Research Launched to Commercialize Talesh Sheep Farming in Gilan

Fuman – The head of the Gilan Agricultural Jihad Organization announced a joint research project to study optimal methods for raising and feeding Talesh sheep and improving their economic productivity.

In a conversation with Mehr reporter, Saleh Mohammadi pointed out the importance of Talshi sheep as one of the valuable genetic reserves of Gilan and stated: due to its special characteristics, this native breed has a suitable capacity for the development of animal husbandry in the province, but comprehensive and practical information about its optimal methods of breeding, feeding and productivity, especially in fattening conditions, is limited.

He added: the lack of scientific and operational information in this field can challenge the decision-making and planning process for optimal herd management and increasing economic productivity; Therefore, it is necessary to carry out targeted research projects to know more precisely the capacities of this breed.

Investigating new methods of feeding Talashi sheep

Head of Gilan Agricultural Jihad Organization, referring to the implementation of the male sheep breeding research project, Talshi said: This project was developed and implemented in cooperation with the Etihad Animal Feed Company of Gilan, belonging to the province's Livestock Farmers Union, and the Research and Training Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources of Gilan.

Mohammadi continued: The main goal of this project is to collect scientific and practical data in the field of male Talshi sheep breeding and to investigate ways to increase the production efficiency and economic productivity of this native breed.

He said that one of the main axes of this project is the enrichment of animal rations using spirulina microalgae and said: In this section, the effect of adding spirulina to the food ration on livestock growth indicators and quality characteristics of the carcass is investigated.

Investigation of feed processing with electron beam

The head of Gilan Agricultural Jihad Organization also mentioned the investigation of new methods of animal feed processing in this plan and added: The effect of processing food items using electron beam will be evaluated in terms of digestibility, nutritional value, reduction of microbial load and increase of feed shelf life.

Stating that feed quality is one of the factors affecting livestock performance, Mohammadi clarified: the results of this part of the research can provide operators with appropriate information to improve feed quality and increase livestock feeding efficiency.

He also listed the comparison of livestock performance in the use of feed in the form of mesh and flake as one of the other axes of this project and said: In this section, the difference in livestock performance in growth and metabolic indicators due to the use of different forms of feed is evaluated.

Compilation of the economic model of Talshi sheep breeding

Mohammadi named another important axis of the plan as the economic estimation and valuation of Talshi sheep breeding capacities and said: In this section, efforts are being made to provide a suitable economic model for breeding this native breed by collecting production and economic data.

The head of Gilan Agricultural Jihad Organization noted: Obtaining accurate information about nutritional needs, growth performance, carcass quality, feed efficiency and production costs can provide the basis for more scientific decision-making by livestock farmers and targeted investment in the field of Talashi sheep breeding.

He added: The successful implementation of this project can help in the preservation and economic exploitation of the genetic resources of Gilan, in addition to improving the technical knowledge of the province's animal husbandry industry, and provide the basis for the use of the capacities of this breed in the path of sustainable development of animal husbandry.