temperature is below -15°C, an additional nighttime supplementary feeding is added between 22:00 and 23:00, with the supplementary feeding amount accounting for 15% to 20% of the total daily feeding amount, and the proportion of concentrate in the supplementary feed diet not less than 50%.

[0014] In one specific implementation of the first aspect, in step S1, the stocking density of sheep at each physiological stage is as follows: 80-150 lambs per pen, 60-100 lactating ewes per pen, and 80-120 growing sheep and non-pregnant ewes per pen.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention utilizes the physical screening effect of a limiting fence and the biological difference in chest width between cashmere goat lambs and adult goats to achieve precise grouping and supplementary feeding of lambs without electricity dependence. This effectively avoids competition for feed among adult ewes, ensuring adequate nutrition for lambs during key developmental stages from 0 to 90 days of age (0-7 days of birth, 8-60 days of lactation, and 61-90 days of weaning). Simultaneously, this invention dynamically adjusts the proportion of concentrate in the diet according to ambient temperature, utilizing the endogenous heat generated by rumen microbial fermentation to maintain the lamb's core body temperature. This transforms the traditional "environmental constant temperature" model, which relies on external energy, into a "body constant temperature" model, fundamentally eliminating the need for electricity supply during the nursery stage. This invention addresses the reliance on heating equipment. It utilizes lamb excrement rich in undigested starch and nitrogenous substances, produced after consuming high-concentrate diets, mixed with carbon-rich straw bedding under specific carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and moisture content conditions. This initiates a natural fermentation process, generating bioheat that radiates upwards from the lamb's abdomen. The lactobacilli and yeasts produced during fermentation enter the digestive tract as the lamb ingests the bedding, stabilizing the rumen environment. This transforms the traditional technical deficiency of "high-concentrate diets easily inducing rumen acidosis" into the advantage of bedding fermentation as a substrate, and converts the environmental risk of "lamb abdomens getting cold and causing diarrhea" into a resource for heat generation through fermentation. This achieves a counterbalancing solution to technical deficiencies and the recycling of resources. The bedding layer can be laid in fixed areas for lamb supplementary feeding and resting, achieving the same fermentation, heat preservation, and microecological regulation effects regardless of whether the lambs are grazing or stall-fed.

[0016] 2. In this invention, the three core steps of restricted feeding, diet regulation, and litter fermentation form a complete material cycle and energy transfer chain: restricted feeding concentrates lamb excrement in the litter area, providing a continuous and stable source of raw materials for fermentation; the high-nutrient excrement produced by diet regulation provides a carbon and nitrogen matrix for litter fermentation; the bioheat and beneficial microorganisms generated by litter fermentation, in turn, improve the lamb's abdominal insulation and rumen fermentation efficiency, thereby enhancing the lamb's feed intake and utilization efficiency. The increased feed intake further strengthens excrement production, forming a positive feedback loop that reinforces the closed-loop breeding cycle. The establishment of this cycle ensures that the steps are no longer isolated operations, but rather form a mutually reinforcing organic whole through the flow of materials and energy. Meanwhile, the high-temperature environment generated during bedding fermentation inhibits the proliferation of pathogenic Escherichia coli and coccidia oocysts in the bedding layer, reducing the load of contact pathogens in lambs from the source and improving the micro-ecological environment of the breeding site. The bio-heat generated by fermentation keeps the surface of the bedding at a low relative humidity, reducing the release of harmful gases such as ammonia, further improving the quality of lamb care from the perspective of environmental factor regulation. This invention requires no electricity throughout the entire process, relying solely on natural forces such as gravity and biological fermentation. All operations are completed manually or through natural processes, making it fully adaptable to the environment of pastoral areas with weak power infrastructure. It provides large-scale cashmere goat farmers with a low-investment, replicable, and easily promoted intensive nursery and feeding solution. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the synergistic effect of the core steps in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 This illustrates a method for intensive, temperature-controlled, and automatically fed cashmere goats on a large scale.

