Evaluation of growth performance, cohort dynamics, and economics in sheep under extensive rearing management

Abstract

The 5-month trial evaluated the live-weight progress, targeted supplementation, and financial returns of eight sheep under an extensive rearing system. Under extensive management, grazing and roughage (including species like Super Napier and Hedge Lucerne) formed the primary forage base, supplemented with a concentrated grain mixture (16.9% Crude Protein) at 2% of body weight to support growth. Health management relied on strategic vaccination schedule and bi-weekly diagnostic fecal monitoring. The flock was divided into two baseline age groups: a younger cohort (89–96 days) and an older cohort (121–130 days). The older cohort achieved a higher mean body weight gain (17.78 kg) compared to the younger cohort (15.70 kg). Despite individual illness, extensive rearing yielded a net profit of ?33,500 with a Return on Investment (ROI) of 43.79% over 5 months.