SHEEP Project Guide Level 2 “Learn To Do By Doing” Table of Contents

Objectives ...... 1 Flock Health...... 24 Fun Facts...... 1 Identification ...... 24 Reproduction and Breeding of Sheep...... 2 Farm Animal Review ...... 24 Purebred, Seed Stock Breeders...... 2 Keeping Your Flock Healthy ...... 25 Crossbred, Commercial Breeders...... 2 Working with Your Veterinarian ...... 25 Breeding Sheep ...... 3 Observe Your Flock...... 25 Ewes ...... 3 Watch For the Early Signs of Illness...... 26 Rams...... 4 Managing Health Problems ...... 27 Using a Marking Harness or Brisket Paint ...... 5 Parasites...... 28 Breeding Season ...... 5 Internal Parasites:...... 29 Some Considerations for Choosing “Early-season or Winter” . Managing Parasites...... 30 Lambing (January to March)...... 6 External Parasites...... 31 Some Considerations for Choosing “Late-season or Spring” . Trimming Hooves ...... 33 Lambing (April to June)...... 6 Body Condition Scoring...... 34 Keep Good Records...... 7 Using Condition Scoring...... 35 Gestation Table...... 8 Feeds and Feeding Your Sheep...... 36 Breeding Out of Season...... 9 Feeds Provide Nutrients ...... 36 Planning Out of Season Breeding ...... 9 Protein...... 36 Pregnancy Diagnosis...... 10 Carbohydrates...... 36 Lamb Care...... 10 Fat ...... 37 Lambing ...... 10 Vitamins...... 37 Be Prepared...... 11 Minerals ...... 37 Lambing Kit ...... 11 Water ...... 37 Learn to Recognize Signs that Lambing is Near. . . .11 Learn to sample feed correctly, test forages annually, and . How long will it take your ewe to lamb?. . . . . 12 balance rations...... 38 Know When Assistance is Necessary...... 12 Types of Feeds ...... 39 What is Dystocia?...... 13 Roughages ...... 39 Assisting with Lambing...... 13 Concentrates...... 40 Know What to Do at Birth ...... 15 Digestion...... 41 Reducing Lamb Losses...... 16 Rumen Development in Lambs...... 42 Be Aware of the Main Causes of Lamb Deaths . . . .16 Feeding Sheep in Different Stages of Production. . .42 Treating Chilled Lambs ...... 16 Feeding Replacement Lambs...... 43 Cause of Hypothermia...... 17 Feeding for Maintenance...... 43 Mild Hypothermia...... 17 Flushing...... 43 Severe Hypothermia...... 18 Feeding During Early Pregnancy or Gestation. . . 43 TINT Your Lambs ...... 18 Feeding During Late Pregnancy or Gestation...... 43 Tails...... 18 .. Feeding for Lactation...... 43 Preparing the Lamb for Docking ...... 19 Feeding for Late Lactation/Weaning...... 44 Methods of Docking ...... 20 Lamb Management...... 44 Let’s Dock ...... 21 Newborn lambs...... 44 Let’s Dock Summary Flow Chart...... 21 Orphan Lambs...... 45 Injections...... 22 Feeding the Orphan Lamb...... 45 Navels...... 22 Creep Feeding Lambs...... 46 Testicles ...... 22 Weaning Lambs ...... 46 Methods of Castration...... 23 Growing and Finishing Lambs...... 48 Managing Grazing Sheep...... 49 Wool ...... 65 Key Points for Productive Pastures...... 50 Hints for Making Shearing Easier ...... 66 Manage Pasture Growth...... 50 Tagging Sheep ...... 66 Divide Pastures into Paddocks ...... 50 Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP). . .66 Don’t Put Sheep Out Too Early in the Spring . . . .50 Transporting Sheep...... 67 Rotate Paddocks so Grazing Fits Plant Growth. . .51 Protecting Sheep from Predators...... 69 Aim for Good Utilization...... 51 Guardian Dogs...... 69 Do Not Over-graze, Particularly Guardian Llamas...... 70 Just Prior to Winter...... 51 Guardian Donkeys ...... 70 Recognize Surplus Forage Early...... 51 Guardian “Flerds” ...... 70 Pasturing Lambs...... 51 Predation Management Tips...... 70 Poisonous Weeds...... 52 Keep Your Flock of Sheep Healthy ...... 70 Facilities for Sheep...... 53 Maintain Careful and Regular Observation...... 71 Lambing Pens...... 53 Use Corrals and Night Confinement...... 71 Shelter...... 54 Dispose of Dead Stock ...... 71 Feeding Areas...... 55 Keep a Human Presence Around the Flock. . . . 71 Creep Areas ...... 56 Use Novelties...... 71 Fencing ...... 57 Marketing Lambs...... 72 Fence Types ...... 57 Tips for Marketing Project Lambs...... 72 High-tensile, Electric...... 57 TIPS ...... 73 Woven Wire...... 57 Tips for Keeping a Shepherd’s Calendar . . . . . 73 Barbed Wire Fences...... 57 Tips for Looking After the Environment ...... 75 Wood Rail Fencing ...... 58 Tips for Estimating the Age of Sheep ...... 76 Temporary Fencing...... 58 How old is Your Sheep?...... 76 Breeds...... 60 Tips for Hoof Care...... 76 History...... 60 Judging...... 77 Breeds and Breed Types...... 60 Market Lamb Terminology...... 79 Border Cheviot ...... 61 Steps in Placing a Class ...... 82 Canadian Arcott ...... 61 General Terms for Use When Evaluating Sheep. . . .83 Charollais ...... 62 Giving Reasons...... 83 Clun Forest...... 62 Reasons Format ...... 84 Corriedale...... 62 Tips for Oral Reasons ...... 85 Dorper ...... 62 Tips for Written Reasons...... 86 Dorset ...... 63 Sample Reasons – Hampshire Breeding Ewes . . .86 East Friesen Milk Sheep ...... 63 Activities ...... 87 Hampshire...... 63 Match Up ...... 87 North Country Cheviot...... 63 Field Trip...... 87 Polypay...... 64 Pictionary ...... 87 Rambouillet ...... 64 Nutrition Word Search...... 88 Romney...... 64 Nurtrition Word Search Solutions...... 89 Southdown...... 64 References ...... 90 Suffolk...... 65 Glossary...... 91 Texel...... 65 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Objectives The objectives of the Level 2 Sheep Project are to teach 4-H members about: • lamb care; • determining body condition scores; • the history of sheep; • the sheep industry in Alberta; • breeds of sheep common in Alberta; • wool; • facilities for sheep; • tagging sheep; • transporting sheep; • feeds; • lamb management; • managing grazing sheep; • protecting sheep from predators; • reproduction and breeding; • flock health; • desirable characteristics in sheep; and • judging.

Fun Facts Most of Alberta’s sheep farms have crossbred ewes. Crossbreeding combines the traits of two or three different breeds. Crossbreeding also adds what is called hybrid vigour, which helps improve productivity. The main source of income from sheep in Canada is from producing lambs for meat. Wool is a secondary product in most flocks. Sheep dairy is a very small industry in Canada. Lambskin is a by-product of meat processing, and is used in high quality leather goods.

Sheep are ruminants that graze and browse. They are able to eat woody plants, weeds, grasses, and grains that humans can’t. They efficiently convert those plant materials into high quality meat, wool, milk, and leather. Flocks of sheep can be used to control vegetation on farms, in cattle grazing areas, and in reforested areas.

1 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Canadian wool sheep must be shorn once a year. Wool grows continually providing sheep with protection against Canada’s climate. Wool is a valuable fiber that is used for fabrics, clothing, felt, and even insulation. It is a renewable resource. Wool has even been used to clean up oil spills; it can be squeezed out and reused up to eight times.

Coyotes are the most common predator of sheep in Alberta. Other predators include foxes, wolves, cougars, bears, and ravens.

For more information: www.ablamb.ca Predation Management Module 2014 www.agric.gov.ab (Alberta Agriculture & Forestry) Canadian heritage page

Reproduction Purebred, Seed Stock Breeders and Breeding of There are roughly 1,000 breeders of purebred sheep in Canada. Purebred sheep carry Sheep the genetics of one breed, can have registration papers that guarantee the parentage of the animals, and must follow the guidelines of Canada’s Animal Pedigree Act. Random DNA sampling of sheep being registered helps assure pure genetics.

Pure breeding sheep means to select and reproduce genetically similar animals. The benefit of having purebred sheep is for more genetic predictability. Selection is based on improving breed quality and economically important traits (growth rate, fertility, mothering ability, feed efficiency, and carcass quality).

Purebred sheep, in particular terminal sire rams, are commonly used in commercial operations to produce market lamb flocks. Growth and carcass traits are quite heritable so using terminal sire rams is a very good way to improve market lamb quality.

Crossbred, Commercial Breeders Nearly all market lambs produced in Canada are raised in commercial flocks with a variety of genetics, flock sizes, and management. Successful market lamb production is based on reproductive performance genetics, lamb survival, and production efficiency. Crossbreeding—the mating of two or more breeds of sheep—is one predictable and cost-effective way to improve lamb production. The practice of crossbreeding attempts to combine the most desirable characteristics of the different breeds. The resulting hybrid vigour shows in more live lambs, better lamb survival, earlier maturity, and hardiness. Maternal or ewe traits are less highly heritable. Culling poor performing ewes and using maternal type sires are methods used to improve flock productivity.

2 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Breeding Sheep Whether purebred or crossbred, the sheep in the flock must be adapted and selected to fit the production system, the flock manager, and the environment.

Sheep are seasonal breeders. The breeding season for most sheep in Western Canada is in the fall to early winter. A successful breeding season results in mature ewes that give birth to healthy lambs in the first three weeks of lambing. Mature ewes have heat cycles that last about 30 hours every 17 to 21 days. Breeding earlier or later than the normal fall to winter season, or out of season, usually means more open ewes and fewer lambs born.

Ewes Most sheep in Western Canada reach sexual maturity by six months of age depending on breed genetics, weight, and body condition.

Ewe lambs are generally bred to lamb at around one year of age. Ewe lambs have less regular cycles and breed less readily than mature ewes. A mixed breeding group with older ewes and ewe lambs in it will result in more open ewe lambs.

To manage breeding ewes for a good lambing it helps to be aware of the following: Age at Puberty 6-12 months Length of Estrus (Heat) Cycle 13-20 days (average 17 days) Duration of Estrus (Heat) 18-48 hours Timing of Ovulation (Best Breeding Approximately 20 hours after the onset Time) of estrus

Gestation 144-151 days

Knowing and selecting replacements from the top performing ewes in the flock is important. Selection is based on having good records on every ewe. Make sure to keep a record of ewe performance from breeding to the marketing of the lambs.

Culling gets rid of costly animals, reduces future problems, and makes the flock better. As difficult as it may be to sell a pretty or a friendly ewe, every ewe in the flock has to pay her way. It costs just as much to feed a poor ewe as a good one. Cull all open ewes, ewes that lamb late, any that mis-mother or reject their lambs or are short of milk, any with poor udders, ewes with any kind of health issue or conformation fault that impacts walking or grazing, and ewes that are too thin or too fat compared to the rest of the flock.

3 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Select ewes based on lambing, weaning, lamb weight, and marketing records. Ewes must breed preferably in the first heat cycle they are exposed to a ram. They must give birth to healthy lambs, and get them up and get them nursed without assistance. They should be calm and easy to work with when necessary. They must wean lambs that have grown well and are of relatively uniform weights. They need good feet, legs, teeth, and udders to have a long productive life. They need to maintain body condition, and be easy keepers. Ewes must breed as ewe lambs, lamb easily, mother their lambs, and wean at least one live lamb. Any ewe lambs that don’t, and are kept in the flock, should go on a “maybe list.” If their second year isn’t better, they shouldn’t be in the flock. Rams Having good rams is an important investment for a productive flock. Buying rams isn’t easy. There are a lot of poor to mediocre ones. Find a reliable breeder who keeps records, who is willing to advise you, and who is willing stand behind his animals if there is a problem.

When buying a new ram be sure to have him home well before the breeding season. Quarantine all new sheep for three weeks. Watch that the ram is eating and drinking, as well as for any signs of lameness, pink eye, or other illness. Take care when mixing rams particularly of the same age. Rams fight to establish dominance. They can seriously injure or even kill each other. Pen unfamiliar rams in a very small pen overnight so they can’t fight while they get to know each other.

A mature ram, depending on breed, fitness, age, and body condition, can successfully breed 50 to 100 ewes. Inexperienced rams lamb under one year of age shouldn’t have more than 20 ewes to breed. In rough terrain or large pastures, more rams, or rotating fresh rams, may be needed.

Check over rams at least two months before breeding. All rams need to be in good body condition, physically fit, and not over-fat. Be sure the ram is getting the same feed as the ewe flock. Suddenly getting grain, or more grain than he’s used to, can mean a sick ram when you need him most.

For specialized breeding programs (synchronized breeding, out of season breeding, and artificial insemination) a veterinarian should perform a breeding soundness exam on rams. Fertility in rams is variable. Small flocks tend to use extra rams to compensate. Using chest, or brisket paint, or a marking harness helps monitor how rams are breeding. This process is described below.

4 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Using a Marking Harness or Brisket Paint During the breeding season the ram can be fitted with a marking harness with a paint crayon. Marking “paint” can be applied to the wool on his lower chest or brisket. Tempra paint powder and vegetable oil will work. The marking paint or harness crayon colour is changed every l7 days. When the ram breeds the ewe, that colour is left on her rump. This provides you with a rough guide for lambing dates and to determine if the ram is fertile and getting the ewes pregnant.

If a number of ewes are marked a second time that might mean: • the ram is not fertile; Marking Harness • the ram has too many ewes to breed; • ewes are not cycling properly; or • where multiple rams are used—three work well. Where two rams are used—one may dominate the other and not allow the second ram to breed, defeating the purpose in using multiple rams.

If you use marking paint and marking harnesses, these need to be checked daily and the paint needs to be refreshed regularly. Watch the breeding flock, however be aware that a ram that shows no breeding activity may in fact be a fertile and effective breeder. Changing marker colour after 17 to 21 days will show if many ewes are being re-bred. Using a different ram for the second heat cycle, a “clean up” ram, helps ensure all ewes are bred.

Rams can be aggressive particularly if they have been a pet or raised on a bottle. Always keep an eye on rams when you are working in the same pen. Putting a collar with a bell on it helps warn you where the ram is. It also helps to catch and hold him when you want to refresh the brisket paint or the crayon on the harness. Rams can be taught to lead—a definite asset when moving between breeding flocks.

Breeding Season Producers choose when to breed their ewes and when to lamb for a variety of reasons. There are benefits and drawbacks to every lambing season. Market demand and market price are key considerations. Alberta’s weather is another as are available facilities, feed, and labour. Cold winters take more feed for ewes, more labour, and require heated lambing facilities. Wet springs and mud are hard on lambing ewes and newborn lambs and may contribute to higher death losses. Later-born spring lambs, which are sold or moved into feedlots, don’t eat or grow as well in hot summer weather. Ram lambs born after the beginning of April must be castrated or separated from ewes and ewe lambs before breeding season starts.

5 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 In Alberta, normal lambing seasons are “early season, winter lambing” or “late season, spring lambing.”

Out of season, or extended season lambing methods are best undertaken by experienced producers who have achieved high ewe productivity and a high percentage of marketed lambs. It is more profitable having one successful lamb crop than two poor ones.

Some Considerations for Choosing “Early-season or Winter” Lambing (January to March)

• Rations can be balanced to provide lactating ewes with the nutrition needed for good milk production. The nutritional value of pasture is less easily monitored. • Lambs are started on creep rations and grow well. Creep rations can be balanced to provide young lambs with the nutrients they need for rapid, efficient growth. • Winter-born lambs can be weaned and finished to market weight more efficiently in corrals. Moving them out onto grass usually results in weight loss and slowed growth. • Markets for early, new crop lambs tend to be competitive as there are fewer lambs ready for market. • There may be an Easter market for lighter, younger lambs. In Eastern Canada the Easter market usually pays a premium. Contact buyers early for information on the market and prices. In Alberta, Easter markets don’t always pay enough to sell lightweight lambs. • Winter-born lambs finished in corrals have fewer parasite issues than lambs on grass. There is also a lower risk of predation than with lambs on pasture. • There are no insect problems (mosquitoes and blow flies, for example) and usually fewer infections in winter docking and castrating. • Lambing is a busy time of year and requires extra labour. Winter lambing doesn’t conflict with cropping.

Some Considerations for Choosing “Late-season or Spring” Lambing (April to June)

• The weather is usually warmer and more pleasant for ewes, lambs, and shepherds. • Ewes don’t require as much feed to maintain body heat. In cold winters, ewes have a hard time eating enough to provide energy to maintain body heat and also produce enough milk for lambs. • Heated lambing facilities aren’t required to keep lambs alive. • Some producers lamb on pasture with a minimum of facilities. Access to shelter (windbreaks, trees, and sheds) is advisable for sick or problem animals and in case of poor weather.