[0020] I. This invention provides an intensive, electricity-free nursing and feeding method for cashmere goats. This method does not rely on electrical equipment throughout the entire process. Through the synergistic effect of physical confinement, diet regulation, and bedding fermentation, it achieves precise supplementary feeding, body temperature maintenance, and intestinal health management for lambs.

[0021] (a) Step S1: Physiological stage grouping Based on the physiological stages and production performance of cashmere goats, the flocks were divided into lactating ewe flocks, lamb flocks, growing flocks, and non-pregnant ewe flocks, with each flock kept in separate pens. The lamb flocks were further divided by age into newborn lambs aged 0-7 days, lactating lambs aged 8-60 days, and weaning transition lambs aged 61-90 days.

[0022] Grouping criteria: The weaning age for lambs is set at 90±5 days. Lactating ewes are those within 0–90 days postpartum. Growing sheep are young sheep from 91 days of age to their first mating (generally 12–14 months old). Non-pregnant ewes are those from weaning to their next mating. The stocking density for each physiological stage is: 80–150 lambs per pen, 60–100 lactating ewes per pen, and 80–120 growing sheep and non-pregnant ewes per pen.

[0023] (ii) Step S2: Physical confinement supplementary feeding A supplementary feeding area for lambs is set up in the lamb pen. An adjustable-spaced restraint fence is installed at the entrance of the feeding area, with a spacing of 12–18 cm between adjacent fences. This spacing allows only cashmere goat lambs with a chest width ≤16 cm to pass through, while preventing adult cashmere goats with a chest width ≥20 cm from entering. The spacing of the restraint fence is adjusted according to the lambs' age: 12–14 cm for lambs aged 0–60 days (including newborn lambs aged 0–7 days and suckling lambs aged 8–60 days); and 15–18 cm for lambs aged 61–90 days during the weaning transition period. Lamb chest width is measured every 7–10 days. When a lamb's chest width approaches the current spacing value and feed intake decreases for three consecutive days, the spacing is increased by 1–2 cm. Chest width is measured as the straight-line distance between the two sides of the widest point of the shoulder blade when the lamb is standing upright on a firm, flat surface.

[0024] The supplementary feeding area is equipped with a gravity-fed automatic feeding trough, consisting of a storage hopper, a discharge outlet, and a feeding tray. The feed dispensing rate is controlled by adjusting the vertical distance ΔH between the discharge outlet of the storage hopper and the bottom of the feeding tray; ΔH ranges from 5 to 15 cm. A feed control baffle is installed at the discharge outlet at the bottom of the storage hopper. The effective cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge outlet is changed by manually adjusting a handle. The surface of the control baffle has scale markings corresponding to different ΔH values ​​for the feed flow rate. When ΔH is 5 cm, the discharge outlet cross-sectional area is small, and the feeding speed is slow, suitable for lambs aged 0-36 days; when ΔH is 15 cm, the discharge outlet cross-sectional area is large, and the feeding speed is fast, suitable for lambs aged 61-90 days. In actual use, herders can manually adjust the ΔH value by observing the amount of feed remaining in the feeding tray according to the lambs' feeding speed, generally every 3-5 days.

[0025] (III) Step S3: Dietary nutrient regulation The diet formulation should be adjusted according to the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is below -5℃, the proportion of concentrate in the diet of lactating ewes and lambs should be increased to 40%–50% to promote rumen fermentation and heat production to maintain the core body temperature of the sheep. When the ambient temperature is below -10℃, the proportion of concentrate should be further increased to 45%–55% to enhance the efficiency of rumen fermentation and heat production.

[0026] Nutritional standards for lamb supplementary feed: Newborn lambs aged 0-7 days primarily suckle their mother's milk and do not require supplemental feed. For the 8-60 day old suckling lamb subgroup, supplemental feed should consist mainly of easily digestible milk protein and refined energy feeds, with a crude protein content ≥18% and a crude fiber content ≤10%. For the 61-90 day old weaning transition lamb subgroup, the proportion of roughage in the supplemental feed should be gradually increased, with a crude protein content of 16%-18% and a crude fiber content of 12%-15%. Roughage in the diet is processed into 1-2 cm lengths using a manually driven chaff cutter—too long will affect lambs' feeding and rumination efficiency, while too short will reduce rumen fermentation and heat production efficiency.

