The Shepherd’s Toolbox: Supplies to have on-hand before you need them

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:14 mins read

  • Loading

Fall and early Winter, when the seasonal workload lessens, is often a good time to focus on our sheep supply inventory. We usually think of this when getting ready for lambing, but as shepherds we should always be prepared throughout the year for emergencies, mishaps, and unforeseen circumstances. Having some key supplies on-hand can prevent undue delay in necessary treatment and management of your flock. Following is a list of important items shepherds…

Continue ReadingThe Shepherd’s Toolbox: Supplies to have on-hand before you need them

Pregnancy Diagnosis

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:7 mins read

  • Loading

There are various options for diagnosing pregnancy in sheep. The cost/benefit analysis for doing this procedure depends on what you are going to do with the information. Your reasons for doing pregnancy diagnosis will also dictate which method you want to employ. In general, the earlier in pregnancy the diagnosis is made, the larger the risk of false positive results due to early embryonic loss. If avoiding false positive pregnancy diagnosis is essential…

Continue ReadingPregnancy Diagnosis

Making Genetic Progress

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:3 mins read

  • Loading

As breeders of purebred livestock, attention to genetic progress should be at the forefront of our selection programs. The equation below summarizes the components that contribute to genetic progress. indicates change in genetics ( stands for change, G stands for genetics). Genetic progress can be improved by increasing those components in the numerator (Accuracy, Selection Intensity, and Genetic Variation) and decreasing those traits in the denominator (Generation Interval). Each component is described in…

Continue ReadingMaking Genetic Progress

Selecting for Maternal Traits Drives Profit

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:9 mins read

  • Loading

Katahdins are raised in diverse environments using a wide range of management styles and for a variety of reasons. However, there should be a few common goals in any flock. In addition to being a shedding hair breed, Katahdins have always been viewed as an easy keeping maternal breed. In recent years, many breeders have also begun selecting for parasite resistance to make the breed even more easy keeping. We know that the…

Continue ReadingSelecting for Maternal Traits Drives Profit

Transporting Sheep Safely

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:7 mins read

  • Loading

Summer is often the busiest time for transporting sheep since the buying and purchasing of new animals is at its peak. It is also the season for hauling animals to sales, shows, fairgrounds and livestock markets. Unfortunately, it can also be the most stressful time for animals with long trips, escalating temperatures, and crowded conditions. This article attempts to address some of those concerns and provide a plan for preparing for the trip,…

Continue ReadingTransporting Sheep Safely

Selecting Your Next Breeding Ram

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:4 mins read

  • Loading

Achieving genetic progress and meeting your production goals depend in large part on selecting the right breeding ram for your flock. No animal has greater influence on genetic progress (or lack thereof) than your breeding ram. Selecting a new sire should be considered an investment in the genetic future of your flock. We all know that the ram provides 50% of his genetics to his offspring and we often hear the phrase that…

Continue ReadingSelecting Your Next Breeding Ram

Selecting for Parasite Resistant Katahdins

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:15 mins read

  • Loading

People frequently ask us for suggestions on improving the parasite resistance of their flocks and how to identify resistant animals, and with good reason. Intestinal worms, or parasites, are one of the most limiting factors to profitable production for shepherds raising sheep on pasture. Lambs and late gestation and lactating ewes are the most susceptible. The main parasite of concern in much of the U.S. is Haemonchus contortus or barber pole worm. The…

Continue ReadingSelecting for Parasite Resistant Katahdins

Drug Withdrawal Times for Sheep

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:10 mins read

  • Loading

Whenever we sell animals, be it at auction, privately as feeder lambs, breeding stock or even just pets and lawnmowers it is our responsibility to make sure that the animals we are selling will not enter the food chain with illegal drug residues in their tissue. Animals that are sold at auction need to be ready to slaughter as many enter the food chain within hours or days after being sold. Private sale…

Continue ReadingDrug Withdrawal Times for Sheep

Weaning Management

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:4 mins read

  • Loading

Weaning can be a stressful time for both ewes and lambs. Since a lamb's immune system is not fully developed, weaning stress can negatively affect both a lamb's health and its growth rate. Weaning lambs while ewes are still producing a lot of milk increases the risk of mastitis. There are several ways you can help reduce weaning stress and other potential problems for both ewes and lambs. Determining when to wean should…

Continue ReadingWeaning Management

Polio in Sheep: A Medical Emergency

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:2 mins read

  • Loading

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM or Polio) is a common disease in sheep. Unlike the human form of Polio, it is not a viral infection, but a neurological disease characterized by brain swelling that, if left untreated, progresses to degeneration of brain tissue due to pressure necrosis. Early treatment is critical to lamb survival. A deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1) is the most common cause of Polio and is usually induced by a disruption in normal…

Continue ReadingPolio in Sheep: A Medical Emergency