Nutrition Throughout Pregnancy for Sheep Flocks

Melanie Barkley, Senior Extension Educator: Livestock, Penn State Extension
(Previously published with Penn State Extension: July 7, 2022)

Feeding the sheep flock is a critical aspect of sheep production and management. Good nutrition influences the overall health status of the entire flock, as well as the growth performance of lambs. This is particularly important throughout the breeding season and pregnancy. Sheep need to eat a balanced diet in order to be healthy and productive.

Proper nutrition starts with the six classes of nutrients. These six classes of nutrients include water, carbohydrates, lipids (fats), protein, vitamins, and minerals. The proper balance of these nutrients can be achieved with a wide range of feed ingredients. A well-balanced diet during pregnancy will help ensure embryo survival and can also lead to healthy and vigorous lambs at birth.

Water is by far the most essential “nutrient” in a sheep diet. Fresh, clean water should always be available. Stale or dirty water will lead to decreased water intake, which ultimately will decrease feed intake. Decreased feed intake will Continue reading Nutrition Throughout Pregnancy for Sheep Flocks

Goat Production: Care and Management of Newborn Kids

Dr. Uma Karki, Associate Professor and State Extension Livestock Specialist, Tuskegee University
(Previously published online with: Tuskegee University, Cooperative Extension Program, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, September, 2014)

Introduction
High survival and performance of newborn kids significantly increase the success of goat industry. The objective of good care and management of newborn kids is to minimize their death and enhance performance. In most situations, does take care of their newborn kids and minimum attention may be required from owners. Does with good mothering ability, ability to raise kids with no or minimum problem, and experience clean their kids by licking immediately after kids are born. Moreover, does nourish their kids by producing and letting kids suckle colostrum and milk. Additionally, does keep their kids nearby and protect them from other aggressive animals in the herd. Does bleat from time to time to communicate and get kids’ attention. Similarly, kids in a good health condition stand up, seek for teats, and suckle in about half an hour or so after they are born. All these actions of does and kids play a very important role to develop maternal bond – attachment between does and their newborn kids. Early development of maternal bond is crucial for the survival and growth of newborn kids.

Importance of Colostrum and Milk for Kids
Well-fed does provide enough Continue reading Goat Production: Care and Management of Newborn Kids

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

‘Solar Shepherds’ Earn Big by Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms

Dr. Joshua M. Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation and Professor, Western University
(Previously published online with Morning Agclips: January 17, 2025)

(Image Source: American Lamb Board)

Sheep-based agrivoltaics is a particularly good symbiotic system where every participant benefits, states Western University’s Joshua M. Pearce.

In today’s volatile economy, job stability can often be found in unexpected places — like returning to the traditional role of shepherding. Solar shepherds, who manage sheep grazing under solar panels, are part of a growing movement that combines agriculture and renewable energy — and offers high incomes in the process.

My recent study, conducted with Ivey Business School alum Adam Gasch and professional shepherd Rafael Lara from The Lara Costa, found that modern solar shepherding businesses in places like Ontario can pull incomes equivalent to doctors, senior engineers, or even lawyers.

These solar shepherds are the vanguard of a new type of farming called Continue reading ‘Solar Shepherds’ Earn Big by Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms

Preparing Small Ruminants for Kidding and Lambing

Michael Metzger, Michigan State University Extension Educator
(Previously published on MSU Extension, Sheep & Goat: December 09, 2024)

With kidding and lambing season upon us or right around the corner, owners should prepare their animals to get the best outcome.

Kidding and lambing season is here again and there are steps that owners should take to make sure their herd or flock is prepared. By taking the time to prepare, owners will mitigate issues that could arise, and they will be set up for the best possible outcome. With proper care and planning problems can be kept to a minimum as animals give birth.

Implement a vaccination program for your herd or flock
Four to six weeks before the animals are due to deliver, they should receive a booster with CDT vaccine and Bo-Se if not providing selenium through feed or mineral mix.

Monitor your feeding program to meet nutritional needs of the gestating animals
Does and ewes in the last trimester of pregnancy should have their feed intake monitored. As

Continue reading Preparing Small Ruminants for Kidding and Lambing

Preventing Metabolic Diseases in Pregnant Goats

Michael Metzger, Michigan State University Extension Educator
(Previously published on MSU Extension, Sheep & Goat: December 10, 2024)

(Image Source: Michael Metzger, MSU Extension)

Meeting the nutritional requirements of the pregnant doe can prevent serious problems at the time of delivery and support subsequent milk production.

Nutrition is important during all phases of production in all classes of livestock and is particularly important during the breeding season and the resulting pregnancy. Goats need a balanced diet to be healthy and productive, and water is a crucial nutrient that is often overlooked. During the winter months, it is important to maintain a supply of fresh water that is not frozen for the animals. This article will describe the nutritional needs of gestating and lactating goats and some common metabolic diseases in gestating females.

Nutrition and vaccinations during gestation
The average gestation period for goats is 150 days. During the first two-thirds of gestation, there is Continue reading Preventing Metabolic Diseases in Pregnant Goats

Recipes for Keeping Trough Water Running in Winter

Haley Campbell, Lecturer, The Ohio State University ATI

I’ve gotten the question a few times – ‘How can I prevent water troughs from freezing without electricity?’ Well, what a very good question indeed. First, let’s talk a little bit of chemistry. Adding salt to water when you’re boiling noodles increases the boiling point of the water, meaning the water is hotter than 212 degrees. This is the same concept with salt water and freezing point; salt water will freeze at a lower temperature than 32 degrees.

Soda bottle and salt or burying the trough are a couple of solutions 
Now that the chemistry is out of the way, it brings us to our first option – making a saltwater float. Using a 2-liter soda bottle, fill it two-thirds of the way with water and add 2 cups of salt, making sure it dissolves. After tightening the cap, place it in your trough. It should float (if it doesn’t, empty a bit of the solution) and break the surface tension of the water without freezing itself. Additionally, if the trough begins to freeze, the stock may learn to press on the bottle to expose fluid water. You also can use a soccer or basketball for the same effect. Continue reading Recipes for Keeping Trough Water Running in Winter