Under the conditions of the Republic of Moldova, most sheep farms use a mixed feeding and housing system — “grazing-stabling”. This system includes 210–215 days of keeping animals on pastures, from April to November, and 140–150 days of stabling in shelters.

As shown in this table, the feed base will consist primarily of green mass obtained from grasslands, in quantities of 8–10 kg/head/day. For the grazing period, this amounts to around 200 tonnes for 100 sheep.

During the stabling period, the ration will consist of hay, preferably hay from leguminous grasses such as alfalfa, sainfoin and others, in quantities of 1.0–1.5 kg/head/day, or around 25 tonnes for the period. Straw, corn stalks and other roughages should also be included in the ration, with an annual requirement of 18–20 tonnes.

Unfortunately, corn silage is used less frequently in our country, although it would be beneficial, especially in the rations of lactating sheep. Among other succulent feeds, ensiled grape pomace can also be used successfully.

To better meet the animals’ nutritional requirements, especially for energy and protein, 0.3–0.4 kg/head/day of concentrates should be included in the ration.

It is very important not to overlook the animals’ need for minerals, namely macro- and microelements, as well as vitamins. This can be ensured by using 7–10 g/head/day of mineral-vitamin premixes and 12–15 g/head/day of table salt.

Sheep and goats are, as is well known, ruminant animals whose rations are based on green and bulky feeds. For this reason, only by preparing high-quality bulky feeds — hay, haylage and silage — can we expect high productivity and good animal health. Some measures for improving feed quality and digestibility are presented below.

Taking into account these periods, as well as the animals’ nutritional requirements, the annual needs of a flock of 100 sheep were calculated.

Considering the sheep breed, body weight, physiological status of the animals and the traditional range of feeds, several model rations are presented.

The development of a sheep farm depends directly on the success achieved in raising young stock. Intensive growth depends on the proper feeding of lambs from the first days of life. In the feeding scheme for lambs up to four months of age, concentrated feeds play a particularly important role during this period. Ideally, these should be in pelleted form and prepared according to special recipes that have been scientifically developed and tested. Examples of such recipes, developed at the level of invention patents, are presented below.

Success in raising sheep and goats in our country is directly linked to the condition of pastures and their rational use. The principles of rational pasture use and some rules for their proper management are presented below.

RATIONAL USE OF PASTURES

• preservation and improvement of the green cover;
• overseeding of pasture land;
• maintenance of the green cover: harrowing, control of weeds and woody vegetation, spreading of anthills/molehills and manure, application of mineral and organic fertilizers, irrigation, etc.;
• rational rotational grazing on plots using electric fencing;
• mixed use: pasture + hayfield;
• observance of the grazing period: beginning and end of grazing;
• organization of watering and resting areas for animals.