6 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 • Warmer weather means less labour is required for checking lambing ewes and newborn lambs. Lambs born in winter can chill and freeze to death quickly. • Winter feeding chores are reduced. Ewes are grazing rather than being fed hay. Some grain may be fed to supplement ewes in early lactation. • Lambs graze with their mothers and are fed less grain/creep ration until they are weaned. Having lambs eat grain with the ewes on grass familiarized them with grain and makes the transition to weaning and grain rations easier. • Lower overall costs (feed, housing, and labour). Also, there usually are lower overall returns due to marketing at peak lamb supply times. Keep Good Records If the ram is put in with the ewes at the end of August, ewes will begin to lamb in late January. If the ram is put in at the end of November, they will begin to lamb by late April. Leaving rams with the breeding ewes for two heat cycles means that lambing will be just over one month in length. Long, drawn-out lambing periods need to be avoided. Not only is it exhausting for the shepherds, but the wide variation in birth dates makes it harder to feed lactating ewes and harder to manage lambs of different ages. Some producers choose to run the main ram(s) for one cycle, then a month later run a clean-up ram with the mature ewes while another ram breeds the ewe lambs. Planning when to put in and take out the rams is key in managing lambing.

Know when rams go in with every group of ewes and when they come out. Knowing when to expect the first lambs and the last lambs helps reduce lamb death losses. Five months later you likely won’t remember the day the gate was left open and the rams got in.

Use the following gestation table to help calculate lambing dates from proposed breeding dates. It also can be used to calculate when to improve pregnant ewe rations, and for vaccination dates.

7 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Gestation Table

Watch Watch Watch Watch Watch Watch Watch Date of Date of Date of Date of Date of Date of Date of for for for for for for for Service Service Service Service Service Service Service Lambs Lambs Lambs Lambs Lambs Lambs Lambs Jan. 1 May 26 Feb. 24 Jul. 19 Apr. 19 Sep. 11 Jun. 12 Nov. 4 Aug. 5 Dec. 28 Sep. 28 Feb. 20 Nov. 21 Apr. 15 Jan. 2 May 27 Feb. 25 Jul. 20 Apr. 20 Sep. 12 Jun. 13 Nov. 5 Aug. 6 Dec. 29 Sep. 29 Feb. 21 Nov. 22 Apr. 16 Jan. 3 May 28 Feb. 26 Jul. 21 Apr. 21 Sep. 13 Jun. 14 Nov. 6 Aug. 7 Dec. 30 Sep. 30 Feb. 22 Nov. 23 Apr. 17 Jan. 4 May 29 Feb. 27 Jul. 22 Apr. 22 Sep. 14 Jun. 15 Nov. 7 Aug. 8 Dec. 31 Oct. 01 Feb. 23 Nov. 24 Apr. 18 Jan. 5 May 30 Feb. 28 Jul. 23 Apr. 23 Sep. 15 Jun. 16 Nov. 8 Aug. 9 Jan. 1 Oct. 2 Feb. 24 Nov. 25 Apr. 19 Jan. 6 May 31 Mar. 1 Jul. 24 Apr. 24 Sep. 16 Jun. 17 Nov. 9 Aug. 10 Jan. 2 Oct. 3 Feb. 25 Nov. 26 Apr. 20 Jan. 7 Jun. 1 Mar. 2 Jul. 25 Apr. 25 Sep. 17 Jun. 18 Nov. 10 Aug. 11 Jan. 3 Oct. 4 Feb. 26 Nov. 27 Apr. 21 Jan. 8 Jun. 2 Mar. 3 Jul. 26 Apr. 26 Sep. 18 Jun. 19 Nov. 11 Aug. 12 Jan. 4 Oct. 5 Feb. 27 Nov. 28 Apr. 22 Jan. 9 Jun. 3 Mar. 4 Jul. 27 Apr. 27 Sep. 19 Jun. 20 Nov. 12 Aug. 13 Jan. 5 Oct. 6 Feb. 28 Nov. 29 Apr. 23 Jan. 10 Jun. 4 Mar. 5 Jul. 28 Apr. 28 Sep. 20 Jun. 21 Nov. 13 Aug. 14 Jan. 6 Oct. 7 Mar. 1 Nov. 30 Apr. 24 Jan. 11 Jun. 5 Mar. 6 Jul. 29 Apr. 29 Sep. 21 Jun. 22 Nov. 14 Aug. 15 Jan. 7 Oct. 8 Mar. 2 Dec. 1 Apr. 25 Jan. 12 Jun. 6 Mar. 7 Jul. 30 Apr. 30 Sep. 22 Jun. 23 Nov. 15 Aug. 16 Jan. 8 Oct. 9 Mar. 3 Dec. 2 Apr. 26 Jan. 13 Jun. 7 Mar. 8 Jul. 31 May 1 Sep. 23 Jun. 24 Nov. 16 Aug. 17 Jan. 9 Oct. 10 Mar. 4 Dec. 3 Apr. 27 Jan. 14 Jun. 8 Mar. 9 Aug. 1 May. 2 Sep. 24 Jun. 25 Nov. 17 Aug. 18 Jan. 10 Oct. 11 Mar. 5 Dec. 4 Apr. 28 Jan. 15 Jun. 9 Mar. 10 Aug. 2 May. 3 Sep. 25 Jun. 26 Nov. 18 Aug. 19 Jan. 11 Oct. 12 Mar. 6 Dec. 5 Apr. 29 Jan. 16 Jun. 10 Mar. 11 Aug. 3 May. 4 Sep. 26 Jun. 27 Nov. 19 Aug. 20 Jan. 12 Oct. 13 Mar. 7 Dec. 6 Apr. 30 Jan. 17 Jun. 11 Mar. 12 Aug. 4 May. 5 Sep. 27 Jun. 28 Nov. 20 Aug. 21 Jan. 13 Oct. 14 Mar. 8 Dec. 7 May. 1 Jan. 18 Jun. 12 Mar. 13 Aug. 5 May. 6 Sep. 28 Jun. 29 Nov. 21 Aug. 22 Jan. 14 Oct. 15 Mar. 9 Dec. 8 May. 2 Jan. 19 Jun. 13 Mar. 14 Aug. 6 May 7 Sep. 29 Jun. 30 Nov. 22 Aug. 23 Jan. 15 Oct. 16 Mar. 10 Dec. 9 May. 3 Jan. 20 Jun. 14 Mar. 15 Aug. 7 May. 8 Sep. 30 Jul. 1 Nov. 23 Aug. 24 Jan. 16 Oct. 17 Mar. 11 Dec. 10 May 4 Jan. 21 Jun. 15 Mar. 16 Aug. 8 May. 9 Oct. 1 Jul. 2 Nov. 24 Aug. 25 Jan. 17 Oct. 18 Mar. 12 Dec. 11 May. 5 Jan. 22 Jun. 16 Mar. 17 Aug. 9 May. 10 Oct. 2 Jul. 3 Nov. 25 Aug. 26 Jan. 18 Oct. 19 Mar. 13 Dec. 12 May. 6 Jan. 23 Jun. 17 Mar. 18 Aug. 10 May 11 Oct. 3 Jul. 4 Nov. 26 Aug. 27 Jan. 19 Oct. 20 Mar. 14 Dec. 13 May 7 Jan. 24 Jun. 18 Mar. 19 Aug. 11 May 12 Oct. 4 Jul. 5 Nov. 27 Aug. 28 Jan. 20 Oct. 21 Mar. 15 Dec. 14 May 8 Jan. 25 Jun. 19 Mar. 20 Aug. 12 May 13 Oct. 5 Jul. 6 Nov. 28 Aug. 29 Jan. 21 Oct. 22 Mar. 16 Dec. 15 May 9 Jan. 26 Jun. 20 Mar. 21 Aug. 13 May 14 Oct. 6 Jul. 7 Nov. 29 Aug. 30 Jan. 22 Oct. 23 Mar. 17 Dec. 16 May 10 Jan. 27 Jun. 21 Mar. 22 Aug. 14 May 15 Oct. 7 Jul. 8 Nov. 30 Aug. 31 Jan. 23 Oct. 24 Mar. 18 Dec. 17 May. 11 Jan. 28 Jun. 22 Mar. 23 Aug. 15 May 16 Oct. 8 Jul. 9 Dec. 1 Sept. 1 Jan. 24 Oct. 25 Mar. 19 Dec. 18 May. 12 Jan. 29 Jun. 23 Mar. 24 Aug. 16 May 17 Oct. 9 Jul. 10 Dec. 2 Sept. 2 Jan. 25 Oct. 26 Mar. 20 Dec. 19 May. 13 Jan. 30 Jun. 24 Mar. 25 Aug. 17 May 18 Oct. 10 Jul. 11 Dec. 3 Sept. 3 Jan. 26 Oct. 27 Mar. 21 Dec. 20 May. 14 Jan. 31 Jun. 25 Mar. 26 Aug. 18 May 19 Oct. 11 Jul. 12 Dec. 4 Sept. 4 Jan. 27 Oct. 28 Mar. 22 Dec. 21 May. 15 Feb. 1 Jun. 26 Mar. 27 Aug. 19 May 20 Oct. 12 Jul. 13 Dec. 5 Sept. 5 Jan. 28 Oct. 29 Mar. 23 Dec. 22 May. 16 Feb. 2 Jun. 27 Mar. 28 Aug. 20 May 21 Oct. 13 Jul. 14 Dec. 6 Sept. 6 Jan. 29 Oct. 30 Mar. 24 Dec. 23 May. 17 Feb. 3 Jun. 28 Mar. 29 Aug. 21 May 22 Oct. 14 Jul. 15 Dec. 7 Sept. 7 Jan. 30 Oct. 31 Mar. 25 Dec. 24 May. 18 Feb. 4 Jun. 29 Mar. 30 Aug. 22 May 23 Oct. 15 Jul. 16 Dec. 8 Sept. 8 Jan. 31 Nov. 1 Mar. 26 Dec. 25 May. 19 Feb. 5 Jun. 30 Mar. 31 Aug. 23 May 24 Oct. 16 Jul. 17 Dec. 9 Sept. 9 Feb. 1 Nov. 2 Mar. 27 Dec. 26 May. 20 Feb. 6 Jul. 1 Apr. 1 Aug. 24 May 25 Oct. 17 Jul. 18 Dec. 10 Sept. 10 Feb. 2 Nov. 3 Mar. 28 Dec. 27 May. 21 Feb. 7 Jul. 2 Apr. 2 Aug. 25 May 26 Oct. 18 Jul. 19 Dec. 11 Sept. 11 Feb. 3 Nov. 4 Mar. 29 Dec. 28 May. 22 Feb. 8 Jul. 3 Apr. 3 Aug. 26 May 27 Oct. 19 Jul. 20 Dec. 12 Sept. 12 Feb. 4 Nov. 5 Mar. 30 Dec. 29 May. 23 Feb. 9 Jul. 4 Apr. 4 Aug. 27 May 28 Oct. 20 Jul. 21 Dec. 13 Sept. 13 Feb. 5 Nov. 6 Mar. 31 Dec. 30 May. 24 Feb. 10 Jul. 5 Apr. 5 Aug. 28 May 29 Oct. 21 Jul. 22 Dec. 14 Sept. 14 Feb. 6 Nov. 7 Apr. 1 Dec. 31 May. 25 Feb. 11 Jul. 6 Apr. 6 Aug. 29 May 30 Oct. 22 Jul. 23 Dec. 15 Sept. 15 Feb. 7 Nov. 8 Apr. 2 Feb. 12 Jul. 7 Apr. 7 Aug. 30 May 31 Oct. 23 Jul. 24 Dec. 16 Sept. 16 Feb. 8 Nov. 9 Apr. 3 Feb. 13 Jul. 8 Apr. 8 Aug. 31 Jun. 1 Oct. 24 Jul. 25 Dec. 17 Sept. 17 Feb. 9 Nov. 10 Apr. 4 Feb. 14 Jul. 9 Apr. 9 Sep. 1 Jun. 2 Oct. 25 Jul. 26 Dec. 18 Sept. 18 Feb. 10 Nov. 11 Apr. 5 Feb. 15 Jul. 10 Apr. 10 Sep. 2 Jun. 3 Oct. 26 Jul. 27 Dec. 19 Sept. 19 Feb. 11 Nov. 12 Apr. 6 Feb. 16 Jul. 11 Apr. 11 Sep. 3 Jun. 4 Oct. 27 Jul. 28 Dec. 20 Sept. 20 Feb. 12 Nov. 13 Apr. 7 Feb. 17 Jul. 12 Apr. 12 Sep. 4 Jun. 5 Oct. 28 Jul. 29 Dec. 22 Sept. 21 Feb. 13 Nov. 14 Apr. 8 Feb. 18 Jul. 13 Apr. 13 Sep. 5 Jun. 6 Oct. 29 Jul. 30 Dec. 23 Sept. 22 Feb. 14 Nov. 15 Apr. 9 Feb. 19 Jul. 14 Apr. 14 Sep. 6 Jun. 7 Oct. 30 Jul. 31 Dec. 24 Sept. 23 Feb. 15 Nov. 16 Apr. 10 Feb. 20 Jul. 15 Apr. 15 Sep. 7 Jun. 8 Oct. 31 Aug. 1 Dec. 25 Sept. 24 Feb. 16 Nov. 17 Apr. 11 Feb. 21 Jul. 16 Apr. 16 Sep. 8 Jun. 9 Nov. 1 Aug. 2 Dec. 26 Sept. 25 Feb. 17 Nov. 18 Apr. 12 Feb. 22 Jul. 17 Apr. 17 Sep. 9 Jun. 10 Nov. 2 Aug. 3 Dec. 27 Sept. 26 Feb. 18 Nov. 19 Apr. 13 Feb. 23 Jul. 18 Apr. 18 Sep. 10 Jun. 11 Nov. 3 Aug. 4 Dec. 28 Sept. 27 Feb. 19 Nov. 20 Apr. 14

8 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Breeding Out of Season Sheep do not breed year-round; they are seasonal breeders. Some years a few ewes might lamb unexpectedly over the summer. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will do it again. Even producers that manage and plan for lambing out of season can have inconsistent results—usually more open ewes and fewer multiples. Some producers have their ewes lamb three times in two years. Cornell University’s STAR system helps manage multiple lambings. Other producers purposefully try to breed to have two lamb crops in one year, but success is variable, and there is usually a loss in reproductive performance. There are often significantly higher costs in multiple lambings spread over the same number of lambs that are normally born in one crop.

Planning Out of Season Breeding If you are planning to breed your flock out of season, be sure to have an excellent nutrition management program in place. A key factor in successful out of season breeding is managing ewe body condition. Ewes that are successfully bred for out of season or multiple lambings have to be in excellent body condition.

Choose breed types with the best chance of success. Dorsets, and Romanovs and their crosses have longer breeding seasons. Rideau Arcotts have also been selected for extended season breeding and lambing out of season. Suffolks, on the other hand, respond very quickly to changes in day length, tend to have shorter breeding seasons, and are less successful in out of season breeding.

Consider reproductive management tools like hormone sponges, feed additives, CIDR’s or light control to effectively synchronize the ewes’ heat cycles and breeding. Reproductive technology is continually improving and changing and because of that it is best to consult with the veterinarian. Veterinarians can offer the best and most up to date information on the best way to synchronize your flock. Remember there are many options for your flock and seeking professional advice is the best method when looking for information and implementation methods on increasing the size of your flock.

With so many ewes synchronized to cycle together, ram power and ram management is critical. A group of synchronized ewes will all be ready for breeding in about a 48-hour period. Some rams and some ram breed types will not naturally breed out of season. Selecting rams from Dorset, Romanov, or Rideau crosses can help. Light control for rams also improves success rates. Breeding soundness exams (BSE) on rams is a wise investment.

9 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 To cover all synchronized ewes you will need one mature ram for ten or fewer ewes. Penning the groups in small, secure areas helps rams cover all the cycling ewes without the distraction of other rams or breeding groups. Ram lambs can be used with up to five ewes. However, inexperienced rams, rams with low libido, or rams of marginal fertility will result in too few ewes being bred and too few lambs born to cover the costs. Successful synchronized breeding does help manage lambing, nutrition, facilities and labour.

Pregnancy Diagnosis Ultrasound pregnancy scanning is a tool used to diagnose pregnancy in large flocks in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe. Large flock managers in Canada are using the practice to also help them improve flock management, winter feeding, and lambing. Knowing if a ewe is pregnant and how many lambs she is carrying is important for business profitability.

There are different types of pregnancy testing scanners. Some are easier to use, some are more accurate than others, and some can detect multiple fetuses. Depending on the scanner and the experience of the operator, pregnancy can be detected as early as 35 days after breeding. In Alberta, pregnancy detection is considered a veterinary procedure. Only veterinarians can do custom pregnancy scanning. Producers with large flocks buy their own scanners. Accurate diagnosis requires practice and experience.

Lamb Care Lambing Lambing time is the most critical period in flock management because a large number of lamb deaths occur during the first fifteen days after birth. To increase the number of lambs that make it to market, careful attention must be given the ewe and lamb at lambing time. Neglecting to do this is the number one reason for losses at lambing. There are a number of things to keep in mind: • be prepared; • be aware of the main causes of lamb deaths; • learn to recognize signs that lambing is near; • know when assistance is necessary; and • know what to do at birth.

10 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Be Prepared Lambing Kit Prepare a lambing kit for the barn with all the equipment necessary for lambing and care of the lamb in its first few weeks. This kit should include: • a bottle of 7% iodine solution is preferred (to dip the navel of the lamb); • livestock lube (to lubricate hands in case assistance is required); • disinfectant soap (to wash hands well before assisting in birth); • clean towels (to dry hands and to dry off chilled lambs); • ear tags and correct tag applicator (to tag newborn lambs for future identification); • docking and castrating equipment; and • a pen, calendar, and notebook (for recording the lamb’s birth date and sex, and the ear tag number of the ewe). • OB Gloves • lamb snare • aspirator Learn to Recognize Signs that Lambing is Near The best way to know lambing time is near is to use good record-keeping practices. Know the actual date the ram went in with the ewes. Count out 147 days and clearly mark your calendar. As always, be prepared a few days ahead.

