Rearing Requirements & Growth Stages:

• Breeds: Dorper, Merino, and indigenous breeds.
• Growth Stages:
• Lamb Stage (0–3 months): Milk feeding.
• Weaning Stage (3–4 months): Introduce solid feeds.
• Growing Stage (4–12 months): Focus on weight gain.
• Mature Stage (12+ months): Ready for breeding or market.

Best Practices:

• Housing: Dry, well-ventilated shelters.
• Feeding: Pasture grazing with supplementary feeds.
• Health Management: Regular deworming and vaccinations.

Suitable Locations:

• Highveld regions with adequate rainfall, such as parts of Mashonaland and Manicaland.

Pastures & Feed:

• Pastures: Clover, ryegrass.
• Supplements: Grain mixes and mineral licks.

Disease Management:

• Common Diseases: Sheep scab, internal parasites.
• Control Measures: Dipping and rotational grazing.

Market Demand & Export Potential:

• Moderate local demand for mutton and wool. Potential for export with improved production systems.

Profitability:

• Profitability depends on scale and management; integrated systems yield better returns.