The arrival of Spring brings thoughts of new life in many forms…the first brave flowers, buds on the trees and the cheerful green of new grass. However, nothing says Spring more than newborn lambs in all their bouncy, soft and adorable glory. I spoke with two Cape May County 4-H members who are raising lambs this spring to learn what it is like to raise their own lambs … [Read more...]
Improve Your Herd with Good Record Keeping
Record keeping is an important aspect of sheep production. It helps to identify which lambs should be kept as flock replacements, which ewes should be kept in your flock or culled, and which rams sire the best lambs. The National Scrapie Eradication Program requires producers to keep records on all animal dispositions (sheep that leave your flock) for five years. As a 4-H … [Read more...]
Sheep Identification – USDA Requirements
Proper identification is an important aspect of raising sheep. Whether you are a 4-H member raising only one market lamb per year or working toward establishing your own breeding operation, you will need to know U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) identification requirements and NJ Division of Animal Health rules. Scrapie Identification is required by the USDA for almost … [Read more...]
The Importance of Show Ring Etiquette
Etiquette is the customary and polite way to conduct yourself in the show ring. Good etiquette makes the show run smoothly, resulting in a less stressful experience for showmen and animals alike. When exhibitors are courteous and polite, the judge notices. Lack of understanding of basic show ring etiquette or deliberately thoughtless behavior disrupts the show and demonstrates … [Read more...]
Sportsmanship…Always a Priority!
Sportsmanship is defined as “conduct becoming to an individual involving fair and honest competition, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of results.” Focusing on what you can learn makes you a better competitor and helps you improve your animal projects. Your behavior in the show ring reflects your behavior in life. Sportsmanship is a reflection of your character and … [Read more...]
Sheep Showmanship: A Basic Guide
Now that it is fair time in New Jersey, it is important to know how to display the lambs or sheep you have worked so hard to raise. Showmanship is the ability of an exhibitor to present an animal effectively and competitively in the show ring. A good showman can actually improve his or her placing in a breed class just by good handling skills. It sounds simple, but the best … [Read more...]
Understanding and Treating Sheep Hoof Ailments
Lameness in sheep is not uncommon and can be caused by a range of issues in the hoof. A sheep may favor a hoof due to a small injury or improperly trimmed hooves, but in most cases, lameness indicates an infection. Animals with hoof infections such as footrot suffer from lameness, decreased weight gain, and poor wool growth. Many hoof ailments are contagious and require quick … [Read more...]
Putting Your Best Foot Forward! Trimming Hooves
Proper hoof care is essential for healthy sheep. Hooves are literally the foundation on which your sheep stands. Preventative care and maintenance can reduce costly and detrimental health issues in your flock. Hoof health problems lead to lameness, decreased weight gain, reduced milk production and reduced wool production. Lame animals spend more time lying down, and do not … [Read more...]
Good Nutrition – the Key to Lambing Success
Investing in proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating ewes saves both time and money in the long run. Ewes in good body condition prior to delivery have healthier lambs and fewer complications than underweight or overweight ewes. As 70% of fetal lamb growth occurs in the last five weeks of pregnancy, it is important to increase feed for ewes at this time. After lambing, it … [Read more...]
Preparing for Lambing
Once your ewes are getting close to their due date, which is approximately 4-1/2 to 5 months after being bred, you need to have your barn ready. You want to protect the newborn lambs from the elements for the first few days or weeks. They always seem to be born on the coldest day of the year! Approximately a month before lambing, it’s recommended to vaccinate the mothers … [Read more...]