J. THOMPSON AND H. MEYER
Throughout the production cycle, sheep producers must know whether or not their sheep are in condition (too thin, too fat, or just right) for the stage of production: breeding, late pregnancy, and lactation.
Month: June 2014
GOATS FOR HOME MILK PRODUCTION
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
When selecting a doe, there are three basic considerations: milk production, appearance and herd health. It is not necessary to buy a purebred doe if she is to be used only for milk production.
SAMPLING PASTURES FOR NUTRITIVE ANALYSIS
ED RAYBURN
With the increased use of rotationally grazed pastures and interest in improved livestock nutrition on pasture, there is need for standardized pasture sampling methods. To have a meaningful comparison between forage samples, the samples need to be taken and prepared the same way.
EFFICIENT HANDLING OF MEAT GOATS
SUSAN SCHOENIAN
Goats need to be handled for deworming, vaccinating, hoof trimming, sorting operations, and other occasional tasks. A well-constructed handling system or set or working pens will go a long way in minimizing the stress to both the producer and animals when these various tasks are performed.
GOAT BEHAVIOR
GOATWISDOM
Buck problems, fighting, training, milking problems, eating issues, and maternal aggression.
COCCIDIOSIS: DEADLY SCOURGE OF YOUNG LAMBS AND KIDS
SUSAN SCHOENIAN
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease affecting a variety of animals, especially mammals and birds. The causative organism is a microscopic, spore-forming, single-cell protozoa called coccidia. Coccidia are from the same class of organisms (sporozoa) that cause malaria. Sick lambCoccidia are sub-classified into many genera.
SHEEP FOOT CARE AND DISEASES
G.L.M. CHAPPELL
In order for sheep to efficiently convert forages to meat and wool, the condition of their feet must not become a limiting factor. The growth of sheep’s feet in temperate climates requires trimming and related care every four to six months.
Foot growth is affected by breed of sheep, soil moisture and soil characteristics. Sheep grazed on rocky, dry soil may not require the extent of foot care needed for sheep on soil that is free of rocks and higher in moisture content.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION FOR GOATS
ROBERT SPENCER
A.I. is an aid in breeding programs. There are numerous sires in all breeds available though A. I., allowing you to choose one that complements or improve those areas of greatest need in your herd. You can utilize bucks from miles away or bucks that are no longer alive. If you keep more than one breed and use A. I. exclusively, you will never worry about the wrong buck getting loose and breeding the wrong doe.
SCRAPIE— ANOTHER SPONGIFORM DISEASE OF SHEEP AND GOATS
TERRY K. HUTCHENS
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is among a number of diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals can experience significant production losses. Over a period of several years the number of infected animals increases and the age at onset of clinical signs decreases making these flocks economically unviable.
THE RUNNING OF THE GOATS AT SUNFLOWER FARM
AMANDA HILL
A YouTube video posted by a small farm in Maine has attracted quite a few fans. The video shows baby goats – or kids – playing chase with human kids. “The Running of the Goats” was posted by the owners of Sunflower Farm Creamery in Cumberland just one week ago and it’s already gotten nearly 2-million views on YouTube. The farm has 44 “kids” that by the end of the month will go to new farms or families, and a number of other goats they milk to make cheese. Farm owner, Hope Hall, says she posted the video as a way to show the adopting families what their goats looked like, but had no idea it would gain so much fame.
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