How to Raise Sheep for Meat

Raising sheep for meat can be a rewarding and profitable endeavor, especially if you live in an area where such meat is in particularly high demand. There are several things to consider when attempting to begin raising sheep for meat, such as the breed, living conditions and feeding. However, with the proper knowledge and the right budget, you can begin raising healthy meat sheep that will be fattened up and ready for slaughter in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing
  • Veterinarian
  • Vaccinations
  • Feed
  • Sheepdog (optional)
  • Buyer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Educate yourself on the types of sheep that are best for meat. The best sheep to raise for slaughter are those breeds that grow to a substantial size and grow quickly. There are also several sheep breeds that are particularly resistant to diseases. Examples of ideal meat sheep breeds are Dorpers and Hampshires. Sheep that grow quicker are better financially because you will need to feed them less.

    • 2

      Understand the difference between a feeder lamb and a slaughter lamb. A slaughter lamb is one that is killed for its meat immediately. On the other hand, slaughter lambs are fattened up until they have reached an appropriate weight for slaughter.

    • 3

      Construct fencing for your sheep. You will need an area large enough to hold all of the sheep comfortably, five ewes per acre is considered a good rule of thumb, as well as two separate perimeters to contain your sheep and keep out predators. The first fence, called the perimeter fence, typically runs around the property and is made of woven wires and barbed wires. This fence is designed to keep predators out and keep sheep in should they breach the other fence, called the interior fence.

    • 4

      Hire a veterinarian in your area to monitor the health of your sheep and develop a vaccination plan for them. Depending on the breed you plan on raising, some are more susceptible than others to disease, and they will need to be monitored to ensure the resulting meat will be of suitable quality.

    • 5

      Purchase feed for your sheep in order to bring them to an ideal weight more quickly. Sheep will also eat the vegetative land on which they live, but complete pelleted rations or whole grain rations will be needed if you want a high turnover for meat sheep.

    • 6

      Consider keeping a sheep dog on the premises to protect your sheep. Though herding is not a primary concern, keeping your sheep away from dangerous animals is.

    • 7

      Contact local lamb meat buyers in your area so you will have a place to send your fresh meat once your sheep have been slaughtered. For more information, you could talk to other meat sheep farmers in your area and ask who their buyer is.