Reproduction

A Breeding Program for Fall Lambing

Gerlad Q. Fitch, Extension Sheep Specialist, Oklahoma State University
(Previously published by Oklahoma State University Extension: February, 2017)

There are many advantages to lambing in October and November in Oklahoma. Small grain pastures can be utilized by the lactating ewes, which have lambed during the mild fall weather. There are no parasite problems for the growing lambs, and the lambs can be sold on the high April and May markets before the summer heat arrives. The only lambs that need to be carried through the summer are replacement ewe lambs.

To accomplish this program, a strict schedule of breeding and lambing activities is necessary. Only certain breeds and breed crosses can be utilized successfully, and an efficient lamb growing and finishing program is needed. The initial program can be successful and reasonably profitable, but the enterprise will become more efficient and profitable if a productive line of ewes is selected.

The purpose of this fact sheet is to suggest a breeding and lambing schedule and a flock management plan that incorporates successful management practices. Suggestions are also presented for a mating system and selection program to improve the productivity of the flock over time. Continue reading A Breeding Program for Fall Lambing →

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 →

Off-Season and Accelerated Lamb Production

Melanie Barkley, Senior Extension Educator: Livestock, Penn State Extension
Dr. Jayson K. Harper, Director, Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center
Lynn Kime, Former Senior Extension Associate, Penn State University
David Hartman, Former Extension Educator: Livestock, Penn State University
(Previously published with Penn State Extension: January 4, 2023)

Sheep are ideally suited to small-scale and part-time farming operations in Pennsylvania due to their adaptability and nutritional versatility. Sheep can be fed a diet high in concentrates (similar to swine) or solely a forage diet. Furthermore, marketing opportunities are plentiful in the northeastern United States. Lambs can be marketed at any age and often vary in weight from 40 to 160 pounds, depending on the time of year and market demand. This publication will focus on accelerated production practices to take advantage of both off-season and holiday markets.

There are about 3,800 sheep producers in Pennsylvania with around 80,000 ewes, rams, and replacement

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Breeding Season Considerations for Sheep and Goats

David Brown, Livestock Field Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
(Previously published online with the University of Missouri Extension: October, 2023)

As fall season approaches, daylight begins to get shorter, and sheep/goats are ready for breeding. The breeding season should be an exciting time for producers because the number of lambs and kids raised and weaned successfully determines the profitability of the operation. Understanding the reproductive system of the animals helps to maximize the breeding season and use resources wisely. This is particularly true for beginning producers who are experiencing their first breeding season. The season of the year is the main determinant for sheep and goat reproduction, with the majority being seasonal breeders that cycle in the fall (their natural mating season) and lamb in the spring. However, some breeds will cycle in the spring and have lambs/kids in the fall.

Peak fertility is from late September through November. Ewes have an average cycle length of 17 days, with most being between 14 and 20 days, while does have an estrus cycle of 18 to 22 days, and they display estrus for 24 to 48 hours. The gestation period ranges between 144 and 152 days. Management practices for producers to ensure profitability during the breeding season are highlighted below. Continue reading Breeding Season Considerations for Sheep and Goats →

The Basics of Vaccinating Sheep and Goats

Rachel L. Gibbs, Graduate Student, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Animal Science
Dustin T. Yates, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Animal Science
(Previously published online with Nebraska Extension: G2339 · Index: Animal Agriculture, Sheep: January, 2022)

Developing a vaccination program that improves animals’ immunity for common diseases will increase the health, productivity, and value of sheep flocks and goat herds.

Like all livestock, sheep and goats are susceptible to a number of different infectious diseases. Although the risk of an outbreak for any specific disease depends on the time of year, age and location of the herd/flock, and nature of the production system, it is fair to assume that livestock are at constant risk from one or more diseases throughout their lifespan. Thus, developing and implementing a sound vaccination program that best fits their situation and with input from their local veterinarian allows producers to better manage herd/flock health by helping to prevent large outbreaks of infectious diseases that are often expensive and difficult to control. This NebGuide provides producers with fundamental information summarized from extensive research efforts about sheep and goat vaccines, as well as the diseases they help prevent. There is broad variability in production schemes throughout Nebraska, and this article is meant to serve as a reference for developing vaccination programs that are best suited for specific schemes. For more information regarding how vaccines work and the type of immunity they provide, please refer to Understanding Vaccines (G1445) at https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/9000016362682/understanding-vaccines/. In addition, local veterinarians can provide guidance for choosing vaccines that are best suited for specific production systems.

When developing a vaccination program, it is essential to consider the questions “which vaccine(s)?,” “which animals?,” and “when?” The answers to these questions are often related to the stage of production. As illustrated in Figure 1, traditional programs typically include vaccinations at three main time points: (1) prior to breeding; (2) prior to or at the time of lambing/kidding; and (3) at weaning (in offspring). Young animals and first-time breeders may require additional doses of certain vaccines for maximum protection. When this is the case, such information will be explicit on the vaccine label.

Figure 1. The three main time points at which vaccines are delivered in typical sheep and goat vaccination programs.

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Spring Lamb Management Tips

David Brown, Livestock Field Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
(Previously published online with the University of Missouri Extension: April, 2024)

Lambing can take place at different times of the year and there is no “one-size-fits-all” production system. Spring lambing has been found to be a more profitable production system when compared to fall and winter lambing because it takes full advantage of the spring and summer flush of grass. The abundance of spring forage lowers feed cost associated with processed feeds, saving the producers dollars that would have gone into feed purchases. Conception rates are much higher in spring lambing system because breeding coincides with their natural mating and lambing seasons. It is also less labor intensive and requires little equipment.

Spring-lambing takes place from March to May. Weaned lambs remain Continue reading Spring Lamb Management Tips →