Even knowing the 147 days, it is very difficult to determine the actual lambing day. Some of the signs a ewe will show to indicate it is near lambing time are: • the ewe’s udder will begin to fill with milk two to four weeks before lambing; • in the final week, the udder will become large and firm; • the teats will become firm and full of milk; • a day or two before lambing, the skin of the udder and teats may become dark pink or red; • the vulva will become red, shiny, and puffy; and • the ewe will have difficulty moving around, and she will grunt as she lies down.

11 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 When your ewe is only hours away from lambing, she may show some of the following signs: • your ewe will begin to act different from usual; • a mucous discharge may appear from the vulva; • the ewe separates herself from the rest of the flock; • she may refuse to eat and won’t chew her cud; • the ewe will lie down and get up often; • she will be nervous, making soft, low bleats; • she circles, pawing the bed, making herself a “nest”; • she will lie down with her head in the air; • lifting her head, she will purse her lips; • the “water bag” will appear; and • some part of the lamb will appear—if all is well, the two front feet will appear first.

How long will it take your ewe to lamb? Generally, a ewe will lamb anywhere from half an hour to two hours after you see the early signs. The ewes that will lamb the fastest will be mature ewes, which have lambed several times before. If these mature ewes are carrying smaller twins or triplets, they may lamb even faster. However, multiple lambs can require assistance.

Know When Assistance is Necessary Most lambs are born without assistance. Disturbing ewes, particularly young ewes lambing for the first time, can interfere with normal lambing. If lambing appears to be proceeding normally, do not interfere. Do not disturb the ewe, but keep an eye on her. In a normal presentation, the front feet protrude first, the nose and head follow lying flat on the front legs. If the lamb is large, or in any other position, or if the lamb does not appear after the ewe has been straining for two or three hours, some assistance should be given. If you haven’t assisted in a lambing, get help from someone with experience like your 4-H leader, or call your veterinarian.

12 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 What is Dystocia? Sometimes a ewe will have difficulty in giving birth. This is called dystocia and it may be very minor or very serious. The problems that can occur during lambing include: • the lamb could be backwards, or have the head turned back;

2 front legs back • the lamb could have the feet trapped under one leg back the body; or • if you have a ewe that is one year old, or a very small ewe, or if the ewes have been overfed in late pregnancy, the lamb may be too large to be born easily. If in doubt, examine the ewe to check that all is well, or if help is needed. Here are some very important things to remember head back big headed lamb before you assist with lambing: • Hygiene: make sure you and your hands are clean and the surroundings are clean and dry, to avoid any infection. Wash the area around the vulva with a non-irritating disinfectant. Clip dirty wool around the vulva if necessary. • Lubricant: to avoid damage to the ewe, use big shouldered lamb a good, gentle lubricant. Put on some OB breech lamb Gloves, which can be purchased at your local farm store. • Gentleness: go slowly, and be gentle at all times. Remember that the ewe is already under stress and in pain. Using force will surely cause damage. • Lamb snare.

Assisting with Lambing To determine the position of the lamb, you must check the birth canal. Wash and disinfect your hands or put on OB Gloves.

Wash the area around the vulva of your ewe. Lubricate your hand and slip it in through the vulva and into the birth canal. Don’t force it in suddenly—just use slow and easy pressure.

Once your hand is in, you should feel a head or a foot. If you feel the body, run your hand along the body until you contact a leg, head, or tail. Then try to visualize how the lamb is positioned in the ewe.

13 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Remember, there may be two or even three lambs in there. When you run your hand along the body, don’t lose contact with the lamb, you may start feeling the other one!

If you have trouble identifying a head, feel for an ear or a mouth. If you are not sure whether you are holding a front or rear leg, flex the first two joints up from the hoof. If both the joints bend the same way, it is a foreleg. If the joints bend in opposite ways, it is a rear leg. On a backwards lamb you can feel the dewclaws above the hoof rather than the toe of the hoof. When you have a pair of legs and a head or tail located, you can more accurately visualize the position of the lamb in the uterus. By now, you will know how the lamb must be moved to get it into the normal birthing position.

With a normal presentation both feet will exit first, immediately followed by the head and body. There may still be problems with birth in this position if the lamb is very big, has a big head or shoulders, or if the ewe is young, has never lambed before, or is very small. Twin lambs usually present no problems when found in the normal position.

If you assist the ewe, try to assist only to the point where she can finish the job herself. If you had to pull the lamb, make sure you leave the lamb behind the ewe once it is out and on the ground, so that she finds it in a normal place, where she would expect it to be. The ewe-lamb bond is very important for raising a healthy lamb. Interfering in any way can discourage bonding between a ewe and her lamb. normal position After you have assisted with a lambing, ensure that all lambs have been born. When there has been a difficult delivery, it can be difficult to assess whether the ewe has suffered any physical damage. If she has had a difficult delivery, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible, just to be sure that your ewe receives the proper care. For difficult deliveries it may be necessary for your veterinarian to prescribe medication to prevent infection. Watch the ewe to be sure that she does not retain her afterbirth, and that she cleans properly. Dispose of the afterbirth by collecting in a garbage bag, burning, or burying it.

14 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Know What to Do at Birth If the ewe needs assistance getting her lamb(s) up and nursing immediately after birth, clean the mucus from the nose and mouth of the lamb. If the lamb seems weak, use your fingertips to vigorously rub it along the backbone and back of the neck to stimulate breathing. Do not rub it on the chest as this may push the ribs down on the heart and stop it, especially with lambs that are oversize. Rub briskly and dry off with a clean towel and place them either in a warm blanket or under a heat lamp in a lambing pen. Make sure the ewe can’t get at the heat lamp and that the heat lamp is not too close to the lamb’s back. Weak or chilled lambs need colostrum, which is the rich, first milk that comes from the udder, and they need it as soon as possible. Whenever you’re working with new lambs, the ewe must be able to see and smell the lamb. If you have to take the lamb somewhere warm, return it to the ewe as soon as possible so the ewe doesn’t disown it.

Check the ewe’s udder to be sure there is milk. Gently squeeze out the little wax plug that seals the opening in the end of the teat. By doing this before the lamb gets there, it will be easier for the lamb to get its first milk. Normal active lambs are well able to do this themselves.

Once the lamb has nursed, disinfect the lamb’s navel with an iodine solution to prevent infection. If this is not done, the lamb may get an infection through the cord.

It is very important that you make sure the lamb nurses immediately after birth. Weak and wobbly lambs may require assistance. The lamb’s ability to absorb antibodies from the colostrum drops rapidly after birth. These antibodies are very important for protection against scours and other diseases. For orphaned lambs or those lambs born to ewes with no milk, it is a good practice to have on hand some fresh colostrum from ewes that have just lambed, or from dairy cows. Colostrum can be frozen in plastic ice cube containers. This is the right amount of colostrum when thawed. Thaw slowly in warm water, not the microwave. Udders of heavily milking ewes should be inspected a few days after lambing for congestion due to the inability of the lamb to take all the milk. Some hand milking will relieve this congestion as well as provide extra milk to freeze for other lambs.

One month before the start of lambing: • Shear wool tags and manure from the ewe’s rump, legs, and udder. This is known as “tagging” or “crutching.” • Vaccinate with a clostridial vaccine. • If your flock has had incidences of white muscle disease, weak, or stubborn lambs, talk to your veterinarian about feeding or treating your ewes with a vitamin E and selenium. Supplementing your ewes with vitamin A, D, and E is often advised where poor hay is being fed.

15 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 • If you had problems in a previous year, for example with coccidiosis, work with your veterinarian to develop preventative measures for this year. The coccidia parasite is in the environment. Ewes carry it into lambing areas and lambs pick up the parasite. Your veterinarian can assist you with treatments for ewes and for lambs that scour and have other symptoms of coccidiosis, such as loss of appetite, slow growth, a rough coat, and a pot-belly.

At lambing time: • Immediately after birth, dip the navel thoroughly, using a 7% iodine solution. This reduces bacteria entering through the navel and spreading through the bloodstream to cause infections. • Check the ewe’s udder. Make sure the wax plug that fills the teat has been removed, milk is available, and the lamb is nursing freely. Watch that the lamb isn’t sucking on wool tags or the smaller teats that have no milk. If nursing on the smaller teats is occurring, wrap these with tape for a day and watch that the lambs nurse on the main, milk-filled teats. • Always check each ewe and lamb. Watch for lambs that look droopy, depressed, or are hunched up and gaunt. The most usual reason is not enough milk. If you find such distressed lambs, stomach tube them with 150 ml to 250 ml (five to eight ounces) of milk. • If weak or stillborn lambs were a problem at birth, talk to your veterinarian. There are numerous reasons for weak lambs and lamb death losses. Make sure you know what the problem is before you treat for it. Reducing Lamb Losses There are a number of things that contribute to ewes giving birth to live, healthy lambs. Ewe flock nutrition and health care through pregnancy are critical factors contributing to having vigorous lambs at birth. These critical factors also provide for ewes having a good supply of colostrum and milk to raise their lambs. The best way to minimize lamb losses is to feed correctly year-round.

Some of the steps below can help you to lessen newborn lamb death losses.

Be Aware of the Main Causes of Lamb Deaths The three main causes of lamb deaths are: 1. chilling (hypothermia); 2. starvation; and 3. unsanitary quarters (which can cause pneumonia or scours).

Treating Chilled Lambs Humane care is important. When flocks are poorly managed, lamb death losses can be significant. One of the most common reasons for newborn lambs to die shortly after birth is from chilling or hypothermia. Learning to prevent, identify, and treat this disorder to minimize the number of newborn lamb deaths. More live lambs means more income for producers.

16 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Fortunately with the proper materials and technique, a little bit of time, and tender, loving care (TLC), many chilled lambs can be saved. One of the most valuable tools a flock manager can own is a good veterinary thermometer. Knowing body temperature is the first step in being able to treat an animal correctly.

Cause of Hypothermia • Make sure your lambs are not hypothermic. Hypothermia refers to body temperature being below normal. The normal rectal temperature of lambs is 39°C to 40°C. If you find a chilled lamb, warm the lamb by rubbing it vigorously with a dry towel and placing it under a heat lamp or in a warming box. Depending on the size of the lamb, feed 150 ml to 250 ml (five to eight ounces) of colostrum immediately and again two to four hours later. • Hypothermia is seen: with small lambs; with multiples where the ewe is busy with a number of lambs; with thin lambs with little or no fat deposits; with young, inexperienced ewes not tending to lambs or licking them dry with bad weather; or when drafts in the lambing area result in the lamb’s body temperature decreasing quickly. • Lambs have a large skin surface area relative to their body mass. Lambs that do not get up quickly to nurse and receive colostrum are likely to become hypothermic even when the air temperature is not below freezing. • Take the temperature of any lambs that are looking chilled. This will help you determine what treatment is required.

The Appearance and Behaviour of Hypothermic Newborn Lambs Age (hours) Cause Appearance and Behaviour

35°C 30°C 25°C 20°C Lower than 20°C

0-5 Long Delivery Weak but Recumbent Coma Deep Death Immature can stand Coma Lamb

12+ Low Heat Recumbent Coma and Production Death

Mild Hypothermia The lamb is weak but still able to stand. Rectal temperature is between 37°C and 39°C. The average temperature range for healthy lambs is 39° to 40° C. A lamb with mild hypothermia should be moved to a shelter, dried, and fed colostrum by stomach tube. A 20% dextrose solution can also be fed by stomach tube to lambs that are very small.

17 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Severe Hypothermia 1. Warming: The lamb now needs to be warmed slowly to return its body to the normal temperature. A warming box can be used. There are commercial ones on the market and homemade ones that work just as well. The lamb should only be left in the warming box long enough to bring the temperature above 37°C. At this point, the lamb can begin to generate its own heat. Warming the lamb too much will cause overheating or hyperthermia. 2. Return to Ewe: At this point the lamb can be fed colostrum, usually by bottle, as it should have its sucking reflex back. It can be returned to the ewe in a draft-free location. Smaller lambs can be given a “coat” to wear. Commercial lamb coats like Woolovers are available. Equally useful is a square piece of stretchy fabric (old jogging pant legs) that can be fitted by cutting four slits for the lamb’s legs. With ram lambs, also cut a hole so the lamb can urinate without soaking the lamb coat.

For more information on hypothermia, see the Code of Practice for Sheep, pages 78 to 80, www.nfacc.c

Death losses in newborn lambs can be high. Healthy, good mothers are key to lamb survival. There are management practices that also improve lamb survival. There are several procedures that should be carried out in the first few days of a lamb’s life and these can be remembered by the acronym TINT, which stands for Tails, Inject, Navels, Testicles.

Your first priority is to observe ewes and new lambs closely to make sure the lambs are nursing well and getting adequate colostrum. Then, you TINT them.

TINT Your Lambs Tails According to the Code of Practice for Sheep, the tails must be docked before the lamb is seven days old. The tail can be removed with: • an electric or gas heated docker or docking iron; T = Tails I = Inject • a rubber ring; N = Navels • a crush and cut device; or T = Testicles • a rubber ring plus a crushing device.

The docked tail should be left long enough to cover the anus of the ram or the vulva of the ewe. A good guide is to remove it at the joint in the tail bones just beyond the web on the underside of the tail.

18 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Why dock the tail? Except on short-tail sheep (Romanovs and Finnish Landrace, for example) and hair sheep, a lamb’s tail grows as the lamb grows and gets very long and woolly. Manure can coat the wool on undocked sheep. • Docking improves the general appearance of a pen of sheep. • Lambs will be cleaner, drier, and less susceptible to fly strike (blowfly maggots) and infection. • Docked ewes may be easier for the ram to breed. • Buyers of market Iambs and breeding stock discriminate against undocked lambs. • Processors may pay less for undocked lambs. Long wool and long tails increase risk of manure contamination on carcasses, and increase bacteria levels in processing plants.

Preparing the Lamb for Docking Docking is easier to do if you have been trained how to do it correctly, and if you have someone to help you. Your assistant should: • hold the lamb with its back down and its head up towards the holder; • hold the left front and left rear legs in their left hand; and • hold the right front and right rear legs in their right hand.

In this position, the underside of the lamb is facing upward and the tail is nearest to you for docking. • Locate the second tail joint away from the body, leaving a tail stub one to two cm long. • Push the skin slightly towards the body—this surplus skin will help healing later on. • Disinfect the area to be cut with iodine or similar disinfectant to aid healing and help prevent infection. • Remove the tail at this joint by any of the following methods.

19 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Methods of Docking Elastic Bands This instrument is called an “elastrator.” It is used to stretch specially designed elastic bands over the tail at the docking point. This is the simplest and most common way to dock lambs.

This band cuts off the blood circulation below the band, and the tail withers and drops off in two to three weeks. This method is best to use on newborn lambs that are one to four days old. Older lambs find this method most painful. Rubber rings may not be used on lambs over six weeks of age. Older lambs must be docked surgically by a veterinarian. elastrator Lambs docked using rubber rings may develop tetanus, so be sure to have a vaccination program that covers tetanus. Watch the lambs for signs of infection, especially during warm weather. Lambs with an infected tail may bite at or scratch at their back or rump area. The infected tail has to be removed and the area cleaned. The lamb may need antibiotics. Consult your veterinarian if you aren’t sure.

Hot Iron or Electric “Hot Docker” An original hot iron docker is a sharpened iron rod that is heated over a flame. It is used both to cut the tail and to cauterize the stump. The tail is pulled through a hole in a wooden board. The tail is seared off with the sharpened end of a very hot iron. There are also electric hot dockers that have a cutting blade that cauterizes as it cuts. Bleeding can occur with both types of hot dockers. Simply touch the bleeding tail stump again with the hot iron to stop the blood flow. electric hot docker Experience is necessary to get the proper heating. If the iron is too hot, or not hot enough, or if the tail is cut off too quickly and the wound won’t seal and can bleed. Powdered “blood stop” products are good to have in your first aid kit. Have a ball of cotton string to tie off any bleeders. Be sure to remove the string later that day. Any open wound is susceptible to infection. Always have newly docked lambs in a clean, well-bedded pen and monitor for a few days.

20 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Burdizzo The burdizzo is a specially designed set of pliers that is used to crush the blood veins and the tail at the second joint to minimize bleeding. Hold the pincers closed for a few seconds, then cut the tail with a sharp knife just above the crushing point. Make sure you are working in a clean, well-bedded area, and that your tools are well disinfected between lambs to minimize infection. The crushing process of the burdizzo helps control bleeding, but may not eliminate it completely. Lambs with bigger tails can have more bleeding. Be prepared to tie off or cauterize bleeders. Lambs over six weeks of age must be docked by a veterinarian who will have the ability to use medications to reduce stress and pain. No matter which method is used for docking, make sure you: • disinfect; • move lambs to a clean, well-bedded barn or pen, or to a new pasture; and burdizzo • watch for infection or bleeding.

If the lambs are docked properly at an early age, few problems will be encountered. Docking lambs early is less stressful, they recover more quickly, and rarely will there be any death losses.

Let’s Dock Tail docking, as you have already learned, is a delicate process that requires some skill and experience. close to body Properly done, the lamb recovers too short! quickly and suffers no setbacks in midway still growth. distal end of too short caudal tail Let’s Dock Summary Flow fold HERE or Chart longer! Have your assistant hold the lamb in the docking position. What do you have to locate on the tail?

