Genetics

Using CIDRs for Precision Management

Dr. Andrew Weaver, Extension Small Ruminant Specialist, North Carolina State University
(Previously published with the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK): March 1, 2025)

The use of estrus synchronization has many benefits. The timing and length of the breeding season is directly related to the timing and length of the lambing season. A more concise breeding season will result in a more concise subsequent lambing season. This can improve labor efficiency (minimize the number of nights you have to check the barn), improve uniformity of the lamb crop, increase average age and weight of the lamb crop, and allow for more grafting opportunities if needed. Additionally, if we know within a few days when the majority of lambs will be born, we can better time the start of late gestation supplementation, vaccination, and availability of labor resources reducing input costs. One thing to consider is Continue reading Using CIDRs for Precision Management →

Vaginal and Cervical Prolapse in Ruminants

Dr. Jennifer N. Roberts, DVM, DACT, Michigan State University
(Previously published online with Merck Manual Veterinary Manual: September, 2024)

(Image Source: Dr. Robert M. Lofstedt)

Eversion and prolapse of the vagina, with or without prolapse of the cervix, occurs most commonly in cattle and sheep (cows and ewes) and usually occurs in mature animals in the last trimester of pregnancy. A form of vaginal prolapse also occurs in dogs.

Predisposing factors include increased intra-abdominal pressure associated with the gravid uterus, intra-abdominal fat, and rumen distention plus relaxation and softening of the pelvic girdle and associated soft-tissue structures of the pelvic canal and perineum mediated by increased circulating concentrations of estrogens and relaxin during late pregnancy. Increased intra-abdominal pressure in recumbent animals may contribute to eversion of the vaginal tissue. Continue reading Vaginal and Cervical Prolapse in Ruminants →

Blending Technology and Tradition to Achieve Breeding Goals

Dr. Tom Murphy, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
(Previously published online with EAPK: November 22, 2024)

We talk a lot about tradition in the American sheep industry. Traditions aren’t stagnant, they get modified from one generation to the next as new information and insights are gained.

Nearly everything in modern sheep production – be that fences, milk replacer, or RFID readers – was at one time a state-of-the-art technology. Whether we choose to adopt a new technology is dependent on economics and those intangibles that define our unique perspectives for raising sheep in the first place.

From the dawn of sheep domestication until the last 50 years or so, the only available technologies to select replacement animals were visual appraisal and performance of the individual itself. We refer to this as phenotypic selection. Evaluating breeding stock in this manner has taken us from the wild mouflon to the thousands of breeds we have today.

At face value, Continue reading Blending Technology and Tradition to Achieve Breeding Goals →