[0027] Mass percentage of concentrate composition: The concentrate consists of corn flour (55%–65%), soybean meal (18%–25%), wheat bran (8%–12%), salt (0.5%–1%), calcium carbonate (1%–2%), and a micronutrient premix (0.5%–1%). Roughage is provided by corn stalks, wheat stalks, or rice straw. The roughage is processed using a manually operated chaff cutter, then mixed with the concentrate in the specified proportions before being fed directly.

[0028] (iv) Step S4: Fermentation of bedding material and microenvironment regulation A 15-25cm thick layer of straw-based bedding material should be laid on the ground in the lamb feeding area. It should be noted that for grazing-based farming models, the bedding can be placed in a fixed area where lambs gather for feeding and resting after grazing each day. Excrement produced by lambs during feeding and resting can also be effectively collected by the bedding layer and fermented, achieving the same microenvironmental control effect as in stall-feeding environments. Before laying the bedding, spray with warm water containing 0.5%-1% salt (temperature 25-40℃) to control the initial moisture content of the bedding to 45%-55% and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C / N) to be 25:1-30:1. The straw-based bedding layer should use at least one of corn stalks, wheat stalks, or rice straw, with the stalks chopped to a length of 2-4cm.

[0029] Key points for bedding fermentation: After the bedding layer is laid, it is left to ferment naturally without manual turning. Lamb excrement (digested products from the high-concentrate diet in step S3) is mixed with the bedding to initiate fermentation. Under conditions of a C / N ratio of 25:1–30:1 and a moisture content of 45%–55%, aerobic microorganisms rapidly multiply, and the fermentation temperature reaches 40–55℃ at a depth of 5–10 cm in the bedding. This biological heat radiates upwards to the lamb's abdomen, helping to maintain the lamb's body temperature in the absence of electricity.

[0030] Routine methods for judging the condition of bedding material: The fermentation status of the bedding material is judged non-instrumentally by color, odor, and temperature: (1) When the color of the bedding material changes from yellowish-brown to dark brown and emits a slight aroma of yeast, it indicates that the fermentation heat production is normal; (2) When the color of the bedding material changes to grayish-white and emits a foul odor, it indicates that the fermentation is inhibited. At this time, the proportion of easily fermentable carbohydrates in the diet should be temporarily increased by 3-5 percentage points (by mass) to increase the sugar content of the manure and reactivate the fermentation of the bedding material; (3) Temperature can be judged by feeling the warmth (about 40-55℃) by touching the back of the hand close to the surface of the bedding material or by inserting a thermometer. The bedding material is used for 30-45 days. After the expiration, it should be cleaned and re-laid.

[0031] (V) Step S5: Separation of mothers and puppies and scheduled breastfeeding management Lactating ewes and lambs are managed separately, with designated nursing periods each day. Lactating ewes enter the lamb pen during their designated nursing periods and are then separated from the lambs. At other times, ewes and lambs are kept in separate pens. Nursing periods are 6:00–8:00 AM, 12:00–14:00 PM, and 18:00–20:00 PM, three times a day, each nursing session lasting 40–60 minutes. Lambs are weaned at 90±5 days of age. Before weaning, the frequency of nursing is gradually reduced, transitioning them to a diet consisting entirely of supplemental feed and roughage.

[0032] (vi) Step S6: Nighttime supplementary feeding (optional) When the ambient temperature is below -15℃, supplementary feeding should be added between 22:00 and 23:00 at night, with the supplementary feed accounting for 15% to 20% of the total daily feed. The proportion of concentrate in the supplementary feed should not be less than 50%. The purpose of supplementary feeding at night is to maintain continuous rumen fermentation and heat production under extreme low temperature conditions, and to prevent cashmere goats from excessive energy consumption due to low nighttime temperatures.