Push the surplus skin towards the body of the lamb. What do you do now? Now you are ready to dock the tail! Which method will you use? If you work: • with an elastrator, you slip the rubber ring over the prongs, then you release the rubber band onto the tail. • with a burdizzo, you then you close the pincers for a few seconds. The bleeding should be minimal. • with a hot iron, pull the tail through the hole in the board. Make sure the iron is hot enough to burn the wound if there is excess bleeding.

21 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 There are several things you should do no matter which docking method is used. What are they? Apply insect repellent to keep the flies away from the wound. Keep stress and pain to a minimum Possible Answers

• Watch closely for any signs of infection or bleeding. • Locate the second tail joint away from the body. • Sear the tail off with a very hot iron. • Stretch the rubber band up and over the lamb’s tail to the docking point. • Disinfect the docking area with iodine. • Cut the tail with a sharp knife just outside the pincers. • Cauterize with the hot iron. • Disinfect your lamb’s tail. • The tail will wither and drop off in two to three weeks. • Open the pincers over the docking point on the tail.

Injections In some areas of Alberta, newborn lambs can be born selenium deficient.

In consultation with your veterinarian, and based on feed tests, if selenium is deficient in your area, lambs can be injected with the appropriate dose of a vitamin E/selenium preparation. Always follow veterinary advice. Read the label on the bottle and follow directions for injection. Always inject into the neck area, never into the muscles of the hindquarters. (Note: It is preferable to not inject baby lambs. Making sure the ewe is supplemented with adequate selenium year-round, and in particular during pregnancy, makes injecting lambs unnecessary as the ewe will have passed on enough selenium to the lamb. Navels The navel of the newborn lamb needs to be disinfected as soon after birth as possible. The untreated navel is an excellent route for infectious agents to enter the lamb causing internal abscesses and/or joint ill. An iodine solution is the most common disinfectant used. It is either sprayed onto the navel or the navel is dipped in a small container of the solution. If dipping the navels, replace the disinfectant solution in the container after every tenth lamb. Cleanliness prevents all kinds of problems. Testicles Ram lambs have their testicles removed in a process called castration for management reasons. If the market lambs are to be kept beyond three months of age, if they will be sold to a feed lot, or if they will be on the farm at the beginning of the breeding season (August), they need to be castrated. There are different methods used for castrations. You need to be trained and experienced to castrate a ram lamb. Castration is painful and must be done correctly. The Canadian Code of Practice for Sheep recommends that lambs be castrated when they are under seven days of age. Lambs over four weeks of age must be surgically castrated by a veterinarian who will use pain control medication.

22 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Methods of Castration Rings “Short scrotum” castration, where the testicles are pushed up into the body cavity and the ring applied to the empty scrotum, is not permitted under the Code of Practice. It is painful and does not assure that the ram lamb will be infertile. With this method, the lamb looks like he has been castrated, but he may be fertile. When he is older, he will put ewe lambs and ewes at risk for unwanted pregnancies.

Burdizzo Hold the lamb as for docking the tail. Make sure the testicles are well down in the scrotum.

Locate the testicle cord on the right side. Close the jaws of the burdizzo over the skin and the underlying cord about one cm above the testicle. Hold for several seconds. Repeat for the left testicle. Each cord must be crushed separately. Check the lambs regularly for a week or two to make sure all the lambs were successfully castrated and have no infections. This method can be used in lambs from one to six weeks of age. Castration of any lamb over six weeks of age must be done surgically by a veterinarian.

Elastic Bands As in docking the tail, elastrator pliers can be used to stretch specially designed elastic bands around the neck of the scrotum. Make sure that both testicles are well down in the scrotum. With the elastrator, stretch the rings over and above the testicles making sure the ring doesn’t catch the tiny nipples above the scrotum.

In two to three weeks, the testicles and lower part of the scrotum will wither and slough off. This method is most effective when your lambs are only a few days old.

Castrating spring-born lambs should be done on a warm, dry day in clean conditions. Handle the lambs slowly and carefully before and after the operation. Have them in a confined well-bedded pen or clean pasture for close observation. In warm weather, flies are a problem. Spray fly repellent around the wound. Watch the lambs closely for fly strike. If you are both docking and castrating, it is best to castrate first. The ewe flock should get its annual combined vaccine for clostridium and tetanus. The immunity vaccines develop in the ewe flock and are passed onto the lamb. This helps protect the lambs from tetanus at docking and castration. Consult your local veterinarian for advice.

23 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Flock Health Identification While you are handling the newborn lambs and their mothers, it’s a good idea to write down key information. Record the ewe’s identification tag, the birth date, and the lambs’ tag numbers. Comments on mothering, lamb vigour, and birth weights all help decide which ewes to keep in the flock, which should be culled, and whose daughters should be kept as replacements.

Whether tattoos, or ear tags are used, the lamb must be identified before it leaves the lambing pen and mixes with other ewes and lambs. In Canada, all lambs and sheep must have a Canadian Sheep Identification Program electronic tag applied in their right ear before they leave their farm of birth. It’s the law.

Farm Animal Review — Fill in the Blanks

Animal Female Male Castrated Male Sheep Ram Cattle Cow Horse Stallion Chicken Capon Pig Sow Did you get them all?

The goal of sheep owners is to have a productive, healthy, and well-cared for flock. “Animal welfare” is a term used to mean the animals are being cared for in a manner that considers the best interests of the animals. Some of the key factors in good animal care include: • recognizing sheep are flock animals and need flock mates; • having emergency plans in place for extreme weather, fire, and drought; • supplying feed and water for good health; • providing freedom to move and behave in a normal manner; • handling to avoid pain and stress; • caring for pregnant ewes, newborn lambs, and mothers; • controlling predators, pests, and parasites; • providing shelter appropriate to the climate; and • managing flock health.

24 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Keeping Your Flock Healthy Have a plan for flock health that focuses on ways to minimize disease and effectively deal with health problems that arise. Some things to consider for a flock health plan include the following. • Buy healthy sheep. Keep sheep healthy. • Maintain strict biosecurity. Have a quarantine pen for new animals. Have a log book and record all visitors. Provide visitors with boots and coveralls. • Have a copy of “Biosecurity Principles and Best Practices for Alberta Producers” (Available from Alberta Lamb Producers: www.ablamb.ca ) • Have a written health maintenance program outlining daily, monthly, and yearly plans for nutrition; veterinary care, vaccinations, accurate diagnosis, post-mortems, and treatments; and record-keeping. • Know what diseases pose the greatest risk. Learn to recognize healthy sheep and to rapidly identify possible infectious diseases, metabolic, nutritional disorders, parasitic issues, and inherited defects. • Have best practices for the care of sick animals: such as sick pens, a quarantine pen, and separate feed and water; consult with a veterinary practitioner ; know the appropriate feed, care, and treatment; apply correct use, dosage, storage, and record of medications; and use appropriate disinfectants and procedures for cleaning. • Monitor the flock. Set aside time every day to observe the flock.

Working with Your Veterinarian Probably one of the most undervalued resources available to flock owners is their veterinarian. Disease, ill health, and poor productivity are costly. It is important to establish a relationship with your veterinarian.

A veterinarian can’t be expected to diagnose problems if s/he has never seen the flock, doesn’t know what kind of manager you are, or what kind of care you are providing. Before key production periods like lambing, have your veterinarian out, go through your flock, your feeding and health programs, and the records you keep. With background on your management and your flock, a veterinarian can provide valuable practices into your flock health best practices.

Observe Your Flock By observing the flock daily you will recognize normal behaviour and be able to compare animals from day to day. Determine what is normal feeding behaviour and watch for changes. You might notice a pregnant ewe that doesn’t get to the grain feeder in time to eat or a lamb that doesn’t come up for hay. Watch for a limping sheep, for dirty wool, a drooped ear. Small changes in physical appearance and behaviour can be a sign of a problem to come.

25 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Watch For the Early Signs of Illness Some early warning signs of coming illness include the following: • not eating with the rest of the group; • standing away from the flock, staying alone in a barn or pasture, or being the last in the group coming in from pasture or to feed; • looking depressed—holding the head down, having droopy ears, and arching the back; with young lambs, standing hunched up with feet close together; • showing signs of diarrhea such as runny manure on the wool around the rump; • breathing heavily, coughing, having a runny nose; • bloating on the left side above ribs; • unable to walk straight, walking in circles, walking with head down or crooked; • showing signs of stiffness or appearing lame when walking; and • losing body condition.

You can reduce and minimize stress by:

• maintaining a consistent routine for your feeding practices, including consistently using a single type of feed, time of feeding, and amount fed; • keeping sheep in familiar groups; mixing in new sheep disturbs social groups and is stressful; • maintaining your facilities. Follow recommendations in the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep for facility set-up and maintenance; • keeping facilities clean and pens well-bedded with a suitable bedding material; • ensuring there is adequate ventilation providing air fresh for sheep in barns; • having shelter appropriate to the season for all sheep. Lambs born in winter require protection from cold, usually in a heated barn, for the first few days of life; • having well-drained corrals will help keep animals comfortable and out of the mud. Moving through mud uses energy and adds stress; • maintaining buildings, corrals and fences, and keeping all areas free from sharp objects can help reduce injuries to animals; • having pens for sick animals separate from, but within sight of the flock. Sheep are flock animals; being alone is stressful; • providing clean feed and water. Check and clean waterers and feeders to reduce contamination from manure and spoiled feed; and • checking pastures regularly for hazards including plants that may be toxic to sheep.

26 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Managing Health Problems Not all health problems are due to disease. Many are due to poor nutrition or poor management. Preventing disease is less costly and less discouraging than treating it. • Have a flock health management plan. • Develop a working relationship with your veterinarian. • Monitor and observe the flock daily. • Have an emergency response ready. This will include a handling and sorting system, a phone number for the veterinarian, and equipment such as a halter and thermometer, and a crate for hauling single animals. • Keep health records with animal id, date, observations, actions, treatments, and response. • Have post-mortems done on all animals that die without obvious cause. • Follow appropriate “dead stock” management (www.agric.gov.ab.ca).

Some health problems that can be minimized through good nutrition include (pregnancy toxemia), careful feeding (acidosis), and animal selection (genetic disorders).

Pregnancy Toxemia: is seen in the last three weeks of pregnancy, and usually affects ewes carrying multiples, or ewes that are older, or too fat. The ewe’s temperature will be normal or even low. The issue usually starts with a missed feeding or when a ewe is pushed away from the grain trough. This creates a shortage of energy to sustain body temperature and growing fetuses. The ewe doesn’t come up for feed, looks depressed, gets weak, and may grind her teeth and go down. Without immediate care, the ewe can die. Treatment is difficult and rarely effective. A veterinarian should be consulted. To prevent this condition, improve feed quality in late pregnancy. Avoid stress in late pregnancy. Provide sheep minerals and salt at all times. Avoid sudden changes in feed.

Hypocalcaemia: usually occurs just before or shortly after lambing. Staggering, tremors, and a stilted gate will be observed. Ewes usually go down after an hour or two. There is no fever, but the temperature may be lowered. Ewes may look bloated. Consult a veterinarian promptly. Treatment is usually effective. To prevent hypocalcaemia, avoid stress in late pregnancy. Good quality Ca-P minerals should be available at all times. Avoid sudden changes in feed.

Some health problems are caused by disease organisms and can be infectious to other sheep, other mammals, or to humans. These problems can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and prions.

Abortions: most abortion diseases are spread by animal contact (discharges, placenta, fetus, and birth fluids and contamination of feed, bedding, or water). To diagnose the cause, it is important that the fetus, placenta, and any other membranes be submitted to a lab for examination. Fresh, clean, uncontaminated samples are the best.

27 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Chlamydial abortion (Enzootic) – This is the most common form of abortion in sheep and goats. If this occurs in the last two weeks of pregnancy, they are usually seen as abortions, stillbirths, or weak lambs. Laboratory diagnosis is necessary to confirm the abortion is enzootic. When it first occurs in a flock, the rate of abortion will be high and then drop as immunity builds up. The placenta will be severely damaged and may be retained. Ewes will usually only abort once, but will still carry the organism. It is very difficult to control. There are no vaccines, though some antibiotics may be recommended by your veterinarian.

Campylobacter abortion (Vibriosis): Occurs in late pregnancy with abortions, stillbirths, or weak lambs. When it first occurs in a flock, the rate of abortion can be up to 50%. Some ewes will die from complications such as infected uterus or retained placentas. Infected ewes shed bacteria in feces. Flock immunity increases but new animals and young animals can be infected and may abort. A post-mortem done on a fresh, not frozen, fetus is required to identify the cause of abortions. Vaccines can be obtained. Consult your veterinarian about ordering vaccines if vibriosis has been diagnosed in your flock.

Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoa that infects cats. The ewes are infected by consuming feed or water contaminated by feces from infected cats. Keep young cats in particular out of sheep feeders and feeds. Generally there no signs in healthy, non-pregnant ewes. In mid-gestation, ewes will abort or give birth to weak lambs that die. In the last trimester there may be weak lambs or healthy, but infected lambs. Typical loses can be 15 to 20 % of the lamb crop.

Abortions can also be caused by: • nutritional deficiencies, (vitamin A, iodine) or malnutrition (especially in young ewes who are still growing); • rough handling, accidents; • exhaustion from stress, transport, and dog attacks; • diseases causing a high fever; and • hormonal disturbances.

Parasites Parasite management is an important part of a flock health plan. Sheep are affected by both internal and external parasites.

There are a variety of parasites that live inside the digestive tracts and/or respiratory tracts of sheep. Some are more common than others, some are seen more in different regions of Canada, and some have a more detrimental effect than others. The routine use of highly effective anthelmintics (dewormers) has controlled internal parasites in sheep for many years.

28 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Internal Parasites: Gastrointestinal worms attach to the stomach lining, suck blood, and cause ulcers and inflammation. There are a number of different species and different symptoms. Come cause anemia, swelling under jaw, and sometimes sudden death. Some cause intestinal damage, diarrhea, and weight loss. They are diagnosed by post-mortem examination or fecal sampling.

Life cycle of gastrointestinal worms

mature worms

sheep eats the worms

eggs in manure

young worms

young worms developing

Tapeworms: The sheep type of tapeworm can occasionally be seen in the feces, but is generally not a problem for the sheep. However dog tapeworms cause cysts in muscles resulting in the meat being condemned. Any dogs in contact with sheep needs to be wormed regularly with the right product. Talk to your veterinarian.

Lung Worms: More common in wet marshy pastures. Also found in goats and deer. Living in the lungs, eggs are coughed up and then swallowed with grass by grazing sheep. Signs include rapid breathing, coughing, and ill thrift. Lung worms can also cause secondary pneumonias. Diagnosis is usually made on the post- mortem exam.

Coccidia: An internal parasite, a protozoa, causing the disease coccidiosis in sheep. Sheep coccidia only infect sheep. Coccidiosis is a problem mainly seen in young sheep and lambs in corrals or on pasture. Stress causes protozoa to multiply and cause infection. Keeping barns and corrals dry and clean helps prevent infection. Closely monitor lambs and young ewes for diarrhea, sometimes with tinges of blood in the stool. Contact your veterinarian if you see these signs. Find out how to collect a fecal sample. Rapid diagnosis is necessary to prevent deaths or lambs with chronic disease resulting in poor-doing, thin, runty lambs. Regular deworming medications do not get rid of coccidia.

29 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Managing Parasites Recent research across Canada has identified significant levels of parasitism, increasing levels of previously rare parasites, as well as emerging problems in managing parasites with increasingly ineffective options for deworming sheep.

There are three groups of dewormers that have been used in Canada. The benzimidazoles (white drenches), the imidazothiazoles (yellow drenches) and the avermectins. Very few are actually licensed for use in sheep. Resistance to dewormers has built up over time partly through the repeated use of a few dewormers, the use of the wrong dewormer, improper use of dewormers, and inaccurate dosing.

A significant challenge for the lamb industry will be to develop new techniques that promote productivity, are less reliant on chemical dewormers and also preserve effectiveness of newly developed dewormers.

Correctly identify the parasite. Fecal sampling and a fecal egg count is done by collecting fresh manure samples and having the samples analyzed by your veterinarian. Most veterinarians can determine the type of parasites and how many are present.

Use dewormers appropriately. • Use the right dewormer. Treating sheep with a dewormer that isn’t effective for the parasites the sheep is carrying is a waste of time and money. For example, ivermectin is not effective for sheep tapeworms. Fecal sampling will identify if the parasite is a gastrointestinal worm or coccidian, which need completely different treatments. • Use the right dose. Weigh the sheep, calibrate the drench gun, follow directions on dose, and drench correctly. • Rotate dewormers slowly. Use a dewormer for at least a year before changing. In some areas of the world, commercial deworming products are combined. Work with your veterinarian to identify products that may be effective for parasites on your farm.

Monitor and treat animals selectively. Treat individual animals only when they need it. This is done by fecal sampling and pooling the samples for veterinary, laboratory analysis. Target groups for treatment are ewes prior to lambing, lambs, and young, nursing ewes in mid-grazing season. Monitor after treatment and investigate treatment failure.

Be careful about buying sheep. Purchasing or borrowing rams from other flocks can be a source of parasites, some of which may already be resistant to deworming medications. Quarantine and treat all new sheep.

