Reproduction

Fall Lambing Considerations

John Anderson, Lambshire Polypays, Wooster, Ohio
(Previously published with the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK): March 6, 2025)

(Image Source: John Anderson)

Experienced Polypay producer, John Anderson of Lambshire Polypays in Ohio, shares some sage advice and techniques on how he successfully lambs in the fall without the use of CIDRs or other artificial methods. John lambs exclusively in the fall now after nearly 40 years of accelerated lambing using both the STAR system and three times per year.

Why lamb in the fall?
There are many benefits to lambing in the fall. Fall born lambs often bring better prices at market than those born in the spring. Pasture lambing in the fall can match fall forage growth. In many parts of the country, temperatures tend to be favorable in the fall for avoiding heat stress or hypothermia. Cooling temperatures in fall/winter encourage lambs to eat more and grow better. There is less chance of fly strike. Ewes and lambs on pasture in the fall usually have fewer parasite problems than the same ewes and lambs would have in spring lambing situations. Fall born replacements, if nursed on pasture with some parasite exposure, should have a better immune response when they are re-exposed the next spring/summer than winter or spring born lambs would at that time. Their previous exposure (and age) results in a better immune response in their first spring. Continue reading Fall Lambing Considerations →

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 →

Evaluating Breeding Animals

Isabel Richards, Veterinary Science – South Africa and owner/operator of Gibraltar Farm
(Previously published with the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK): June 26, 2025)

(Image Source: Isabel Richards)

Unfortunately, defects show up in some of our animals and even though those animals might be exceptional in other areas, for the betterment of the breed we should not propagate these defects. Always check your animals before keeping them as replacements or selling them as breeding stock.

Bite
In lambs the bottom teeth should “bite” into the dental pad. They should not extend in front of it (monkey mouth, undershot), nor be too far backwards (parrot mouth, overshot). If a bite is VERY off you can easily see that the bottom jaw is markedly longer or shorter than normal at a distance, however sheep that look normal from the outside can hide some abnormalities that you can only see by looking inside their mouths. It can get tedious to visually check a large number of lambs, so you can pre-screen by running your finger along the teeth, the tips of the teeth and the dental pad should feel level with each other. If it feels “wrong” you can do a visual inspection. Older animals can develop this as their teeth get longer when they age, but you definitely do not want to see this in lambs. Continue reading…

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 →