[0033] II. Mechanism of synergistic effect among the steps There is an inherent material and energy cycle relationship among the key steps S2, S3, and S4 in the method of this invention: After the lambs consume the high-concentrate diet provided in step S3, some starch and nitrogenous substances are excreted in their excrement without complete digestion. This nutrient-rich excrement, mixed with the carbon-rich straw bedding from step S4, initiates natural fermentation under suitable moisture content (45%–55%) and C / N ratio (25:1–30:1). The fermentation process produces two effects: firstly, bioheat (40–55°C) radiates upwards to the lambs' abdomens, providing continuous warmth while they rest, reducing energy consumption and the risk of diarrhea due to low temperatures; secondly, the lactobacilli and yeasts that proliferate during fermentation enter the digestive tract as the lambs gnaw or lick the bedding, stabilizing the rumen pH (within the 6.0–6.8 range) and improving the digestibility and utilization of the high-concentrate diet from step S3. Meanwhile, the containment fence in step S2 ensures that only lambs can enter the supplementary feeding area, causing lamb excrement to concentrate on the bedding layer, providing a stable source of raw materials for the continued fermentation in step S4. Regardless of whether the lambs are kept in a fully indoor feeding or grazing supplementary feeding mode, their daily activities in the supplementary feeding and resting areas ensure the effective operation of the above cycle.

[0034] III. Examples Example 1: Winter nursing and feeding of Inner Mongolian white cashmere goats Test location and time: A large-scale cashmere goat farmer in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, conducted an experiment from November 2024 to January 2025. The local average daytime temperature during winter was -12℃ to -8℃, and the lowest nighttime temperature could reach -22℃.

[0035] Laboratory animals: Eighty lactating ewes of Inner Mongolian white cashmere goats (10–30 days postpartum) and their 80 newborn lambs (0–7 days old, initial weight 3.2–4.5 kg) were selected. The lambs were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 40 lambs in each group.

[0036] Experimental group procedures: The method of this invention is followed. A supplementary feeding area for lambs is set up in the lamb pen, with the spacing of the confinement fence adjusted to 13cm (the chest width of lambs aged 0-60 days is about 12-14cm), allowing only lambs to pass through. A 20cm thick layer of corn stalk bedding is laid in the supplementary feeding area. Before laying, it is sprayed with warm water containing 0.8% salt (about 30℃) to control the initial moisture content of the bedding to about 50%, and the C / N ratio to about 28:1. After laying, the bedding is left to ferment naturally without being turned over. The supplementary feed formula for lambs aged 8-60 days is: crude protein content 19%, crude fiber content 9%; after 61 days of age, it is gradually transitioned to weaning transitional supplementary feed. When the ambient temperature is below -10℃, the proportion of concentrate in the diet is increased to 50%, and 4% molasses is added to the total diet. Lactating ewes and lambs should nurse three times a day (6:00–8:00, 12:00–14:00, and 18:00–20:00), for 50 minutes each time. Lambs should be weaned at 90 days of age. Bedding should be cleaned and replaced after 40 days of use.

[0037] Control group procedure: Traditional feeding methods are used. Lambs and ewes are housed together in the same pen, without designated feeding areas, and they share feeding troughs. The pen floor is covered with ordinary dry hay bedding (approximately 10cm thick, with no control over moisture content or C / N ratio), which is changed periodically. The concentrate feed ratio is fixed at 30% and is not adjusted according to ambient temperature.

[0038] Measurement indicators and methods: (1) Lamb weight: Lambs were weighed on an empty stomach before morning feeding on the first day of the experiment (day 0), day 30, day 60 and day 90, and the average daily weight gain was calculated. (2) Incidence of lamb diarrhea: The number of lambs with diarrhea was observed and recorded daily. The criteria for diarrhea were that the feces were watery or mucous and had been present for more than 2 consecutive days. (3) Bedding temperature: The temperature was measured at 8:00 am, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm daily by inserting a thermometer into the bedding to a depth of 5-10 cm and the average value was recorded. (4) Feed intake: The daily feed consumption of the experimental group was recorded by gravity feed trough, and the control group was recorded by weighing. (5) Lamb survival rate: The number of lambs that died during the experiment was recorded.

