By: Purdue Sheep and Goat Extension
Join us for the last 4 Purdue Extension Small Ruminant Team Lunch N Learn Webinars!
May 7–Preventing Diseases in Sheep and Goats
May 14–Parasite Management
May 21–Hoof Care
May 28–Transportation Safety
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Where to Test Your Wool
By: Leif Bakken
As many in the industry learned during the American Sheep Industry Annual Convention in January, this year will be a transitional year for the testing of American wool.
Texas A&M AgriLife is in the process of turning its existing wool testing facility into a commercially viable lab that will be able to handle the needs of the American wool industry. But the facility won’t be fully functional in time for the spring 2020 season. In the meantime, the New Zealand Wool Testing Authority Laboratory will provide testing services.
Lamb Management During Poor Marketing Conditions
By: Shelby Filley
Some years the market for feeder and slaughter lamb prices isn’t very strong. Detailed information can be found in market reports. By looking at the Seasonal price index on feeders and slaughter lambs you can follow past trends in prices. However, there is no indication that these trends will hold true or that there will be any improvement in prices in the immediate future.
American Sheep Industry Association’s Response to the Impact of COVID-19
By: American Sheep Industry Association
The following is a link to a page where more specific information can be found regarding COVID-19 resources for sheep and goat managers and producers. These resources include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, etc. These resources are meant to help producers manage their meat and wool operations during the pandemic.
What to Do About Mold in Feed
By: Erika Lyon
Now that we are getting into the summer months, moldy feed might not be on your mind right now, especially if your livestock are grazing. But now is a great time to be cognizant of the conditions that lead to moldy feed in the winter months. The conditions that forages are grown and harvested in can determine the risk of mold developing later in storage.
7 Common Fencing Mistakes
By: Alaina Burt
Have your pastures began to green up with the recent warm temperatures and as a result have decide to turn your animals out onto pasture? When is the last time that you checked the fence line along the tree or property line? Do you use some form of electric fence to keep livestock in and wildlife out? As we begin to plan for the 2020 grazing season, the quality of your fence will play a huge role in the success of your grazing season.
Wool Marketing
By: Susan Schoenian
Most sheep grow wool that needs to be harvested at least annually. It is not uncommon to shear some of the longer-wooled breeds twice a year. Although some breeds have more valuable wool than others, all wool has value and should be prepared properly to maximize its return.
In some sheep operations, wool comprises a significant portion of the income to the enterprise. In other operations, it may be a by-product of lamb production or even a cost of production. Hair sheep do not produce salable fiber.
Wool was the first commodity to be traded internationally. It figures prominently in the history of the United States and many other countries, especially the United Kingdom. It is still important to the agricultural economies of many countries.
General Goat Behavioral Patterns
By: GOATS
Goats tend to browse forages and legumes rather than graze them. This eating behavior makes them uniquely different from many other domestic ruminants. Goats will graze and browse vegetation selectively when given free range, but under confined or controlled conditions, their preference for browse of trees and shrubs intensifies. Goats seek variation in the consumption of vegetation, oftentimes consuming many plants that cattle and other livestock prefer not to ingest. This preferential eating behavior of goats lends itself favorably to the production management concept of inter-species or rotational grazing.
Assessing the Physical Condition of the Goat
By: GOATS
Listed below are brief explanations to guide a producer in evaluating a healthy animal. Any question about the condition or health status of an animal should be referred to a veterinarian; if in doubt, consult a veterinarian.
Wool Grades
By: Clay P. Mathis and Brian Faris
The potential range of end products that wool may be used for is dictated by many qualities, including fineness, clean wool yield, length, color, and uniformity. Consequently, these qualities determine the value of the raw product. Fineness, or grade, is of primary importance in determining market value of raw wool. Finer (smaller diameter) wools usually are associated with more expensive, lighter weight fabrics, while coarser-fibered wools (larger diameter) usually are used in bulkier sweaters, blankets, and carpets.
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