30 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Manage pastures to reduce contamination. This is going to be very challenging for producers who have routinely grazed their flocks in one pasture. The biggest parasite issues occur with lambs, young animals, and nursing ewes grazing mid to late summer. At this point in time suggestions for reducing parasite infection includes: • routinely break up and re-seed pastures; • use annual pastures for susceptible weaned lambs; • harrow pastures to break up and spread manure thus exposing larvae to sun, freezing, or drying; • if possible, let grass dry after showers and put the flock out to graze after the dew is off the grass; • larvae climb about 5 cm up the stem of a grass, so don’t let the flock graze the grass too short because that increases the potential for picking up larvae. Over-grazing also damages plants; • fence off wet, marshy areas; • rotate pastures with other species (such as cattle or horses). Sheep and goats share the same parasites and should be grazed separately; • rest pastures. Parasites can survive for weeks or months in a moist temperate climate. Some can survive Canadian winters. This makes pasture rotation difficult. A two to three week rotation may work for plants and parasite control. Using small paddocks and very short grazing periods may help; and • spread well-composted manure on cropland and hayland rather than on pastures.

Good sanitation. Keep feces out of feeders and water supplies. Keep pens clean and dry. Scrape corrals annually. Move pasture water sources to avoid heavy use and overgrazing.

Genetic selection. There is a genetic link to parasite resistance. At this point it there is very little understanding on how to apply this to flocks today other than to suggest culling animals that show susceptibility to parasites.

External Parasites There are a few insects that live and thrive on sheep. Blowflies, nasal flies, and even houseflies and mosquitoes can make summers miserable for sheep.

The most common external parasites of sheep are sheep keds and lice. Sheep keds are sometimes called sheep ticks. Keds are easily treated and once treated correctly will only re-occur if they are brought in on new sheep. Sheep also can carry lice. One sign of lice is ewes rubbing and scratching to eventually develop ringlets of wool on their sides. In lambs, infestations of external parasites can result in losses in growth and body condition.

31 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 There are only a few sprays and powders that can be used to control external parasites. Talk to your veterinarian about identifying parasites, products that are effective, and effective treatment. The best time to treat is just after shearing when the wool is short and the products are easier to apply evenly. Follow directions very carefully not only to eradicate the parasites but also to protect yourself. Insecticides can be dangerous if not handled correctly and if you don’t wear protective clothing.

Sheep Ked: These are wingless insects that spend their entire life cycle on sheep. Keds are most numerous in fall and winter. They spread from sheep to sheep by body contact and are worse when overcrowding occurs. Adult keds are visible and easily seen on lambs. Spraying or dusting right after shearing is best. Every animal in the herd must be treated, usually twice, or the few that are left will sheep ked re-infest the flock.

Biting or Sucking Lice: Sucking lice feed on blood; sucking or biting lice feed on skin particles and dander in the wool. They can survive for a few days off the sheep. Clean out bedding and treat entire flock as above. biting or sucking lice Blowflies: The adult blowflies lay eggs in open sores or in manure around the sheep’s tail. After hatching, the larvae invade wounds or bore into the sheep’s flesh. Maggots and the smell of infection are easily detected. The pain and infection can kill sheep. Shearing sheep and docking tails on lambs are done to prevent manure contamination of wool that provides a place for blowflies to lay eggs. Watch for blowfly sheep that are itching, biting, or have wet-looking areas in their fleece. Shear the area and clean the wound with benzene or chloroform. Consult with your northern veterinarian. fowl mite Mange Mites: These mites cause intense itchiness and infected sheep will have visible scabs where they have rubbed themselves raw from the itchiness. Treat mange mites with dusting after shearing the sheep. scaly roost poultry leg mite mite louse Sheep Nasal Fly: Nasal flies are related to the warble flies that infect cattle. The flies deposit larvae near the sheep’s nostrils. The larvae enter the nasal passages and sinuses irritating the membranes. An infected sheep will usually have a nasal discharge. sheep nasal fly Sheep have a tendency to try and push their nose into ground or onto other sheep to keep flies away.

32 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Trimming Hooves Knowing how to correctly trim hooves is a standard shepherding skill. It is hard on the back, but not that difficult. • Have the right tool. Sheep hoof trimmers are heavier than gardening pruning shears. Pneumatic hoof trimmers are used by large flock owners. • Holding the sheep correctly makes a huge difference. An experienced shepherd can show you how to maneuver a sheep to sit on its butt. When held correctly, the sheep will relax and not fight. There are trimming stands, cradles, tilt tables, and electronic systems for holding sheep. • Correct trimming should follow this procedure: ◊◊ clean manure, mud from sole and sides of hoof; ◊◊ cut tip of toe across; ◊◊ trim flaps of hoof off each side; ◊◊ check for signs of infection and abscesses, and trim away; ◊◊ check with your veterinarian if you suspect foot rot; ◊◊ try to make the hoof level; ◊◊ do not cut hooves too short and avoid drawing blood; ◊◊ trim the hooves of show animals and breeding rams well before show day or breeding season to avoid lameness.

33 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Body Condition Scoring (BCS) Body condition scoring is a method of assessing body fat on sheep. The system scores range from 1 – an emaciated animal to 5 – a very over-fat animal. BCS is a very effective tool for monitoring feeding programs, determining if ewes and rams are in breeding condition, and in deciding if lambs are finished for market. Excess fat is very expensive in terms of feed cost and also in its potential impact of flock productivity. spinal processes fat muscle

transverse process

Assess the prominence of the spinal prcesses by running your fingers over the backbone.

Feel for the transverse processes — the edges of the short ribs. Assess amount of fat and muscle by passing the fingers under the edge of these bones.

34 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 A system to determine body condition using five categories from 1- emaciated to 5 - overfat Score Description

Spine sharp, 1 back muscle shallow Lean Spine sharp, back 2 muscle full, no fat

Spine can be felt, Good 3 back muscle full, some fat cover Condition

Spine barley felt, 4 muscle very full, thick fat cover Fat Spine impossible to 5 feel, very thick fat cover, fat deposits over tail and rump. Using Condition Scoring Determining the Body Condition Score (BCS) is a standard management practice used to assess fat finish, and to some extent, muscling on live animals. It is a valuable skill for 4H members to learn. (See also the Code of Practice).

Condition scoring can be used to determine the overall nutritional status of the flock. It is used to help make management decisions on feeding, on grouping sheep, and on when to flush ewes or market lambs.

Body Condition Scoring is a valuable tool. It is easy to learn, and it requires no equipment. With experience, it helps manage different ewes in a flock, assess the effectiveness of a ration, and compare the flock condition from year to year.

checking width of join checking size of leg checking depth of twist

35 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Feeds and Feed is the single highest cost and accounts for roughly 60% of all costs in every lamb Feeding Your produced. As fuel and land costs increase, so will the cost of feed. A good feeding Sheep program is not only critical in managing costs, but also in managing flock productivity. Nutrition is key factor in flock reproduction, milk production, lamb growth, and carcass quality.

Sheep are ruminants. They have a digestive system made up of four different stomachs. They have the amazing ability to eat and digest plant materials, shrubs, and bark that humans can’t digest. Their ability to turn plants into high quality food has made them important to humans. Sheep need feed for life. Feed is the fuel used to carry out four body processes:

• body maintenance: providing heat for the body, energy for movement, digestion, and normal body processes, repairing body tissues, and growth of hair and hide; • growth: to grow and produce new muscle, fat, organ, and bone tissue; • reproduction: to get and stay pregnant, for development of the fetus, and to give birth to healthy lambs; and • lactation: to produce enough high quality milk and colostrum for lambs. Feeds Provide Nutrients There are six nutrients in feeds that play a vital role keeping sheep healthy and productive: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Protein In all animals, protein is essential for the formation of muscles, organs, and milk. A lack of protein in growing lambs can lead to improper or slowed muscle development. A lack of protein for pregnant ewes can cause the fetus to grow poorly. Lactating ewes lacking protein will not produce sufficient milk and the milk that is produced will be of lower quality. A deficiency in protein can also lead to reduced wool production.

Because sheep are ruminants, they can utilize lower quality protein sources to meet their protein requirement. Mature sheep fed a good quality legume hay will often have their protein requirements met without any protein supplementation. Protein can readily be supplemented with soya bean, canola, or pea meals.

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the main source of energy from feeds. Energy is required for all four main processes described above. Grains or concentrates are an excellent source of carbohydrates since they are high in starch and easily digested.

36 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Fat Fats are another common source of heat and energy. Fat is an excellent energy source (it provides two and half times the amount of energy of carbohydrates) and is highly palatable. However, feeding too much fat (such as oilseeds) can reduce rumen function and cause digestive upset. It is recommended that fat makes up no more than 6% of the total ration. Vitamins Vitamins are key to healthy and productive sheep. Ruminants, such as sheep, manufacture the B-complex vitamins in their rumens. Important vitamins sheep need from feeds include vitamins A, D, and E. Vitamin A is found in carotene in green plants. It is important for growth, muscular control, and reproduction. Vitamin D is obtained through exposure to sunlight and from green feeds. It, along with calcium and phosphorus, is important for proper bone formation. Vitamin E is found in most plants, however as hay ages, the amount of vitamin E in it can decrease. This vitamin helps to prevent white muscle disease. Minerals Minerals are important to maintain homeostasis in the animal, maintain bone and teeth health, facilitate nerve transmissions, and stimulate hormone activity. Calcium and phosphorus are important minerals involved in almost every body process, including reproductive health, milk production, bone density, energy transmission, and growth. Cobalt is important for production of vitamin B12 in the rumen. Sheep are more susceptible to a cobalt deficiency than cattle. Providing a free choice cobalt-iodized (blue) salt is enough to meet the requirements for both cobalt and iodine. Iodine is important for maintaining the function of the thyroid gland. Selenium is important for maintaining muscle function. A deficiency in selenium can result in white muscle disease.

It is very important to make sure the mineral mix you feed is made for sheep. Cattle mineral pre-mixes, as well as hog and poultry feeds, contain too much copper and can lead to copper toxicity in sheep.

Water Water is essential for all normal body processes. It is important for transporting nutrients throughout the body, maintaining blood pressure, absorption of nutrients, and controlling body temperature.

Water quality is also important. Water with excessive minerals like sulfur or sodium impact not only how much the sheep drink, but how well they utilize different nutrients in their feed. Plenty of clean, fresh water should always be available to your sheep. Adult sheep will normally drink about 12 liters of water a day. Lush pastures will reduce water intake. Sheep on dry hay will drink more water than sheep on silage rations. When sheep don’t get enough water, they will reduce their feed intake. It is very important that growing lambs have clean, fresh water available at all times.

37 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Water quality can be a problem in Alberta. It is recommended that dugouts and new wells be tested. Poor water quality can smell bad and have visible dissolved solids that can make it less palatable. The sheep will drink less of this kind of water. Most often there are no visible signs indicating the water may be of poor quality. Testing water is a good practice.

For information on laboratories that test feeds and water go to: www.agric.gov.ca

Learn to sample feed correctly, test forages annually, and balance rations Feed testing is a basic management tool and it’s easy to learn how to do. Alberta Agriculture’s website, Ropin the Web, has a video showing how. You need to have a nutritionist’s input to effectively use the feed test results. Consider asking a local feed company to sponsor a speaker who could talk to your 4-H group about nutrition.

Feed quality and nutrient content can only be accurately assessed through laboratory feed testing. Feed quality varies in different areas, in different soil zones with different fertility, even due to differences in rainfall. Even on the same farm, feed quality varies from year to year.

Knowing forage quality is critical in managing sheep nutrition. Sample forages every year so you can develop a ration that supplies all the nutrients your sheep need in the quantities they need to stay healthy.

Balancing rations means having the right nutrient available in the right amount for the right sheep. As you now know, there are key nutrients that must be supplied for healthy and productive sheep. Sheep of different ages and in different stages of production (such as dry ewes, milking ewes, newborn lambs, or growing lambs) have different nutritional needs. Sheep in winter need more energy than on a hot summer day.

SheepBytes ration balancer software was developed for Canadian sheep producers. The software helps to improve productivity and keep sheep healthy, to reduce feed, and to improve flock profitability. There is a demo version to try out and video to help you learn to use the program. The website also provides information on sheep nutrition.

To try out SheepBytes ration balancer, go to: www.sheepbytes.ca

38 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Types of Feeds Pasture can offer different fresh plant materials such as legumes (clovers, alfalfa), forbs (leafy shrubs, weeds, brush), and grasses. Cool season grasses are grown in Alberta pastures (bromes, fescues, ryegrasses, and wheatgrasses). Sheep usually graze one third of a twenty-four hour day, chew their cud one third, and rest one third.

Harvested and stored feeds are essential for wintering sheep in Alberta. There are two classes of harvested feeds: roughages or forages, and concentrates or grains.

Roughages Roughages, also called forages, are plant materials that provide nutrients and fibre. They include harvested hays, green feeds, silages, haylage, and balage. Because sheep are ruminants, roughage needs to make up the bulk of their diet. Forages that are over-matured are less digestible. Hays are the most common and versatile harvested and stored feed used for sheep. When hay is cut at the right stage of maturity and stored properly, it can supply most of the nutrients needed by sheep. A number of different plants, grasses, legumes, and crops can be used for hay. Hay can also be stored for long periods of time assuring a back-up feed supply for sheep in years of poor crops, drought, or late springs.

Silages are also commonly used by larger flocks with access to seeding and harvesting equipment or custom operators. Silage can refer to any grain crops that are ensiled. In Alberta, silages are usually made from annual grains: barley, mixed oats, barley, peas, sunflowers, or corn. Silages must be harvested and stored correctly to provide needed nutrition, for palatability, and to limit the growth of bacteria that can cause health problems in sheep (such as listeriosis). Silages have more moisture than hays, which can reduce intake, or how much an animal can consume. Feed testing will determine silage quality so balanced rations can be developed, particularly for pregnant ewes and growing lambs.

Haylage, or balage, are grasses, legumes, or almost any forages that are ensiled usually by wrapping in a plastic, airtight storage bag. The forage can be harvested at the optimum stage of maturity and there are fewer nutrients lost than with hay (through drying and baling). Maintaining the feed in the airtight bag is important for quality.

Greenfeeds are annual crops specifically seeded, usually later in the season, to supply additional forage. Proper curing can be difficult and may lead to dusty, mouldy greenfeed; testing the quality of all forages is important.

39 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Concentrates Concentrates consist of grains, by-products, or manufactured supplements and feeds that are fed when higher nutrition is required. They are small packages of feed densely packed with nutrients. They are low in fibre and high in digestible nutrients. Concentrates supply large quantities of protein or energy for quick use by pregnant or lactating ewes or by rapidly growing lambs. Sheep are well able to digest whole grains. Rolling, grinding, or flaking is used for younger animals to improve palatability. Sheep love grain and some protein supplements, so feeding of concentrates has to be regulated.

In Alberta, the most commonly used grains are barley and oats. Barley is higher in digestible nutrients than oats. It is essentially an energy or fattening feed. Oats contain nearly as much protein as barley, but less energy and total digestible nutrients (T.D.N.) than barley or wheat because they have a fibrous hull. In sheep rations, oats are very palatable and they are bulky. Wheat is less commonly used. Wheat is high in T.D.N. and often contains more protein than barley. Wheat can be used in sheep rations as an energy source. Up to one-third of the grain can be wheat. Rye grain is very rarely used. Corn is used when its price is low, which is fairly rare.

Where additional protein is needed, soybean meal, canola meal, or linseed meal can be added to the grain ration. Less commonly used are dried distillers grains (barley and corn by-products from the distillation of beer or whiskey). Pricing is a key factor in deciding what protein sources can be used as supplements. Other by-products from food processing (such as weed screenings and field crop residues) can be carefully fed to sheep as part of a balanced ration. Producers who have show flocks use molasses to increase the palatability (taste) of a ration to increase intake. Beet pulp, linseed meal, and wheat bran are also used for fibre and flavour. The cost usually puts them out of reach for commercial production.

For more information on sheep nutrition, see: www.ablamb.ca “Sheep & Goat Management in Alberta—Nutrition Module.”

40 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Digestion Ruminants are herbivores, or plant eaters. They have evolved so they are able to digest all kinds of plant materials. Sheep, like all ruminants, digest their feed in two stages. They start by eating the plant material, chewing it into smaller pieces, and mixing it with saliva for swallowing. The plant materials go into the first in a series of stomachs. Sheep then regurgitate the semi-digested feed in a cud that they then chew. The cud is broken into smaller particles for the next stage of digestion.

The digestive system of ruminants can be divided up as shown in the diagram.

A sheep’s digestive tract occupies most of the abdomen and has a great capacity. The rumen makes up about 80% of the total. The rumen is the location in the digestive system where food is held for regurgitation as a cud and for digestion by microorganisms. Tremendous numbers of bacteria and protozoa grow in this compartment. These microorganisms attach to incoming feed particles to digest them. This is what allows the ruminant to efficiently utilize poor protein sources and fibrous plants. The rumen microbes produce energy, protein, and vitamins that can be used by the sheep. The microbes also produce a lot of gas (like methane and carbon dioxide), which is removed from the rumen through belching. The second compartment, with its honeycombed wall, is known as the reticulum. Heavy objects such as wire or nails eaten with the feed have a tendency to settle out into this compartment. The liquid and finer solid material is almost completely digested and then moves into the omasum.

The third compartment, the omasum, is lined with folds of tissue. The omasum removes water and water soluble vitamins from the digested materials for absorption into the blood stream.

