Research Details
Growth Performance of Lamb Raised in an Organic Ecosystem
Corazon Diana Pastor, Benito Balneg, Rodel Banez
Category: Study
Status: Completed
Duration:
January 1, 2012 -
December 31, 2016
Brief Description
Sheep raising can be easily integrated with organic crop-based farming systems. While it may be a source of secondary income, it provides farm familities with meat and milk. Sheep manure is also used as fertilizer for the farmers' crop. Organic sheep production contributes to the alleviation of poverty of producers who rely on marginal land for their livelihoods, while meeting the increasing demand for organic products globally. Nutritional strategies that are naturally occurring, low cost and easy to apply can improve the productive performance of sheep and render organic production profitable and successful. Hence, this study.
Experimental Animals. Two mature St. Croix-Merino ewes, a ram, a female grower and a male breeder grower from different lineage to serve as a replacement stock were the initial experimental animals integrated with the organic farming systems.
Management Practices. Tje system of sheep production applied was the Integration into Organic Crop Agriculture. This system could be tethering, extensive, intensive and semi-intensive production.
Animal Health Aspects. Preventive management practices were always encouraged. Rotational grazing were practiced to avoid overgrazing and lessens parasitic infection. The use of synthetic medicines, antibiotics, vitamins, anthelmintics etc. were not administered.
Livestock Manure. Manure was collected daily at the sheep shed and brought into the farm or to the Composting Project where they were converted to organic fertilizer.
