GAP 21: Sheep in Sweden

GAP21 stands for ‘Global Animal Production in the 21 Century‘. No animal production system is perfect. Each culture has their own traditions regarding animal husbandry. Every country faces their own challenges. Let me show you what I have seen and learned thus far: One photo at a time.

In Scandinavia, sheep production is strongly bound to the climate. However,
there are different types of production systems used. Timing of birth of the lambs
is regulated by the time of year breeding takes place. Depending on the moment
that lambs are ready for slaughter, it is either called spring, autumn or winter
production.  The impact of the type of production is huge, since lambs born before
late spring, will need to be kept indoors over winter. Not only does this mean that
more space is required in the barn, there are also higher costs of straw, hay and labour.
Yet, this production system is not uncommon. The lambs on the photo had spent
their lives indoor thus far; their first day outside was a joy to watch!

Rosan