Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
SHEEP FARMING IN ISRAEL
Ofier LangerManager The Israeli Dairy School
Sheep Farming In the old time
• In Early Jewish history tending sheep was the choice profession of many of Jewish nation’s leaders.• The list includes such biblical greats as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rachel. • King David, too, herded goats and sheep.
3
• Loves technology• Seeks innovations • Demands individual animal information• Relies on automatic systems• Using management software –keep
records• Willing to share farm data & results
The Israeli Dairy Farmer today:
Traditional Vs Modern Farming in Israel today
The Israeli National Dairy Herd book
• 124,000 Israeli Holstein cows• 850 dairy farms• 64,000 dairy sheep and goats• 56 sheep farms and 81 goats farms• Local breeds – genetically improved• Well-adapted to the local environment
5
Genetic improvementImproved Awassi and Assaf breeds
Awassi genetic improvement of milk production
• Started on early 1930 with the local Awassi sheep breed (by that time 40 liter/year)• Improving husbandry and feeding and after a few years in the kibbutz reached 250 liter/year •Measurement once a month and collecting the data. On 1950, 10,000 animals in the herd book• The result is Improved Awassi with 550 liter/year
The Assaf breed• The East Friesian originating from northern Germany, did not succeed in Israel due to diseases (mainly pneumonia)• In 1955, researchers of the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) initiated a project to improve the fertility of the Awassi sheep.Measuring three main parameters:
• Milk production• Birth rate• Vitality
• A combination of 3/8 East Friesian and 5/8 Awassi emerged as the best cross• The Assaf breed gives less milk but higher lambs per year (1.6 per calving x 1.3 calving per year)
About The Israeli Dairy School• Israeli based organization• Our mission is to improve the dairy knowhow to dairy farmers and Dairy professionals based on the Israeli experience.• We hold short seminars in Israel
The Best from the Land of Milk and Honey
For more information about sheep farming
