Ovine Flashcards
Why are sheep becoming popular?
Ease of management, rapid return of investment, inc stocking density, broader foraging, demand in ethnic food
What is the difference btw lamb and mutton?
Lamb = immature
Mutton = matture
At what weight are lambs finished?
80lbs = ethnic market
135lbs = conventional market
Describe the difference between fleece and clip
Fleece = 1 sheep
Clip = many sheep
Describe the dariy industry in sheep
Richer in fat/protein than goat or cow milk - ideal for cheese
a milking “season” do not cycle year round like cattle
lambs weaned shortly after birth or left with ewe
milk frozen for later use
What are some general behaviour with sheep?
strong flocking instincts - flight and freeze rather than fight
NEVER house in isolation - must be insight of others via pictures of sheep or mirrors
Ewes and rambs can be aggressive
What are some enviroments sheep are good in?
tolerant of mant
need shelter/feed in winter
Shorn and shade in summer
What are some important things to know about sheep nutrition?
Pregnancy toxemia - energy dense feed in late term pregnancy
Copper sensitive - do NOT allow access to cattle salt/mineral licks
Water most important! Monitor surface water for sulphate/algae blooms
never fed snow alone
What are some travel restrictions for sheep?
Same regulations as cattle
36 hrs w/o FWR, unload 8 hrs w/ access to feed/water
What are some reproduction facts about sheep? Some traits?
Naturally fecund - highly fertile
Short day breeders - come into estrus in fall
traits - easy lambers, maternal instinct, multiple conception, sperm quality, libido
Describe rams 2nd sex chara, penis type
Proven pedigree, sound limbs and feet, twin, libido, semen quality - breeding soundness exam and libido influenced by semen
2nd sex chara - well developed musculature, thick neck, enlarged head, deep vocals
fibroelastic penis
unpredictable ( do NOT allow imprinting of ram lambs)
Describe reproduction in ewes
estrous is 17 d
estrus is 30 hr - do not demonstrate heat. Only detected by ram or via gomer ram
body condition is important
Are sheeps long/short duration breeders?
short duration
Describe natural breeding in sheep
ram:ewe ratio = 1:50 in 35 days
Describe Ai breeding
common in purebred herds, access to superior genetics
ewes estrus synced w/ hormones and light deprivation, estrus detected by comber ram
intracervcal or laparoscopic insemination
Describe ewe pregnancy
gestation 147 d
Cotyledonary placentation
minimal transfer of maternal antibodies to fetus
twin conception desirable
freemartin effect uncommon
What are the stages of sheep parturition?
Similar to that of cattle
What are some dystocia issues, how common?
relatively common
“ring womb” - incompletely dilated cervix, tx by c-section
Describ the neonate period
lambs must consume colostrum 5% of their bodyweight <6hrs of life (8oz for average lamb)
20% of lamb die in 1st 2wks w/o intervention b/c of mismothering, hypothermia, ompthalophlebitis, pneumonia, diarrhea
How do you iD sheep?
Dangle tags
RFID tags
Clips
Canadian Sheep ID program
How do you safely handle sheep?
low stress handling
NEVER grab by wool or chase for prolonged periods (capture myopathy)
Herding dogs only if sheep are familiar with them
Will bond and follow handlerHow
Common ways to restrain sheep
raceways if many sheep
or tipping for individuals
What are some routine invasive procedures
Castration - rubber ring, burdizzo, surgical
Tail docking - hot iron, rubber ring - past tail fold
AI - surgical
Crutching - prevent fly strike
Shearing -stressful
What are some common PE things to look at?
Cardiovascular, GI, MM (FAMACHA score), digital pulses, temp, feces/urine, udders