[0039] Experimental results: ; The bedding material in the experimental group began to heat up on the 3rd day after laying, maintained between 45 and 52°C from the 7th to the 25th day, and gradually decreased to below 40°C after the 30th day. When it was replaced on the 40th day, the bedding material was dark brown and emitted a slight aroma of yeast. The bedding material in the control group did not show a significant temperature increase.

[0040] Results analysis: The experimental group lambs had a 20.8% higher body weight at 90 days of age compared to the control group (21.5 kg vs 17.8 kg), and an average daily weight gain of 25.5% higher (196.7 g / d vs 156.7 g / d). Analysis suggests that the experimental group lambs, having access to dedicated supplementary feeding through the confinement fence, had a 69.8% higher average daily supplementary feed intake than the control group (275 g vs 162 g), and adequate nutrient intake was the main reason for their weight gain. The incidence of diarrhea in the experimental group lambs was 66.0% lower than in the control group (11.5% vs 33.8%). Analysis suggests two main reasons: firstly, the bio-heat (46.3℃) generated by bedding fermentation radiated upwards to the lambs' abdomens, preventing abdominal chilling when lying down—a significant contributing factor to lamb diarrhea; secondly, the high temperature generated by bedding fermentation accelerated the evaporation of surface moisture, inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic Escherichia coli and coccidia oocysts. The survival rate of the experimental group was 10.0 percentage points higher than that of the control group (97.5% vs 87.5%), indicating that the method of the present invention can significantly improve the survival rate of lambs.

[0041] IV. Comparative Experiment Comparative Experiment 1: The Effect of Spacing of Constraint Fences on the Effect of Supplemental Feeding in Lambs Experimental Design: At a cashmere goat farm in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 120 Inner Mongolian white cashmere goat lambs aged 8-60 days (initial weight 6.5-8.2 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 lambs each. The spacing of the confinement fences for each group was set to 10 cm, 13 cm (recommended values ​​of this invention), 16 cm, and 20 cm, respectively. Other conditions (ration formulation, bedding preparation, and lactation management) were performed according to the method of this invention. The experimental period was 30 days.

[0042] Experimental results: ; Results analysis: When the fence spacing was 10cm (Group 1), some lambs with larger chest widths (chest width > 10cm) could not enter the supplementary feeding area, resulting in a lamb entry rate of only 38.3% and poor supplementary feeding effect. When the fence spacing was 13cm and 16cm (Groups 2 and 3), the lamb entry rate exceeded 93%, and adult sheep (chest width ≥ 20cm) could not enter, achieving precise supplementary feeding. The lambs' 30-day weight gain reached 6.9kg and 7.1kg, respectively. When the fence spacing was 20cm (Group 4), although all lambs could enter, adult sheep could also enter (entry rate 83.3%). Ewes competing for food meant that the actual feed intake of lambs could not be guaranteed, and the 30-day weight gain was only 3.8kg. The above results indicate that a fence spacing of 12-18cm is the key parameter range for achieving precise supplementary feeding of lambs in the method of this invention. A spacing below 12cm will prevent some lambs from entering, while a spacing above 18cm will not effectively prevent adult sheep from entering.

[0043] Comparative Experiment 2: The Effect of C / N Ratio of Bedding Material on Fermentation Temperature Experimental Design: At a cashmere goat farm in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, five bedding treatment groups were set up with C / N ratios of 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, and 35:1, respectively. Other conditions (bedding thickness 20cm, moisture content 50%, lamb density, and excrement volume) were kept consistent. Each group had three replicates, and the temperature at a depth of 5-10cm in the bedding was measured daily and recorded continuously for 30 days.

[0044] Experimental results: ; Results analysis: When the C / N ratio was 15:1, excessive nitrogen hindered microbial metabolism, resulting in a maximum temperature of only 38.5℃, failing to reach the effective fermentation temperature (40℃). At C / N ratios of 20:1 and 35:1, although the maximum temperature could reach above 40℃, the duration was short (8 days and 5 days respectively), and the fermentation effect was unstable. At C / N ratios of 25:1 and 30:1, the maximum temperatures reached 52.3℃ and 50.8℃ respectively, with 25 days and 23 days respectively above 40℃, indicating the best fermentation effect. These results suggest that a C / N ratio of 25:1–30:1 is the optimal range for bedding fermentation; within this range, the fermentation temperature is high and the duration is long, providing continuous and stable abdominal warmth for lambs.

