HUSBANDRY - Lamb and Ewe Flock Health

Question 1

What is the major output of the sheep industry in the UK?

Answer 1

Meat

Question 2

What are the different farm level outputs in sheep farming?

Answer 2

Fat/finished lambs
Store lambs
Breeding sheep
Cull sheep
Wool

Question 3

Describe the sheep production calendar

Answer 3

Spring: Lambing
Summer: Grazing, Shearing, Weaning
Autumn: Fattening lambs, Replacement ewes, Tupping
Winter: Housing, Supplementary feeding, Ultrasound scanning

Question 4

Which basic records are useful for sheep farmers to keep?

Answer 4

Number and type of sheep on the farm
Mortality (when and what)
Ultrasound scanning results
Number of lambs born
Number of lambs sold/retained for breeding
Number of cull animals (why)
Treatments/interventions