sheeprearing

Sheep rearing, also known as ovine husbandry, is the practice of raising sheep for the production of meat, wool, milk, and other by‑products. Throughout history, livestock management including sheep rearing has evolved from hunter‑gatherer societies to commercial farms, often reflecting regional climatic conditions, grazing land availability, and cultural preferences. Early domestication of sheep is traced to the Fertile Crescent around 8000 BCE, after which they spread to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Modern sheep rearing integrates conventional management with technology-driven approaches. Farmers routinely monitor flock health, nutrition, and growth using herd‑management software, automated feeding stations, and genetic selection tools. Pasture management remains central; many systems employ rotational grazing to maximize forage utilization, prevent overgrazing, and reduce parasite loads. Supplemental feeding—typically grain or protein concentrates—balances nutrition, particularly during growth, lactation, or fallow periods. In cold climates, sheep shelters provide protection against extreme weather, and controlled breeding programs help maintain desired traits.

Wool production is a key revenue stream in regions such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, where long‑haired breeds (Merino, Romney) are prized for their fiber quality. Meat markets benefit from breeds like Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk, whereas dual‑purpose breeds (e.g., Texel) offer competitive performance in both wool and meat. Dairy sheep, such as the Lacaune and East Friesian, produce milk utilized in cheese manufacture.

Economic viability of sheep rearing depends on multiple factors: feed costs, labor, land availability, market price volatility, and disease management. Major challenges include parasite control, particularly gastrointestinal nematodes, and responses to climate change, which alters pasture productivity and disease patterns. Advances in genetics, precision nutrition, and integrated pest management are increasingly adopted to address these issues. Overall, sheep rearing remains a vital component of diversified agriculture, providing food, textiles, and cultural heritage worldwide.