[0045] Comparative Experiment 3: The Effect of Bedding Moisture Content on Fermentation Temperature Experimental Design: At a cashmere goat farm in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, five bedding treatment groups were set up with moisture contents of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%, respectively, while other conditions (bedding thickness 20cm, C / N ratio 28:1, lamb density, and excretion volume) remained consistent. Each group had three replicates, and the temperature at a depth of 5-10cm in the bedding was measured daily and recorded continuously for 30 days.

[0046] Experimental results: ; Results analysis: At a moisture content of 30%, the bedding material was too dry, inhibiting microbial activity, and the highest temperature reached only 36.2℃, failing to reach the effective fermentation temperature. At a moisture content of 40%, fermentation could begin but with limited effect. Fermentation was most effective at moisture contents of 50% and 60%, with maximum temperatures reaching 53.1℃ and 51.8℃ respectively, and the number of days above 40℃ reaching 26 and 24 days respectively. At a moisture content of 70%, the bedding material was too wet, causing water to fill the voids, resulting in poor aeration and anaerobic fermentation, producing a foul odor, and the highest temperature only reached 39.5℃. These results indicate that a moisture content of 45%–55% in the bedding material is the optimal range for fermentation heat production, within which microbial activity is highest and fermentation heat production is most vigorous.

[0047] V. Comparison of the effects of the present invention and the prior art Comparative Experiment 4: Comparison of the overall effects of the method of this invention and existing feeding methods Experimental Design: In a large cashmere goat breeding farm in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a total of 240 lactating ewes and their lambs (120 ewes and 120 lambs) with similar delivery dates were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups, with 30 ewes and 30 lambs in each group. The following four feeding methods were adopted respectively, and the experimental period was 90 days.

[0048] ; Experimental results: ; Results analysis: The method of this invention (Group A) outperformed the other three groups in terms of 90-day-old body weight (21.8 kg) and average daily weight gain (200.0 g / d), with the lowest lamb diarrhea rate (10.8%) and the highest survival rate (98.3%). Compared with Group B (traditional grazing supplementary feeding method), the method of this invention increased daily weight gain by 35.3%; compared with Group C (lamb supplementary feeding pen method), the method of this invention increased daily weight gain by 20.8%; and compared with Group D (electric heating nursery method), the method of this invention increased daily weight gain by 13.9%, and was achieved under completely electricity-free conditions, saving an average of 8.5 kWh of electricity per day. Analysis suggests that the method of this invention achieves precise supplementary feeding (exclusive lamb feeding) through confined pens, achieves endogenous heat production (rumen fermentation) through diet regulation, and achieves abdominal insulation and probiotic supplementation through bedding fermentation. The synergistic effect of these three factors is superior to the simple sum of individual techniques.

[0049] VI. Non-electric monitoring methods for the fermentation status of bedding material Since the method of this invention does not rely on electrical equipment throughout the entire process, the fermentation status of the bedding material is monitored and judged through the following non-electrical quantitative indicators: (a) Temperature Judgment Method: Insert a regular mercury thermometer or alcohol thermometer to a depth of 5-10 cm into the bedding material, let it stand for 3-5 minutes, and then read the temperature value. When the temperature is in the range of 40-55℃, it indicates that fermentation is proceeding normally; when the temperature is below 35℃, it indicates that fermentation is insufficient, and the moisture content or C / N ratio needs to be checked; when the temperature is above 60℃, it indicates that fermentation is too vigorous, and the surface layer of the bedding material can be compacted appropriately to reduce the aeration rate.

[0050] (ii) Color Judgment Method: Take a sample from 3-5 cm below the surface of the bedding material and observe its color. Normally fermented bedding material is yellowish-brown to dark brown; over-fermented bedding material is dark black; under-fermented bedding material is light yellow or the original straw color.