The abomasum is the true stomach, where digestive juices are secreted and further break down the feed in preparation for absorption by the blood stream. A sheep has a long digestive tract adapted to getting the maximum amount of nutrients out of the digested feed as it passes slowly through the digestive system.

41 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Rumen Development in Lambs When it is born, a lamb does not yet have a fully developed rumen. The rumen is much smaller and does not have the bacteria found in the rumen of adult sheep. Young lambs cannot digest fibrous feeds. A lamb’s rumen may take weeks to months to fully develop and become capable of efficiently digesting. To promote rumen development, encourage lambs to eat palatable solid feeds like lamb crumbles and soybean meal. Lamb creep feeders are perfect for getting young lambs onto feed.

Feeding Sheep in Different Stages of Production Throughout the year, breeding ewes go through a variety of stages. Their nutritional requirements depend on how much they are producing. Ewes in the maintenance period need enough feed to maintain their body condition and grow wool. Flushing is the period before breeding where ewes, particularly thinner ewes, are fed increased quality and quantities of feed so they gain weight. Ewes in late pregnancy, or lactation when they are nursing multiple lambs, have very high nutritional requirements. Ewes rearing fast-growing multiples have a difficult time eating enough to maintain their body condition. The nutritional requirements of lambs also vary greatly. Fast-growing winter-born lambs can achieve gains of over half a kilogram (one pound) per day. Older lambs and lambs on pasture tend to grow more slowly and take longer to reach market weight. Market lambs and replacement breeding lambs also have different nutritional needs. Breeding animals need to grow well without getting over fat.

Production Stage Description Length Feed Requirements Dry period between weaning and Maintenance breeding 80 to 130 days Low About 3 weeks before, during, and 3 Flushing weeks after breeding 90 days High

First 15 weeks after breeding, Early Pregnancy maintain condition 105 days Moderate

Last 6 weeks before lambing, Late Pregnancy developing udder, fetus 30 to 60 days High First 6 weeks after lambing. Nursing Early Lactation lambs, peak milk production 30 to 50 days Very high Last weeks of lactation prior to Late Lactation weaning 30 to 50 days Moderate Weaning Period of drying off, to stop milk flow 7 to 14 days Low After weaning 22 kg (50 lbs.), to market weight 50 kg (110 lbs.). Very High to Growing Lambs Nutrition depends on growth rate, 50 to 100 days Moderate age, and gender.

42 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Feeding Replacement Lambs Replacement ewe and ram lambs need to receive enough energy and protein to grow, but not enough to become over-conditioned. Both ram and ewe lambs should reach approximately three quarters of their mature body weight before breeding.

Feeding for Maintenance Ewes that are not nursing lambs, may be open, or not bred, or may have been bred and are in the early stages of pregnancy. If they are neither under- nor over- conditioned, feed to maintain body condition and weight. Grazing good quality pasture with a free choice mineral is sufficient for adequately conditioned ewes.

Flushing Two to three weeks before breeding, increase the feed quality and quantity provided, particularly for thinner or younger ewes. This is called “flushing” and it is used to increase the number of ewes that breed in the first cycle as well as the number of multiple lambs they conceive and give birth to. Over-fat ewes do not respond to flushing.

Feeding During Early Pregnancy or Gestation When the ewe is bred, it is not necessary to feed over the maintenance level. The fetus is still small and not growing much. While you don’t want the ewes to lose much weight in early pregnancy, usually a bigger risk is getting ewes too fat. This can be a particular problem with small flocks that are confined in corrals.

Feeding During Late Pregnancy or Gestation During the last four to six weeks of pregnancy, the amount of energy and protein needs to be increased. The fetus is now growing quickly and the ewe needs energy and protein to sustain this growth. Milk production also depends on the ewe getting proper nutrition during pregnancy. The growing fetus takes up a lot of abdominal space. Good quality hay and grain provide nutrients in smaller packages.

Feeding for Lactation Early lactation is the first three to four weeks after lambing. Late lactation is from about a month after lambing to weaning. After lambing, the amount of energy and protein fed needs to increase so that the ewe has enough nutrients to produce enough milk for her lambs. Many ewes simply can’t eat enough to produce milk for growing lambs without losing some body condition. Ewes producing milk for fast-growing twin lambs produce more for their body weight than a dairy cow. Think of lactating ewes as small dairy cows. Grain and very good quality forage are important at this time.

43 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Feeding for Late Lactation/Weaning Weaning depends completely on how the flock is managed. Whatever weaning time you decide on, it is important, particularly for earlier weaning, to make sure the ewe’s milk production slows to a stop. Milk production depends on feed and lambs nursing. In the week or two before weaning, stop feeding grain. Poorer quality hay can also be fed. Once the lambs are weaned, return the ewes to maintenance rations.

Lamb Newborn lambs Management All lambs need to receive colostrum soon after birth. Colostrum is the first milk the ewe produces for her newborns. It is a source of antibodies for the lambs that helps protect nursing lambs from disease. It also supplies essential nutrients, especially energy, which is important in preventing hypothermia. Pay close attention to make sure newborn lambs nurse well so they receive enough colostrum. If supplemental colostrum is needed, a newborn lamb should receive 50 ml of colostrum per kilogram of body weight then additional 200 ml over three or more feedings in the first 24 hours. Give this during the first 18 hours of life to build up sufficient antibody levels and nutrients. Be careful to not overfeed lambs because this can cause scouring.

The lamb’s own mother’s colostrum is the best. If is not available for some reason, here are some replacements that can be used (in order of best option):

• frozen* or fresh ewe colostrum from your farm; • frozen* ewe colostrum from a neighbour; • dried lamb colostrum replacement products; • frozen cow colostrum, preferably from your farm.

Have a supply of colostrum on hand for lambing. Freeze some from the first ewes that lamb if they have extra milk, and from any ewe who has more milk than her lambs can consume. It is preferable to have colostrum from older ewes with higher immunity to the bacteria on your farm.

TIP: Always remember when thawing colostrum to do it slowly. Never boil it or microwave it. The antibodies will be destroyed. A warm water bath is the best method. Freezing in smaller quantities such as in an ice cube tray makes thawing quicker.

44 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Orphan Lambs Most years, some ewe decides she doesn’t like one of her lambs, or has too many to feed, or is sick, or dies. The result is an orphan lamb. First try to get another ewe that has lambed about the same time to take the lamb. In the case where her lamb has died, this can work. Ewes quickly identify their own lambs by sight and then by smell. Good mothers are smart. Their goal is to keep their own lambs alive. That means they often have no intention of looking after a lamb that isn’t their own. Shepherds have developed lots of different ways to make a ewe foster a different lamb. The idea is to have the lamb smell the way the ewe thinks it should, or to confuse the ewe with different smells. • Smear afterbirth, birth fluids, and some of the ewe’s milk over the body of the lamb. Make sure to cover tail area well. Gently rub the lamb on the nose of the ewe. • Smear the ewe’s nose with vanilla, salt, linseed oil, Vaseline, or Vicks to confuse her with different smells. • Tie the ewe so she can’t start to butt the lamb away. Tie a dog near the ewe to take her attention off the new lamb and possibly arouse her protective instinct.

None of these techniques work all the time. The ewe may not take the lamb and you will have an orphan lamb. The sooner you make that decision, the better the lamb will do, and the less time and frustration you’ll spend in getting a reluctant ewe to take the lamb. Be sure to record any ewe that loses, mis-mothers, or rejects her lamb.

Feeding the Orphan Lamb After the orphan lamb has received some colostrum, you will need to begin feeding it milk replacer. Choose a milk replacer specifically designed for lambs (30 to 32% fat, 22 to 24% protein, and 22 to 25% lactose). Do not use milk replacers made for calves and pigs on lambs, as these do not contain enough protein and fat. If lamb milk replacer or fresh sheep milk is not available, fresh goat’s milk is a good option. Fresh cow’s milk is not ideal for orphan lambs, but if you have it available, it will work.

Lambs will suckle up to 40 times in a 24-hour period. Start out by feeding the orphan lamb in multiple small feedings rather than in a few large feedings. Carefully follow the milk replacer manufacturer’s directions for mixing the milk and feeding the orphan.

Overfeeding is a common mistake. A pop bottle (350ml) with a medium-sized lamb nipple can be used. Make sure it is thoroughly cleaned. If there is more than one orphan lamb, a self-feeder bucket or milk-bar can be purchased. By two weeks of age, orphan lambs should be eating a lamb crumble or soya meal as dry feed. While lambs are on milk replacer, you will have less bloat if you don’t feed any hay. There should be fresh water in the orphan pen with the dry feed. Orphan lambs do better in a barn, corral, or small pen in the yard than on pasture. They are easier to care for and less likely to attract predators.

45 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Creep Feeding Lambs Creep feeding is a common practice, particularly in flocks that lamb in winter or early spring. A good creep area is draft-free, well-lit, clean, and well-bedded. Lambs must have access to fresh feed and water at all times. Lambs will begin to nibble on creep feed at seven to 10 days of age. Consumption will be low at first, but by keeping the creep feed fresh and close to the ewes, you will encourage lambs to return and increase consumption.

Creep feeding improves weaning weights by 10 to 20% and allows for a smoother transition to full feed during the post-weaning period. Creep feeding provides lambs with supplemental nutrition while keeping ewes and bigger lambs away from the creep feed.

Creep rations for young lambs should contain at least 16 to 18% protein. Commercial pelleted feeds are available, but coarsely rolled grain with soybean meal and molasses is also a suitable creep feed. High quality hay can be used in creeps for young lambs, though may reduce the intake of the creep ration with older lambs.

Having a good creep, creep gate, and feed encourages lambs to eat solid feeds earlier, increases their feed intake at an early age, and takes advantage of the high feed conversion efficiency that young lambs are capable of. Creep feeding encourages rumen development. Creep rations for young lambs start out with relatively small particle size. As the lambs get older, they eat more and will do better on whole grains. Finely processed grains tend to result in grain overload and acidosis in bigger lambs. As the lambs grow, particularly single lambs, make sure the bigger ones still fit through the creep gate.

Weaning Lambs The best weaning age depends upon many factors. Lambs may be weaned successfully as early as three to four weeks of age and as late as five to six months of age. Early in life, the lamb cannot digest anything but milk. However, by three weeks of age, the developed rumen makes the lamb more efficient than the ewe. As a general rule of thumb, lambs can be successfully weaned at 50 days of age or 45 pounds, whichever comes first.

Creep-fed lambs can be weaned earlier. Lambs are ready to wean when they are consuming enough creep ration, growing well, are healthy, and at least three weeks of age. Lambs that go to pasture with their mothers are more commonly weaned older and heavier.

Advantages to earlier weaning: • finish lambs go to market sooner and you can take advantage of certain markets; • ewes can be fed to gain body condition and be rebred sooner; and • ewes can be taken off grain and high quality forage earlier and placed on a lower cost maintenance diet.

46 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Disadvantages: • lambs that are too young, too lightweight, or not eating enough creep will grow poorly; • more care and labour are needed for success; and • costs may be higher for extra space and labour.

Weaning time is stressful for both ewes and lambs (and shepherds if your house is close to the barn). Try to minimize the stress of weaning as much as possible.

• Reduce the amount of water and quality of feed being fed to the ewes one week before weaning to reduce milk production. • Reduce water one day before weaning. • Move the ewes away from the lambs. Make sure fences and gates are secure. Ewes and lambs will try hard to get back together. • Keep the ewes and lambs out of sight of each other, and if possible, out of earshot. • Make any changes in the lambs’ diet slowly, after the stress of weaning is past. • Be sure lambs have plenty of fresh water available. • Return ewes to full water and maintenance rations two to four days after weaning.

Weaned lambs that are too light to go to market in Alberta—those that are less than 50 to 54 kg to (110 to 120 pounds), must be fed out for a longer period of time. Before you can design a ration for weaned lambs, you must think about:

• What is the purpose of lamb feeding? Growing out replacement breeding stock or feeding and finishing market lambs? • What feeds do you have for feeding lambs? Where can you get lamb feed? What does it cost? Are there trucking costs? Do you have good storage for the feed? Will enough be available when you need it? • Do you have pen space for lambing ewes and feeding lambs? Do you have time to feed and monitor them on a daily basis? • Do you have enough pens, shelters, feeders, feeding equipment, and water sources to comfortably accommodate all the lambs so there is plenty of have access to feed and water? • Do you have a handling system for efficiently working lambs? Do you have a weigh scale to monitor lamb growth, help assess rations effectiveness, and determine when lambs reach the right market weight?

Lambs being raised for breeding stock can be raised on good pasture or hay and grain to meet nutrition requirements. Lambs being raised for breeding stock should stay in good body condition, but not be allowed to get fat.

47 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Growing and Finishing Lambs Winter-born and early-weaned lambs go to market as “new crop” lambs. New crop lambs are less than one year of age. Lambs that are weaned coming off pasture at an older age are usually still classed as “new crop lambs.” Lambs that are sold into feed yards are often fed-out, similar to backgrounding beef animals, so that they hit market weight later in the season. Some lambs on feed may get older than one year of age. Lambs over twelve months of age, as determined by checking their teeth, no longer meet the Canadian definition of “lamb.” Those animals will be classed and paid for as “mutton.”

Having lambs fed out in commercial feeding facilities helps provide a steady flow of lambs for processing and consumer markets. Many Alberta producers without the facilities or experience sell “feeder lambs.” Feeder lambs usually range from 22 to 45 kg (50 to 100 pounds). Commercial feeding facilities buy the feeder lambs, and provide well-balanced and economical rations that grow the lambs so they hit market weight at the right time. Feeding out lambs so they grow well, hit the right carcass weight, with the correct amount of fat, and also hit the right market date takes very good management.

Experienced producers who “finish” their own lambs know that young lambs are incredibly efficient in converting feed to muscle. Bone and muscle growth takes not only energy, but protein. Younger feeder lambs are fed higher quality of feed and able to utilize 16 to 18% crude protein. As lambs get older and heavier, the protein content is usually reduced to around 14% crude protein. Switching to a lower protein finishing ration lowers the cost of finishing lambs.

Lambs are ruminant animals; they do better with some roughage in their diet. Some lamb feeders feed very little roughage in finishing rations. As a rule of thumb, lambs should be fed about 4% of their body weight in total feed (hay and grain) per day. Of that 10 to 20% will be in roughage. Manufactured pelleted creep, growing and finishing rations, can be used as a balanced concentrate providing the required protein and energy for the age and weight of the lambs. Compare both costs and convenience.

Lambs do best on a regular feeding schedule. If you are bunk or hand-feeding, do it at a regular time every day. If the lambs are being self-fed, never let the feeders go empty. Lambs eat better if fed when it is cool (evening or morning). Observe your lambs closely while they eat to make sure they eat well and look healthy. Know what normal behaviour looks like and then you will more quickly notice sheep that aren’t doing well. Keep your feeders and water tanks clean. Make sure the lambs always have access to fresh water. Have a salt and sheep mineral mix available for your lambs on a free choice basis.

All lambs should be vaccinated against clostridial disease. Winter-born or fast- growing lambs on a high grain ration should be vaccinated with a seven or eight strain vaccine prior to weaning. Carefully follow the vaccine package directions for initial and booster shot timing and dose. Also be sure you know the withdrawal period. No lamb can go for human consumption unless all drug withdrawal periods are followed.

48 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Caution should be taken when feeding heavy grain diets to sheep. Always remember to make any changes in type of feed or in the amount of feed very slowly. It takes rumen bacteria time to adjust to any changes in feed. Common problems are grain overload (acidosis), digestive upsets (scouring), and lameness (laminitis).

Managing Grazing Sheep Sheep are naturally grazing, browsing animals. In Alberta, the short growing season and long winter means that most flocks are fed using a combination of harvested feeds in winter and grazing on pasture in summer. Not all flocks are grazed on pasture. For the flocks that producers are managing, grazing and pasture availability affect flock health, productivity, and profitability.

A common question from producers who graze their sheep for at least part of the year is: how many sheep can my pasture support? Unfortunately there is no easy answer to that question. Stocking rate will vary greatly between different areas. Some factors to consider that impact stocking rates include: • the production system used (winter lambing vs. spring lambing); • the grazing system used continuous grazing vs managed, rotational grazing); • forage types (perennials, annuals, and native plants); • soil type and fertility; and • climate, soil moisture, and rainfall.

The important thing is to ensure your animals are receiving adequate nutrition while they are on pasture. Watch your flock for changes in body condition. A weigh scale is a valuable tool. Watch the pastures for signs of overgrazing. Overgrazing means that your sheep are grazing and re-grazing the same plants. Sheep tend to overgraze areas close to the farmyard, corrals, and water source. Temporary cross-fencing helps move sheep into less well-used areas. Learning to recognize changes in flock behaviour helps better manage both sheep and plants. • If forage is plentiful and of good quality, animals will spend less time grazing than if quality or quantity is limited. • Sheep tend to graze as a group when forage is plentiful, but will graze individually if it is scarce. • Grazing at midday during hot weather can indicate forage is limited. • A calmly grazing flock that changes to one that is flighty and nervous can mean there are predators in the area.

