Feedback: What to consider before keeping sheep

I WANT TO START A SHEEP FARM

I have a five-acre farm in Muhoroni where I plan to keep sheep for mutton.
1. Which breed would do well in the area?
2. Which feeds would you advise for the sheep in addition to normal grass?
3. Would you recommend any particular type of pen for the sheep?
4. Would you recommend an optimal number for a start?
5. Please also talk about diseases affecting sheep, particularly in the area, and advise on treatment and frequency.
6. Which market would you recommend I target for my product?
Chemelil

Muhoroni tends to be warm and hot than the adjacent Kericho and Nandi. I would recommend Dorper sheep and its crossbreeds with local breeds like Red Maasai.

The Dorper sheep and their crosses have faster growth rate and mature rams may reach 70kg live weight. In addition, the breed has hair and not wool making it less stressed by heat in such an area.

Sheep are grazers, depending on the grass. To increase the protein level in their diet you can plan to grow some fodder crops and trees like sweet potato vines and caliandra.

Commercial energy protein supplements can also be used. The sheep pen should be well ventilated, raised from the ground and the wall facing the direction from which the wind blows from sealed off.

The optimum number will depend on a number of factors. Among them, whether you only depend on the available land to support the animals or you will outsource some of the feeds.

I advise you to visit the sub-county veterinary office for updates on common sheep diseases and the vaccination programme for your area.

It is also advisable to attach yourself to a qualified vet for regular supervision of the flock. Butcheries and nyama choma joints remain the main markets to target.

Think of the local butcheries and those in the surrounding big towns like Kisumu, Kericho and Nandi.

Musyoka Duncan Mbai,
Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University.

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OUR HEIFER IS NOT COMING ON HEAT

I have a Friesian heifer that is now two years old. However, we’ve been observing it for the last six months but it has not exhibited any signs of coming on heat.

What could be the problem as we’ve been feeding it well (fodder, protein and minerals), but so far no positive results. Kindly advice on what we could do to stimulate it.

Pius Inyangala
Kitale

Heifers show oestrus when they attain puberty. It is possible your heifer has delayed in attaining puberty or has been having silent heats.

In perfect conditions, Friesian heifers attain puberty at the age of 12-14 months at 269 – 285kg live weight. Several factors affect puberty attainment in heifers including genetics, nutrition, and social cues.

Some heifers take much longer than others to attain puberty. If this heifer has not shown oestrus at that age, it’s important to contact a veterinary surgeon to examine it to ascertain its reproductive organs are normal.

He will also check your feeding regimen and determine its weight versus age. At the end of this examination, there will be an answer as to why there has been a delay.

Dr Jane N Mburu (PhD),
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Egerton University.

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CHILLI SEEDS

Where can I get capsicum and chilli seeds, especially the African bird eye?
Dennis

You can get African bird eye seeds from Mace Foods Ltd. Please contact them on 0720391290 or [email protected].

Capsicum seeds are available from Kenya Seed Company, Amiran Kenya Ltd and other seed companies in Kenya at your agrovet.

Carol Mutua,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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CONTACTS OF EGERTON EXPERTS

I want to get in touch with the following people from Egerton University:
1. Peter Caleb Otieno, Department of Crops and Horticulture.
2. Carol Mutua, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils.
Kindly advise if you have their e-mails addresses or mobile phone numbers.
Sam

You can contact them through [email protected] and [email protected].

Carol Mutua,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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VANILLA BEAN PODS

I’m interested in purchasing locally grown vanilla bean pods. I understand there are farmers growing this product in Coast region.

Charity Siganga

Please contact Signature Spice through 0712912229.

Carol Mutua,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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WHAT TO PLANT IN ELDORET

I am wondering what I can plant on my farm in Kamagut village, Eldoret.
Joanne

The choice of the crop to plant in the North Rift depends on the size of land and the resources you have. For a large land owner, wheat and maize production is still relatively profitable.

Apart from the ability to produce the crop, you should also consider the market availability for your produce.

Sylvans Ochola,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University

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DISEASE HAS ATTACKED MY SPINACH, MANAGU

I have planted a variety of vegetables such as spinach, sukuma wiki, managu and courgettes. Unfortunately, the spinach and managu leaves have been dropping leaving only the stalk yet the sukuma wiki are intact. 

Maureen Muketha

There are several potential causes of the problem you are witnessing. Kindly provide the picture of the actual condition for accurate advice.

Sylvans Ochola,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.