[0051] (III) Odor Judgment Method: Normally fermented bedding material emits a slight aroma of yeast or earth; under-fermented bedding material has no significant odor or emits a raw material odor; abnormally fermented (overly wet anaerobic) bedding material emits a foul odor or ammonia smell.

[0052] (iv) Judgment by touch: Grab a sample of bedding material, squeeze it tightly, and then release it. Normal bedding material will clump together when squeezed and crumble when released (moisture content approximately 45%–55%); excessively dry bedding material will not clump together when squeezed (moisture content <40%); excessively wet bedding material will drip water when squeezed (moisture content >65%).

[0053] Herdsmen can decide whether to adjust the ratio of concentrate in their daily ration (increase the sugar content of manure to activate fermentation), add water (if the bedding is too dry), or replace the bedding in advance based on the combined results of the above four judgment methods.

[0054] The preferred technical parameters in this invention are determined based on the following criteria: The spacing between the limiting fences is 12-18cm. Based on measurements of cashmere goat body size, the chest width of cashmere goat lambs (0-90 days old) is generally 12-18 cm, gradually increasing with age. The chest width of adult cashmere goats (≥12 months old) is generally 20-28 cm. A spacing of 12-18 cm can accommodate the passage needs of lambs at all ages while effectively preventing adult goats from entering.

[0055] ΔH ranges from 5 to 15 cm. Based on the principle of gravity feeding: When ΔH=5cm, the distance between the discharge port and the feeding tray is close, the feed accumulation angle is large, and the feeding speed is slow (approximately 50-80g / min), suitable for young lambs with weak feeding ability; when ΔH=15cm, the distance between the discharge port and the feeding tray is far, the feed accumulation angle is small, and the feeding speed is fast (approximately 150-200g / min), suitable for older lambs with strong feeding ability. When ΔH<5cm, the feeding is too slow, resulting in insufficient feed intake by lambs; when ΔH>15cm, the feeding is too fast, causing feed waste.

[0056] The C / N ratio of the bedding material is 25:1 to 30:1. According to the principles of composting microbiology, the optimal C / N ratio for microbial fermentation is 25:1 to 30:1. Within this range, microbial reproduction is fastest and heat production efficiency is highest. When the C / N ratio is too low (<20:1), nitrogen is excessive, and microbial metabolism is hindered; when the C / N ratio is too high (>35:1), nitrogen is insufficient, and microbial reproduction is limited.

[0057] The moisture content of the bedding material is 45%–55%. According to the theory of aerobic composting, when the moisture content is 45%–55%, a water film of suitable thickness forms on the surface of the bedding particles, which ensures both the moisture required for microbial metabolism and sufficient gaps between the particles for oxygen diffusion. When the moisture content is <40%, microbial activity is inhibited; when the moisture content is >65%, the pores are filled with water, and the system enters an anaerobic state.

[0058] The padding thickness is 15-25cm. Based on the principles of heat transfer and the resting behavior of lambs, when the thickness is less than 15cm, the bio-heat generated during fermentation is easily lost and cannot be effectively radiated to the lamb's abdomen; when the thickness is greater than 25cm, the lower layer of bedding is too compacted, resulting in poor ventilation and insufficient fermentation.

[0059] This invention is applicable to large-scale cashmere goat farmers in pastoral areas with no electricity or unstable power supply. Applicable breeds include, but are not limited to, major cashmere goat breeds such as Inner Mongolian White Cashmere Goat, Liaoning Cashmere Goat, Shaanxi White Cashmere Goat, and Albas White Cashmere Goat. The method does not rely on any electrical equipment throughout the process; each step is driven by human power or gravity, making it particularly suitable for pastoral farming environments with insufficient power grid coverage and extremely low winter temperatures.

