Kyra Persson, Wesley Peters, Novella Ashe, Julianne Vengroski
Continuation of strong, healthy, & high-producing sheep lineages
Raised for meat, wool, or milk
Expanding the breeding ewe population to increase lamb production (9)
Important for farmers to understand how to breed their sheep most efficiently depending on their use (9)
Aids producers in resource allocation by minimizing the lambing window
Contribution to research in Animal Science on fetal growth, placental development, & more (9)
Start by selecting healthy ewes and rams with strong fertility. Sheep typically breed in the fall and estrus can be managed with hormones. Natural breeding or artificial insemination can be used, but make sure rams are in good health. Additionally, keep records of breeding, pregnancy, and lambing to track and improve reproduction in your flock.
Nutritionally, keep ewes in good body condition before breeding, and "flush" them with extra feed to boost fertility. During late pregnancy, increase feed for fetal growth, ensuring a balanced diet with necessary minerals. After lambing, provide a high-energy diet to support milk production.
This involves vaccinating against diseases like Chlamydia and Campylobacter. This also includes breeding, lambing, and managing parasites on pasture. Shearing or crutching before lambing keeps the area clean for nursing.
Provide clean, dry shelter for lambing to prevent hypothermia. Monitor closely for complications such as difficult births and ensure lambs receive colostrum quickly, while dipping navels in iodine to prevent infection.
5 - 12 Months
Varies with breed, nutrition, & date of birth (8)
Ranges from 14-19 days
Average length: 17 Days (8)
Ranges from 144 - 155 days
Average length: 147 days
Medium-wool & meat breeds have shorter gestation periods than fine-wool breeds
High temperature & feed intake can shorten gestation by 2-3 days (8)
Normal length of lactation: 100 days
Highly impacted by amount of energy & protein intake from diet
Supplemental feed required toward the end of lactation to support the energy requirements of the lamb (6)
Seasonal Breeders
Breed in the fall: short-day breeders
Peak fertility: end of September-November (7)
1 - 3 lambs
First time lambing: typically have 1 lamb
Has lambed before: more likely to have 2 lambs
Having two lambs is ideal (5)