Best Practices for Managing Awassi Sheep 6 -Sheep Selection

Abstract

This booklet is part of a ten-part series of technical Guidelines describing ‘Best practices for managing Awassi sheep’ – the dominant sheep breed in several countries across the Middle East. The series is targeted at sheep farmers and milk processors, and provides practical, easy-to-follow advice on managing Awassi sheep under dryland conditions. Efficient husbandry, feeding and milk processing are crucial in management of Awassi sheep in dry areas; but many small-scale producers are unfamiliar with simple productivity-enhancing practices. This series aims to fill this information gap, enabling farmers to increase their income from livestock while using resources more efficiently and sustainably. The series draws on the practical experience of researchers, as well as the extensive literature, to capture scientific and local knowledge in an easily accessible format in the local language. The bulletins are organized in accordance with sheep management calendar and describe the management of Awassi ewes during important physiological stages over the year. Supplementary guidelines provide additional information on each stage. The sixth stage is Sheep Selection.