Now, more and more farmers are getting involved in the sheep industry because sheep are less prone to sickness and require less investment.
However, choosing the right breed of sheep for novice breeders can be a challenging task as different breeds have distinct characteristics and varying levels of difficulty to raise. In this discussion, let's explore which is more suitable for novice breeders—sheep or goats. Sheep belong to a fine breed known for their delicious and meaty meat, as well as their high economic value for fur. Sheep exhibit a wide range of growth adaptations and possess good feed adaptability, making them easier to manage and breed.
They are highly fertile, often producing two lambs per litter, and the lambs grow rapidly, which is particularly advantageous for large-scale farming. Additionally, the meat price of sheep is relatively high, and there is strong market demand. By fattening the sheep to promote growth, sheep farmers can generate revenue at a faster rate.
On the other hand, goats are a sub-breed of sheep with coarser meat that may have a stronger taste and odor. The fur value of goats is also lower compared to that of sheep. However, goats exhibit greater adaptability to growth and feed and demonstrate resilience against hunger and thirst, making them hard animals.
They are also highly fertile, typically producing 1-3 lambs per litter. The cost of raising goats is relatively low, making it a viable option for small-scale farmers. In terms of economic benefits, both goats and sheep have their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, geographic variations in farming and the marketing of sheep products can influence the economic benefits of sheep farming. Therefore, the decision to raise goats or sheep should be based on the local context and the specific conditions of the area. The following discussion will explore how geography, marketing, and other factors can help determine the appropriate choice of goat breed.
Goat farming in mountainous areas is favorable due to the smaller size of goats, their lower feed consumption, slower growth rate, and relatively slower weight gain. Goats are popular among consumers due to their distinctive taste, making them a sought-after delicacy in mountainous regions. The price of goat meat products is almost twice that of sheep. Goat meat products cater to consumers in non-sheep farming areas. The southwest, southeast, central, and eastern mountainous regions are suitable for goat breeding. These areas feature high and steep mountains, ditches, aquatic areas, and dense trees—ideal conditions for small and agile goats.
Moreover, consumers in these regions prefer goat meat products over fatty sheep meat products. Therefore, goat farming and the sale of goat meat and fur products are more profitable in these non-sheep farming mountainous areas. Consequently, goat farming is the recommended choice for non-sheep farming areas in the mountains. When deciding between sheep and goats, the breeding purpose and economic situation should be considered. If the goal is economic gain, raising sheep can be a suitable choice, but it requires a certain level of investment.
Sheep command higher meat prices and are well-suited for the market. However, sheep farming involves higher costs and necessitates large-scale operations to achieve substantial returns. In contrast, breeding goats can be a viable option for those facing financial constraints. Goats are less expensive to raise, requiring minimal investment. Additionally, goats exhibit excellent growth adaptability, feed adaptability, and resilience against hunger and thirst.
Consequently, less energy and time need to be invested in their management. However, it's important to note that goat meat prices are generally lower compared to sheep, resulting in lower profitability when raising goats compared to sheep.