[0060] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for intensive, temperature-controlled, and automatically managed feeding of cashmere goats on a large scale, comprising the step of dividing the flock into pens for rearing, characterized in that, The method does not rely on electrical equipment throughout and also includes the following steps: S1: Based on the physiological stages of cashmere goats, the flock is divided into lactating ewe flock, lamb flock, growing flock, and non-pregnant ewe flock; the lamb flock is further divided into newborn lamb subgroups aged 0-7 days, lactating lamb subgroups aged 8-60 days, and weaning transition lamb subgroups aged 61-90 days; each group is raised in separate pens; S2: A lamb supplementary feeding area is set up in the lamb house. A limiting fence is set up at the entrance of the supplementary feeding area. The spacing between adjacent fence bars is 12-18cm. The spacing allows only cashmere goat lambs with a chest width ≤16cm to pass through, and prevents adult cashmere goats with a chest width ≥20cm from entering. A gravity-type automatic feeding trough is set up inside the supplementary feeding area. The gravity-type automatic feeding trough consists of a storage hopper, a discharge port, and a feeding tray. The discharge amount is controlled by adjusting the vertical distance ΔH between the discharge port of the storage hopper and the bottom of the feeding tray. The value of ΔH ranges from 5 to 15cm. S3: Adjust the diet formula according to the ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is below -5℃, the proportion of concentrate in the diet of lactating ewes and lambs should be increased to 40%–50%. Among them, the supplementary feed for newborn lambs aged 0–7 days who suckle and the supplementary feed for lactating lambs aged 8–60 days should have a crude protein content ≥18% and a crude fiber content ≤10%; the supplementary feed for lambs aged 61–90 days during the weaning transition period should have a crude protein content of 16%–18% and a crude fiber content of 12%–15%. S4: Lay a 15-25cm thick layer of straw-based bedding material on the ground in the lamb supplementary feeding area. Before laying, spray warm water containing 0.5%-1% salt to control the initial moisture content of the bedding material to be 45%-55% and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C / N) to be 25:1-30:

1. After laying the bedding layer, let it stand and ferment naturally without manual turning. Fermentation will start after the lamb excrement is mixed with the bedding material. The fermentation temperature at a depth of 5-10cm in the bedding material will reach 40-55℃, and this biological heat will radiate from the bottom up to the lamb's abdomen. The bedding material is used for 30-45 days. After the expiration period, it should be cleaned and re-laid. S5: Lactating ewes and lambs are managed in separate groups. A lactating period is set every day. Lactating ewes enter the lamb pen during the set period to complete their lactation and then are separated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the lambs are weaned at 90±5 days old; lactating ewes are ewes within 0 to 90 days after giving birth; growing sheep are young sheep from 91 days old to before their first mating; and non-pregnant ewes are ewes from weaning to their next mating.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the spacing between adjacent fence bars of the restraint fence is adjusted according to the age of the lambs: 12-14 cm for newborn lambs aged 0-7 days and suckling lambs aged 8-60 days; 15-18 cm for weaning transition lambs aged 61-90 days; the lamb chest width is measured every 7-10 days, and when the lamb chest width is close to the current spacing value and the feed intake decreases for 3 consecutive days, the spacing is increased by 1-2 cm.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, a material control baffle is installed at the bottom outlet of the storage hopper of the gravity-type automatic feeding trough. The effective cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is changed by manually adjusting the handle of the material control baffle. The surface of the material control baffle is marked with scale markings corresponding to the feeding flow rate under different ΔH values.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, when the ambient temperature is below -10℃, the proportion of concentrate in the diet of lactating ewes and lambs is increased to 45% to 55%.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the roughage in the diet is processed into a length of 1-2 cm by a manually driven chaff cutter.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the straw bedding layer uses at least one of corn straw, wheat straw, and rice straw, and the straw is chopped to a length of 2-4 cm; the temperature of the warm water containing 0.5%-1% salt is 25-40℃.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, the daily breastfeeding times are 6:00-8:00 in the morning, 12:00-14:00 at noon, and 18:00-20:00 in the evening, with three breastfeeding sessions per day, each lasting 40-60 minutes.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes step S6: When the ambient temperature is below -15℃, add a nighttime supplementary feeding between 22:00 and 23:00, with the supplementary feeding amount accounting for 15% to 20% of the total daily feeding amount, and the proportion of concentrate in the supplementary feed diet not less than 50%.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the stocking density of sheep at each physiological stage is as follows: 80-150 lambs per pen, 60-100 lactating ewes per pen, and 80-120 growing sheep and non-pregnant ewes per pen.

Images