49 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Be aware that the quality of the pasture changes over the season as the plants mature. Plants that have gone to seed have more fiber and less nutrients than young plants. In Alberta, lower rainfall combined with cool season grass growth usually means perennial grass pastures that have been grazed all summer are past their prime. Seeded annuals can be used to extend the grazing season. Maintaining soil fertility encourages healthy, growing pastures. Soil testing helps assess what nutrients pasture plants are short of. Rotational grazing helps to increase the productivity of pastures, but may be more costly to set up. New fencing and water sources may be needed on subdivided larger pastures. Rotational grazing should be set up to allow plants time to rest and recover between grazing periods. Long rotations, where grazing occurs only once per year, help reduce parasite populations on the pasture. Seeding annual crops like oats, triticale, barley, or ryegrasses can be used to supplement perennial pastures. Cultivation and seeding also dramatically reduce the intestinal parasites on the pasture, making for good lamb finishing. Rotational grazing where the lambs are trained to move into a new paddock before the ewes provides growing lambs with the best pasture. This type of forward creep grazing takes good management.

Key Points for Productive Pastures Manage Pasture Growth Every region and every year is different. To effectively manage sheep and pastures, it is wise to plan for the driest year and longest, coldest winter. Simply turning sheep out on grass when the hay is gone or when the first green shoots appear is not managing sheep or pastures to reach their potential.

Divide Pastures into Paddocks Rather than one big field where sheep stay all summer, divide up the pasture into small paddocks. Use moveable electric cross fencing to set up paddocks. Be sure to have shade and shelter, a good source of water, and salt and minerals for the sheep. Manage predators with night corrals or guardian dogs. Paddocks make it easier to rotate the sheep to manage plant growth as well as the specific requirements of the sheep. Growing lambs and lactating ewes need higher quality pasture than do dry ewes or rams. Rotate paddocks so sheep graze plants that have grown to a multi-leaf stage, but before they set seed.

Don’t Put Sheep Out Too Early in the Spring Let the pasture plants grow and develop enough leaves so they have the ability to grow for the whole season. In the spring, with adequate moisture, grass grows quickly. Grazing that allows plants a chance to rest and then to recover from grazing makes for healthy plants that grow early and quickly in the spring.

50 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Rotate Paddocks so Grazing Fits Plant Growth Rotate sheep through paddocks quickly to keep up with rapid plant growth. During summer months or dry years , grass growth slows down. Sheep can be moved less frequently as long as they don’t overgraze the plants (eat too much plant material) or re-graze new growth. In dry years, keep the sheep off and rest the paddocks longer.

Aim for Good Utilization You want the sheep to graze the pasture plants uniformly. Having over-matured, headed-out grasses means that the sheep will likely be re-grazing younger plants. Clipping weeds and clumps of over-matured plants can help. You might also consider reducing the size or changing the shape of the paddock. Cattle or horses can also be used to help clean up more mature plants and under-grazed areas.

Do Not Over-graze, Particularly Just Prior to Winter Late in the season, plants that have been grazed too heavily have little ability to manufacture sufficient food reserves in their roots. That can mean the plant winter-kills or is much slower to start growing in the spring.

Recognize Surplus Forage Early If there aren’t enough sheep grazing the rapidly-growing forage, you will need a plan to manage the excess. As soon as the plants set seed, they are less nutritious and stop growing. Later in the season, when your sheep will still need feed, you will have no pastures left to graze. Grazing more sheep, cattle, or horses might be a practical way to use excess forage. Haying or making silage can also make use of excess growth, though some pasture plant varieties aren’t tall enough to cut and harvest.

Lambs born in the fall, winter, and early spring are usually creep fed so they reach market weight before the pasture season. Putting winter-born lambs on grass after they’ve been on creep feed usually isn’t a good choice economically. Most flock owners “finish” the lambs for market in corrals or sell them as “feeder lambs.”

Pasturing Lambs Lambs born later in the spring can go to pasture with their mothers. They then can either be weaned off the ewes or can be finished on high quality pasture.

Lambs on pasture may need to be supplemented if the pasture quality is poor or if pasture is in short supply. For lambs on pasture, a creep feeder in a portable shed with a creep gate can be put out for the lambs. It takes extra monitoring to make sure there is always fresh feed available. The lambs also need to be monitored for health, feed intake, and growth. If the ewes come into corrals at night, the lambs may hand fed if you have enough feeder space, or they should be able to access a creep. Due to the difference in rumen bacteria that digest forages and grains, there are mixed opinions on whether or not creep feeding lambs with ewes on grass is of benefit. 51 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 In our short growing season, grass production slows as the lambs need more feed to grow. Weaning lambs and moving them to a seeded annual pasture or into the corral for feeding is usually necessary. Always consider if it might be more cost-effective to wean the lambs off the ewes and move them into corrals for growing and finishing.

Poisonous Weeds A number of different website in Alberta list poisonous weeds. Some of these weeds are identified here, with links provided in the Reference Section case you want to look for more information and images.

http://www.edmonton.ca/bylaws_licences/PDF/Weed_ldentification_Book.pdf http://www .crowsnestpass.com/public/ download/ documents/4799 http://weedscanada.ca/plants_poisonous_animals.htm

Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Saltlover (Halogeton glomeratus) Common St John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) Blueweed (Echium vulgare) Tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris) Hound’s-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) Pale yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) Meadow death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Water-hemlock (Cicuta spp) Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) (occasionally) Heath family (Ericaceae) Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) Silky lupine (Lupinus sericeus)

52 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Facilities for Sheep Lambing Pens The average pregnancy for a ewe is 147 days, though some ewes will lamb earlier and some later. Always be prepared for an early lamb. Individual, well-bedded lambing pens should be made up in advance so that the newborn lamb and ewe may be kept away from the rest of the flock for a day or two. These pens should be approximately 1.5m X 1.5m (approximately 5 feet X 5 feet). One lambing pen for every four or five ewes should be sufficient. . Lambing pens have several advantages: • the ewe and lamb bond better when they are kept alone and quiet; • the ewe and lamb can be kept under close observation; • the rest of the flock cannot trample newborn lambs; • lambs are kept from wandering away from the ewe; and • the pens help young and nervous ewes to focus on mothering their newborns.

Lambing pens for ewes lambing on pasture are prepared in case there are problems, such as cold, wet weather. A roof for protection in rainy weather, a windbreak, and a source of heat should be available in cold weather to prevent newborn lambs from getting chilled.

When lambing pens are designed, keep them warm, free from draughts, clean and well bedded. Try to have the lambs born inside or moved inside quickly during cold weather. To reduce the losses caused by starvation, make sure the lamb receives milk shortly after birth. Young ewes that are lambing for the first time and some breeds of sheep may not be good at mothering and may not want to lambing pen nurse their lambs. They can abandon their lambs. Lambing pens help you determine how well lambs are being mothered.

To successfully raise sheep it is important to provide adequate shelter and protection for them. This includes not only farmyard structures such as barns, but also shelter when they are out grazing.

Portable lambing pens, also called claiming pens, can be made from different materials from wire mesh, steel, or wood panels. Many are built with one by four inch lumber. A lambing pen or claiming is made of four sides with two panels or sections that are hinged together to allow the pen to fold for storage or moving.

53 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Prior to lambing, individual, well-bedded lambing pens should be prepared so the newborn lamb and ewe can be kept away from the rest of the flock for a day or two. These pens should be approximately 1.5m X 15m. One lambing pen for every four or five ewes should be sufficient for ewes averaging twins and where all the ewes don’t lamb too closely together.

Feeding and watering in the lambing pens can be awkward. Feeders that hang on the side are helpful. Have water buckets secured so they don’t spill and can be easily filled and cleaned. Keeping lambing pens dry and clean is very important. Heat bulbs are sometime needed, but they are dangerous in a barn. Make sure to have protective bars that keep the ewe away to reduce the chance of knocking the hot bulb into the straw.

Portable lambing pens, fence panels, gates, or hurdles let you convert your barn areas into lambing areas, lamb creeps, and the extra pens often needed during the lambing season.

Shelter The shelter and housing needs of sheep vary depending on the region, climate, season, the sheep themselves, lambing period, and the production type.

Pole frame sheds are fairly simple and suitable for sheep in corrals and feedlots. This shed is an example. It is about 9 metres (28 feet) deep, from the open front to back wall. The posts are 4.2 metres (14 feet) apart. Each 14 ft x 14 ft section provides about 18 square metres (196 square feet) of floor space. A pregnant ewe needs about 1.4 square meters (15 square feet) of space. Depending on the size of the pregnant ewes, there is enough space in this pictured shed for 10 to 15 head. Different sheep have different requirements for floor space. The Code of Practice has a table for different facilities and sheep types.

Vertical clearance is needed for good ventilation and to allow for operating equipment for bedding and cleaning out manure. Consideration needs to be given to ventilation for hot summer days as well as cold winter weather. Weather conditions mean considering shelter from prevailing winds and snow drifting that can fill an open- front shed or make access to feeds and feeders difficult. Rainy summer weather can create mud that affects how sheep move, get to feed, and grow. It is also important to carefully plan where water lines and waterers, electrical outlets, feeders, and feed storage areas will be located.

54 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Housing must be provided to protect sheep from rain, snow, and severe winds. When designing housing for sheep consider: • site drainage—buildings should be placed on sites with good drainage so that water does not accumulate; • easy to clean—manure should be cleaned from shelter floors regularly without damage to walls or posts; • easy access to water and power; • sufficient space—crowded sheep are more stressed and it’s more difficult to keep pens clean; • wide doorways—narrow doorways can result in injury when too many sheep try to get in or out at the same time; also increases the possibility of equipment damaging doorways; • good ventilation—poor ventilation contributes to health problems; • protection from wind—open fronted buildings should face away from the prevailing winds. In some areas windbreaks to a height of three metres are preferred on the windward sides of the lots; and • dry—the roof should be water tight and slope away from the corral area. Eavestroughs should be provided to run water away from the pens.

A shed or pen with one open side is adequate for mature sheep and lambs. An enclosed space with the option for supplemental heat for poor weather, and problem or newborn lambs is valuable.

Feeding Areas This hay and grain feeder is assembled in eight foot sections. The main feature of this feeder is the extended portion of the feeder floor—the trough. The trough catches loose hay and provides a clean area to feed grain. The shoulder bar helps keep ewes and lambs out of the grain trough. For hand feeding grain and hay, the eight foot section has a capacity for six to eight ewes to eat at one time. The design could be used for self-feeding but it would be difficult to feed both hay and grain, would be difficult to keep filled, and would likely result in more waste. If feed were available at all times, about 16 ewes could self-feed.

Feeding and watering areas should be clean and dry. Feed bunks should be constructed to keep feed in and sheep out, reducing waste and the contamination with manure. Fresh water should always be available. Heated waterers are needed in Canadian winters and must be cleaned regularly to reduce bacteria. Walking between feeders, waterers, and resting areas helps keep sheep fit when they are confined to winter corrals.

55 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Creep Areas Lambs do well on just their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. Additional feed is needed to maintain good growth for winter lambs, for multiple lambs, or for lambs with young mothers or with mothers short of milk. Lamb creep areas are where lambs can be fed extra, higher quality feed. This example of a creep gate consists of two eight foot sections hinged together. The creep pen is formed when the creep gate is securely attached to two walls or partitions. The creep gate is constructed of one by four boards secured about eight to 10 inches apart. A shoulder bar across the uprights prevents smaller ewes from pushing their way in. Creep gates with rollers allow larger lambs through a smaller space. As lambs grow, creep gates may need to be adjusted to allow lamb access yet continue to prevent ewe access. The hinged creep gate is easy enough to lift when manure builds up and when it is time to fold it for storage. A lamb creep gate and the creep area have to be solid enough to keep hungry ewes out. Ewes that get into the creep eat too much lamb food, resulting in grain overload or acidosis.

Encouraging lambs to eat creep rations early means having high quality, palatable feed in a well-designed and well-placed creep area. The creep should be easily accessible to lambs. It needs to be close to places where their mothers spend time. It should be out of congested areas like around the ewe feeders, but near areas where the ewes regularly travel or rest. The creep area should be kept clean, dry, and well bedded. Having it well-lit attracts lambs to it. If heat bulbs are used to attract lambs, be sure they are high enough the lambs can’t reach the bulb or cords. In very cold weather, watch that the lambs don’t pack under the light. The creep area should be large enough that the majority of the lambs may be in it at any one time. It needs to be a pleasant, comfortable area where lambs can get away from the ewes.

Footnote: Facility diagrams and plans from BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands: Resource Management Branch and the Canada Plan Service. The facility diagrams in this section are provided only as guidelines showing dimensions and materials to assist in planning and management. Structural details may not meet current design codes. Local snow rain and wind loads as well as soil conditions should be checked with the appropriate municipal or regional building departments to satisfy permit requirements. Professional engineering design and inspections may be necessary. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands accepts no responsibility or liability for the use of these plans.

56 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Fencing Fencing is important for three reasons: keeping sheep in, managing grazing, and keeping predators out. Two types of fencing are required on a sheep farm: perimeter and interior.

Perimeter fencing is usually installed around the border of the property and is the primary protection against predators. It should be made of durable, high quality materials to ensure that it is strong and will last for a long period of time.

Interior fences are used to subdivide fields into smaller areas (paddocks) for efficient grazing. Interior fences may be constructed from permanent, semi- permanent, or temporary fencing materials. An interior fence does not need to deter predators, but it should keep groups of sheep separate (rams, ewes, and lambs). Electric fencing has proven very effective for fencing paddocks.

Fence Types High-tensile, Electric High-tensile fences are made with smooth wire pulled very tight. They require strong corners and end braces to achieve adequate tension. The wire is held on fence posts with staples. Five to seven strands of electrified high-tensile wire is common for sheep fences. The charger converts power into a high voltage pulse or “shock” as felt by the animal when it touches the fence wires. Electric fencing has to be properly constructed to be effective.

Woven Wire Woven wire is the traditional type of fencing for sheep. It consists of horizontal lines of smooth wire held apart by vertical wires. The spacing between horizontal line wires may vary from as close as four cm (one and a half inches) at the bottom for small animals, to as wide as 22 cm (nine inches) at the top for large animals. A 121 cm (four-foot) high woven wire fence, with one or two strands of barbed or electric wire along the top of the fence makes an excellent perimeter fence for sheep.

Barbed Wire Fences Barbed wire fences are generally not recommended for sheep because they do not effectively deter sheep or predators and can cause injury to sheep that try to get through them. Barbed wire in existing fences can be used for sheep if electrified high tensile wires are added with sheep-appropriate spacing. Barbed wire is also used to rejuvenate old fences, or enhance top woven wire fences.

57 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Wood Rail Fencing Rail fencing, unless the rails are very closely spaced, will generally not keep in sheep or repel predators. Electric wires should be placed between the rails, planks, or boards. The entire fence can also be covered with woven-mesh wire. Wood rail or plank fences are expensive to build and maintain. They are most commonly used for permanent fencing for corrals, handling yards, or barnyards.

Temporary Fencing Various plastic fencing includes polywire, polytape, and electric netting. Plastic fence materials are easily used to construct temporary fences to manage small groups or small grazing areas. They are often used for moveable, interior fences to divide fields into paddocks, or to control grazing of forages.

58 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2

COMPARISON OF FENCING TYPES TYPE OF FENCE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES BEST USE Barbed Wire • Less expensive than • Non predator-resistant • In combination with high woven wire • Injury to livestock tensile or woven wire • Easier, faster to install • Wool gets snagged in barbs • Should not be electrified

Woven Wire • Physical barrier • Expensive • Permanent • Can control predators if • More difficult to install and • Perimeter extra wires are installed keep tight • Sheep can get heads stuck, tear out ear tags

Rail Fence • Attractive • Most expensive particularly • Corrals and holding areas • Physical barrier when built to keep in sheep • High maintenance • Will not resist predators unless electric, mesh, or woven wire is added to fence

High Tensile, • Long life • Maintenance required (e.g., • Permanent Electric • Less expensive tight wire, clean fence lines) • Semi-permanent 5 to 7 strands • Relatively easy to install • Perimeter • Neat appearance • Interior • Predator-resistant

Electric • Least expensive • Little predator-resistance • Interior (polywire, tape) • Easiest to install • Sheep must be trained to • Temporary 2-3 wires or • Easy to move respect tapes • Short life

• Mental and physical • Expensive • Interior Electric Netting barrier • Entanglement • Temporary • Better predator • Short life • Small areas • resistance than other temporary electric fences

Adapted from www.sheeplOl.info/201/fencing.html

59 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Breeds History Our sheep today all originated from wild sheep found in the mountains of central Asia. Sheep were domesticated and raised in that area nearly 10,000 years ago. These ancestors of your 4-H lambs looked more like goats. They had horns, some had coarse hair instead of wool, some had fine wool mixed with hair. They had short tails and may have been bigger than domestic sheep today.

Sheep belong to the ruminant family. That family of animals includes cattle, goats, deer, and moose. Ruminants have four stomachs. The multiple stomachs give them the amazing ability to digest plants and plant materials much coarser and of poorer quality than anything we can digest in our single stomachs.

Human selection has gradually changed domestic sheep, cattle, and goats from wild animals to food-producing livestock. Sheep were domesticated and then selected to produce meat, hides, and milk. Selections for wool were made later. Sheep may have been used as pack animals. After many generations of selection, the coarse hair was replaced by soft wool. Wool was processed by weaving or knitting into fabric for making clothing as early as 4000 B.C. In later centuries, wool provided a valuable trade good and generated wealth for many societies. The value of wool in Canada has declined over the past century and most sheep today are raised for producing meat. Sheep are raised around the world. Lamb is the second most commonly consumed meat after goat meat.

