Sheep shearing techniques: tips for beginners
Sheep shearing is an integral part of animal care, which contributes to maintaining their health and increasing the quality of wool. The process may seem daunting to novice farmers, but with the right tools and techniques, shearing skills can be mastered quickly. In this article, we will look at the main stages of sheep shearing and give useful tips for those who are starting to engage in this business.
1. Why is sheep shearing important?
Before moving on to shearing techniques, it is important to understand why sheep shearing is necessary. Sheep with long wool can feel uncomfortable in the heat, which can lead to heat stress. In addition, thick and long wool can become a source of diseases, because parasites and dirt accumulate in it. Regular shearing improves the general condition of the sheep and helps to improve the quality of the wool.
Tip: Sheep are usually sheared once or twice a year, depending on the breed and climatic conditions.
< p>2. Sheep shearing tools
To successfully shear sheep, you need quality tools. Here are the main ones:
- Sheep shearer : the main tool that ensures fast and high-quality wool removal. It is better to choose professional machines with high power (from 300 W and above).
- Knives for the machine: it is important to use sharp and high-quality knives that can be easily changed or imprisoned.< /li>
- Scissors : used for processing hard-to-reach places where the machine may not be able to handle.
- Tool care : oils and brushes for cleaning the machine and blades.
Tip: Pay attention to the availability of spare blades and oil for lubricating the machine - this will help avoid delays in the haircut process.
3. Preparation of sheep for shearing
Proper preparation of the sheep is an important step that will facilitate the shearing process. The day before shearing, it is better not to feed the sheep so that they feel more comfortable during the procedure. It is also worth making sure that the wool is clean and dry - wet wool is more difficult to shear and can dull the blades.
Tip: Do not shear sheep immediately after rain or in high humidity conditions. This may cause the machine to break down and the quality of the haircut to deteriorate.
4. How to properly shear sheep: the main stages
Sheep shearing is carried out in several stages, and here it is important to follow the technique so as not to injure the animal and not damage the wool.
1. Fixation of the sheep
Before starting shearing, the sheep must be properly fixed. For this, you can use special racks or benches that allow you to conveniently place the animal. The sheep should lie on its side so that the shearer can work comfortably.
Tip: Fix the sheep calmly, avoiding sudden movements, so as not to frighten the animal and reduce its stress.
< h4> 2. Beginning of the haircutIt is better to start the haircut from the abdomen. This is the lightest part, where the wool is less dense and stiff. Then move to the sides and back of the sheep.
Tip: Cut in a smooth motion, moving from the head to the tail. You don't need to press too hard on the machine - let the blades do all the work.
3. Hard-to-reach places
When you get to the head, neck and legs, it is better to use scissors or a machine with attachments for more delicate haircut. These areas require special attention to avoid cuts and injuries.
Tip: Pay attention to the wool around the ears, eyes and udder - these are areas where it is best to work carefully to avoid damage skin.
5. Mistakes to avoid
Beginner farmers often make mistakes that can complicate the shearing process or damage the coat. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Improperly securing the sheep : If the animal is not properly secured, it can move, making the shearing process difficult and can lead to injury.< /li>
- Cut too deep : Try not to cut the coat too close to the skin to avoid cuts and irritation.
- Working with blunt knives : blunt knives not only deteriorate the quality of shearing, but can cause skin irritation in sheep.
6. Care of sheep after shearing
After shearing, it is important to take care of the sheep's health. Check the skin for cuts and treat them with an antiseptic if there are any. It is also important to ensure that the sheep are kept in a warm place after shearing, especially if the shearing is done in the cold season.
Tip: After shearing, you can treat the sheep with antiparasitic agents, because after removing wool, these procedures will be more effective.
Conclusion
Sheep shearing is an important process that requires certain skills and training. By using the right tools and following shearing techniques, you can quickly master this skill and keep your sheep comfortable and healthy. It is important for novice farmers to practice and gradually improve their skills so that the shearing is done quickly and efficiently.
