A - Z SOAL JAWAB MENGENAI BIRI-BIRI

1. WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHEEP REARING?

In line with the National Agricultural Policy, priority has been given to commercialised small ruminant cultivation. Integrated rearing in rubber, oil palm and other primary agriculture plantations is carried out to reduce the production cost.

This activity will and is currently being focused at potential areas such as FELDA, FELCRA, and RISDA plantations, including private plantations and individual farms.

2.WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF THIS INTEGRATED SYSTEM?

The advantages include fertilisation of the crops in the plantations, reduction of weed controlling cost between 20-30%, while providing a lucrative side income.

3. CAN THE SHEEP BE REARED IN OTHER AREAS APART FROM RUBBER AND OIL PALM PLANTATIONS?

Yes, provided there is a grazing area and the sheep does not damage the primary crop; for example in coconut plantations, fruit orchards and cocoa plantations.

4. WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC SCALE OF SHEEP REARING?

Reasonable returns, obtained by culturing at least 100 ewes. This objective may be achieved if the birth rate is 150% per year and mortality rate is not more than 5% per year.

5.HOW MANY SHEEP CAN BE CULTURED INTEGRATEDLY?

This depends on the age of the primary crop and the availability of grass/weed under the primary crop. Generally, rubber and oil palm aged 2-3 years can accommodate 3-4 sheep per acre. As the crop ages, lesser number of sheep can be cultured.

6. WHAT SHEEP VARIETIES ARE SUITABLE TO BE CULTURED COMMERCIALLY?

The imported Polled Dorset or Dorset Horn varieties are found to easily adapt in oil palm and rubber plantation areas. The Dorset Horn–local sheep or Polled Dorset–local sheep hybrids are currently encouraged for large scale cultivation based on their resistance towards diseases and better growth rates compared to the local sheep.

7. WHAT SHEEP VARIETIES ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR COUNTRY?

There are 3 groups:-

1. Local sheep (MALIN);
2. Exotic Species (originating from overseas);

• Dorset
• Wiltshire
• Romney
• Suffolk
• Corriedale
• Border Leicester

3.The hybrids of the breeds above.