Breeds and Breed Types There are more than 300 breeds of sheep worldwide. In some countries such as Australia and New Zealand, there are many more sheep than there are people. Merino sheep produce high quality wool, though most sheep are raised to produce lamb and sheep meat. Some breeds, such as the Corriedale or Columbia, are more dual purpose. They have been selected for good fleeces and good meat lambs. There are a few breeds, such as Friesian and Lacaune, which are selected specifically for milk production.

A common way to classify sheep breeds is by their most common use: meat, wool, or milk. The meat breed types are noted for their ability to produce deep, wide, and symmetrical carcasses, and high quality meat. In Canada, key meat breeds are also called the “terminal sire breeds” and include Suffolk, Hampshire, Charollais, Canadian Arcott, Texel, and Southdown. Rams of these breeds are used to sire market lambs.

Some meat breeds have also been selected for maternal or reproductive traits – like the Dorset, Rideau Arcott, and Clun Forest. Ewe flocks are made up of these breed types or by crossing the pure breeds, often many times. Meat breeds produce fast growing lambs with superior carcass and meat qualities.

Hair sheep breed types like the Katahdin and Dorper are also primarily raised for meat. All sheep have both wool and hair fibres. In hot, humid climates, sheep have been bred and selected to have mostly hair fibres. Some hair sheep breeds, such as the St. Croix, may be finer boned and slower growing than breeds traditionally classified as meat breed types.

60 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 The wool breed types are selected for wool type: • The fine wool breeds, which include Rambouillet and Merino, are noted for their fine, dense, wavy, heavy fleece. The ewes were the basis of the range flocks and were selected for wool production. They are good mothers and easy-keeping, though less prolific (have fewer lambs) than many breeds. Fine wool breed types produce good quality market lambs when the ewes are crossed with meat breed type rams.

• The medium wool breeds which include North Country Cheviot, Border Cheviot, Columbia, Polypay and Corriedale, have lighter fleeces of shorter and coarser wool than the fine wool breeds. Ewes of these breeds are heavier than those of the fine wool types and when crossed with rams of the meat breeds, produce fast-growing, good-quality lambs.

• The long wool breeds are larger than the medium wool types, are adapted to cool, moist climates, and produce a heavy fleece of long, coarse wool. The wool is used for manufacturing and carpets. These breeds include Leicester, Lincoln, Cotswold, and Romney.

The milk breed types are not common in Canada as sheep milk and sheep milk cheeses have had limited markets. The East Friesen is the highest producing milk breed and the Lacaune breed produces milk with higher fat for cheese production. The milking sheep tend to be prolific, but do not produce a meat carcass sought after by processors.

Border Cheviot The Border Cheviot is native to the hills between Scotland and England. They have been raised in Canada since the 1850s. They are less common today. They are hardy and are good foragers that can survive in harsher conditions than many other sheep. The Border Cheviot has short blocky body and a bare white face and legs. It is easily recognizable because of its black nostrils and lips, and its sharp erect ears. The Border Cheviot is quick and can be high-strung. They are very good mothers, need little help at lambing, and have vigorous lambs. Adult Size: Rams: 68 – 86 kg (150 – 190 lbs) Ewes: 54 – 68 kg (120 – 150 lbs) Fleece: Long, strong, and lustrous.

Canadian Arcott The Canadian Arcott was developed as one of three Arcott breeds by Agriculture Canada in the 1970s. It is considered a terminal sire breed, though the breed is popular as ewe flocks. They are large, well-muscled sheep with better than average wool quality. The face and legs are variable in colour, though generally white or tan, with a small bit of wool on the forehead. Ears are large and held horizontally. Growth rate is good and carcasses have excellent muscling and finish. Hardiness is a key trait. Adult sheep are easy keepers able to maintain body condition Adult Size: Rams 79 – 99 kb (175 – 220 lbs) Ewes 74 – 95 kg (165 – 210 lbs) Fleece: Soft, lustrous. 61 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Charollais The Charollais originated in France in the early 1800s from a cross of Leicester Longwool and local Landrace breeds. The breed is often used in crosses to increase the muscling and growth rate of the lambs. The Charollais is long, well-muscled, and has a strong hindquarter. Its face and legs are bare; in some areas the hair on the face is so sparse the skin may be visible. Charollais have good maternal qualities, early maturity, good fertility and prolificacy, and are good milkers. Adult Size: Rams 99 – 150 kb (220-330 lbs) Ewes 79 – 99 kg (175-220 lbs) Fleece: Fine, dense.

Clun Forest The Clun Forest became popular following an agricultural depression in Britain in the 1870s because of its ability to thrive in a challenging environment. They are highly adaptable to all climates and are recognized as good foragers. The Clun Forest was first imported to North America in 1959. It is a medium-sized sheep with a dark brown face and legs. The face is long and bare except for a patch of fleece that extends onto the forehead. The Clun Forest is characterized by easy lambing, multiple births, rich milk, and lamb vitality. Adult Size: Rams 74 – 104 (165 – 230 lbs) Ewes 63 – 79 (140 – 175 lbs) Fleece: Fine, dense.

Corriedale The Corriedale was developed in New Zealand during the mid-19th century by crossbreeding Merinos with British longwool breeds, especially Lincoln. The Corriedale was imported to North America from New Zealand in 1914. For many years it was a popular dual-purpose breed, used for producing both meat and wool. The Corriedale is a medium-sized sheep with a bare muzzle below the eyes. The lambs may be slower-growing than some other breeds, but finish well as light or heavy lambs. Adult Size: Rams 79 – 125 kg (175 – 275 lbs) Ewes 58 – 79 (130 – 175 lbs) Fleece: Medium-long, fine, soft.

Dorper Dorpers were developed 60 years ago in South Africa by crossing the Dorset Horn and Persian Blackhead (a fat-tailed South African sheep). They are considered a meat breed type. They have a mix of hair and wool that they shed in warm weather, so are not a true hair sheep. Most have a black head and upper neck; some are all white. Dorpers have a high lambing rate, the ability to breed out of season, and good mothering ability. They are noted for hardiness and easy keeping. Carcasses can have more fat on the hindquarters. Adult Size: Rams 90 – 100 kg (200 – 220 lbs) Ewes 68 – 100 (150 – 220 lbs) Fleece: Hair/wool mix.

62 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Dorset One of Canada’s most popular breeds, the Polled Dorset descended from the Horned Dorset, one of the most widely kept breeds in Southern England and Wales since the 16th century. The Polled Dorset was developed in North Carolina and registered in 1956. They have spread into Canada and become a major contributor to the light lamb market. The ewes are excellent mothers, with good prolificacy, good milk production, and longer breeding season. They adapt well to confined, accelerated crossbreeding programs. Adult Size: Rams 90 – 125 kg (200 – 275 lbs) Ewes 54 – 90 kg (120 – 200 lbs) Fleece: Bright white, dense.

East Friesen Milk Sheep The East Friesian sheep is of German origins and was selected for milk production. It is considered to be the world’s highest producing dairy sheep. They are highly specialized animals and do poorly under extensive and large flock conditions. Both sexes are polled have bare white faces, ears, and legs. They have a thin, wool- free tail, so docking is not needed. Adult Size: 68 – 90 kg (150 – 200 lbs) Fleece: Heavy, white.

Hampshire The Hampshire originated in England during the 18th century when Southdown rams were crossed with the local horn sheep. It was fixed as a breed in 1889 and imported into Canada at the turn of the century. With the Suffolk and Dorset, it is a popular breed in Canada. They have dark legs and face with some fleece extending onto the forehead and cheeks. The Hampshire is a large, terminal sire breed type with fast-growing lambs and excellent, high-yielding carcasses. They are usually docile and easy to manage. Adult Size: Rams 113 – 150 kg (250 – 330 lbs) Ewes 79 – 113 kg (175 – 250 lbs) Fleece: Medium, coarse, semi-bright.

North Country Cheviot The North Country Cheviot is similar to the Border Cheviot with the same origins. Although it shares the blocky body shape and bare white face and legs, the North Country is larger than the Border and has a more pronounced Roman nose. The North Country Cheviot is noted for its hardiness and strong mothering ability. It is more commonly used in crossbreeding for lamb production. Adult Size: Rams 100 – 125 kg (220–275 lbs) Ewes 58 – 80 (130 – 175 lbs) Fleece: Lightweight, medium.

63 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Polypay The Polypay was developed at the Experimental Station in Dubois, Idaho in the late 1960s. It was selected as an improved wool type breed with improved prolificacy, lambing out of season, lamb growth, and high-yielding carcasses. The breed was fixed as a pure breed in 1975. It is raised across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Polypays are docile, easily managed, and do well in grazing and confinement systems. Adult Size: Rams 90 – 125 kg (200 – 275 lbs) Ewes 54 – 90 kg (120 – 200 lbs) Fleece: Fine, pronounced crimp.

Rambouillet The Rambouillet was developed in France in the 1700s by crossing Spanish Merinos with the native French sheep. They were imported to North America in 1840. The Rambouillet was the basis for the thousands of range flocks in the West. It is a wool type sheep with excellent wool and decent carcass production. They may have some wrinkling across the brisket. They are recognized for their adaptability to drier areas, ability to walk distances for grazing, fast-growing white hooves, and their remarkable herding instinct. Adult Size: Rams 113 – 135 kg (250-300 lbs) Ewes 68 – 90 kg (150-200 lbs) Fleece: Long, dense, fine wool.

Romney The Romney is a British longwool sheep that originated in a marshy area Southeast England during the 13th century. It is considered to have better resistance to footrot and internal parasites. Romney are popular in the wetter regions. The lambs are large and lean and convert feed well. They are docile and easily managed. Romney wool can be white or coloured and is in demand with hand spinners in some areas. Adult Size: Rams: 90 – 100 kg (200 – 220 lbs) Ewes: 63 – 80 kg (140 – 175 lbs) Fleece: Long, lustrous, fine .

Southdown The Southdown was developed in Sussex, England during the late 1700s and early 1800s and exported to the U.S. shortly after. It is a small- to medium-sized sheep that produces meaty carcasses. The Southdown has a short broad face that is partially covered with wool. Its muzzle and legs are a pale brown colour. The Southdown is very docile, adapts well to confinement operations and can easily be finished on pasture. Because of its size and gentle nature, the Southdown make good small, starter flocks or 4-H lambs for children. Adult Size: Rams: 86 – 104 kg (190 – 230 lbs) Ewes 58 – 80 kg (130 – 175 lbs) Fleece: Dense, fine.

64 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Suffolk The Suffolk breed was developed in England by crossing Norfolk Horn ewes with Southdown rams. In 1888 it was introduced into Canada, where there are now more Suffolks than any other breed. The Suffolk has a deep, broad body with well- developed hindquarters. Head and legs are black.The fleece is shorter and often contains black fibers that reduce its value. As a purebred, or crossed with white- faced ewes, the Suffolk will produce heavy, fast growing lambs. It is known for excellent growth rate, good carcasses, and the ewes are good milkers. Adult Size: Rams 113 – 150 kg (250 – 330 lbs) Ewes 100 – 113 kg (220 – 250 lbs) Fleece: Dense, fine.

Texel The Texel originated in the Netherlands early in the nineteenth century. The first Texels in North America were imported in 1985. The Texel is a white-faced breed with no wool on the head or legs. The breed is characterized by a distinctive short, wide face with a black nose and widely placed, short ears with a nearly horizontal carriage. Texel also have black hooves. The most outstanding feature of the Texel breed is its remarkable muscling and leanness. It is a hardy sheep with a good growth rate. Adult Size: Rams 108 – 140 kg (240 – 310 lbs) Ewes 68 – 90 kg (150 – 200 lbs) Fleece: medium, fine.

For more on breeds, go to the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association website: www.sheepbreeders.ca

Wool Humans domesticated sheep to produce meat, milk, hides, and wool. Wool is the natural skin covering of sheep. It helps protect sheep in cold, wet, or windy weather. About 90% of the sheep in the world produce wool. Depending on the breed, genetics, nutrition, and how often it is sheared, one sheep will produce anywhere from two to 30 pounds of wool per year (up to 13 kilograms). The wool from one sheep is called a fleece. Wool is a natural and renewable fibre. It is crimpy and wavy in appearance and usually ranges from white to cream, beige, reddish, grey, or black in colour. The diameter of the wool fibres is measured to determine fineness. Very fine wools from Rambouillet sheep measure 19 to 24 microns, where coarse, long wool from a Lincoln will measure 34 to 41 microns. Wool sheep in Canada must be shorn at least once a year. Shearing keeps sheep clean and comfortable. Hair sheep shed some or all of their fleece and may not need shearing.

For information on the care and handling of wool in Canada, go to the Canadian Cooperative Woolgrowers website: www.wool.ca

65 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Hints for Making Shearing Easier Make sure your sheep are dry before shearing. Even with a light rain or dew, the wool will be too wet to store or package. It will turn yellow in the package and mildew. Take sheep off feed and water at least 12 hours before shearing. Why? • to reduce chances of injury or death during shearing; • a full stomach puts pressure on the heart, lungs, and liver; • sheep will be uncomfortable and will move around, and their chances of being injured by shears will become greater; and • full sheep weigh more and are harder to handle.

Shear your sheep in a clean, dry place. Clean your floor after shearing each sheep. If the floor is clean, it helps keep the wool clean.

Keep your working area well-lit so you can see what you are doing. Work slowly and carefully to prevent injuries and to reduce stress on the sheep.

Tagging Sheep Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) The Canadian Livestock Traceability program helps us trace livestock from farm of origin to slaughter. This helps ensure the safety of our food supply as well as to manage livestock in emergencies such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters.

Every sheep leaving the farm of origin must be tagged in accordance with these regulations. This applies even to lambs going to a meeting, the vet, or a fair.

The Canadian sheep industry decided that CSIP would be legally mandated across all of Canada from January 2014 onward. CSIP is governed by the Health of Animals Act and it is enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. In the case of a disease outbreak, having your sheep tagged correctly and keeping records helps manage the outbreak.

For information on CSIP: www.cansheep.ca

The two tags that are approved for use in sheep are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. • The Allflex sheep tag (button and dangle type tag)

• The Shearwell Data sheep tag (loop type tag)

66 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 • Both CSIP tags have the “Canada” logo and a unique number engraved in black. That electronic number is programmed into the radio frequency transponder inside the tag. The electronic (EID) number is completely unique not only in Alberta but across the world. Only one sheep in the world can have that number. • Producers are responsible for buying and keeping track of CSIP tags. They must keep records when any new sheep come to the farm, when sheep leave the farm, and when tagged sheep die. If a CSIP tag is lost, record the lost tag number, put in a new tag, and record that new tag number on the animal’s record. • CSIP tags are registered to the purchaser and cannot be given to or shared with anyone else. • In Alberta, CSIP tags can only be purchased through Canadian Cooperative Woolgrowers’ Ltd. (CCWG) in Lethbridge. For information contact CCWG in Lethbridge at 403-327-3760. • For best results, follow the manufacturer’s directions for storage and application of CSIP tags. Tag are applied in the right ear of the sheep or lamb.

Transporting Sheep Most 4-H project sheep have to be moved from home to another location for Achievement Day. As the caregiver or owner of sheep and lambs, you are responsible for their safe transportation.

Canada has a livestock traceability program. Traceability is used to manage animal health, food safety emergencies, and in natural disasters. Alberta has regulations that must be followed when sheep and lambs are being transported. Whether the animals are moved to the veterinarian, to the neighbours, to Achievement Day, to a sale, or even to a 4H meeting, the laws requires that: • The location, site, or farm where the animals are kept must have a Premises Identification number (PID#). Members are encouraged to use a parent’s PID Account and numbers. www.agriculture.alberta.ca/premises • All sheep and lambs must have a Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) approved ear tag applied to its right ear. The Canadian Sheep Federation website lists the approved tags for sheep and has a series of videos on correctly tagging sheep and lambs at www.cansheep.ca

67 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 • A Livestock Inspection Services (LIS) Manifest must be filled in correctly and carried in the truck that is transporting any sheep or lambs. The PID numbers for both departure and arrival locations must be recorded, so be sure to ask for the PID# of the Achievement Day site. Alberta livestock manifest books are available from some Agriculture & Forestry offices, auction markets, and the Livestock Identification Services Ltd. at 1-866- 509-2088 or www.lis-alberta.com.

Sheep don’t like to leave their home, their flock friends, or family. Moving is stressful for them. Being loaded into a truck, hauled, and unloaded in a brand new location adds to the stress at a time when you want your animals to look their best.

Here are some tips to help keep loading, travel, and unloading as stress-free as possible. • When lifting sheep onto a truck, be sure to lift by supporting its chest and abdomen and not by the fleece, head, horns, ears, or legs. Two people using a “fireman’s lift” is easier on people and sheep. Grasp each other’s arms under the sheep’s belly and lift together. • Use handling chutes and loading ramps wherever possible. They make your work easier, save your back, and are less stressful for the sheep. Make sure all handling systems are properly designed. There should be good footing and sides high enough to prevent sheep from falling or jumping off. Loading areas need to be well-lit. Sheep do not like moving past or towards shadows, or into dark trailers. • Take your time and be patient! Sheep should not be rushed during loading or unloading. Gentle encouragement will be more productive than yelling. • Make sure the transport truck or trailer is appropriate for transporting sheep. It should have high sides, a floor with secure footing, be properly ventilated, and have bedding to absorb urine and feces. A stock trailer or a covered box in a pick-up truck helps protect sheep in wet, rainy weather. • Make sure the sheep and lambs have water until loading time. They should have had been lightly fed within five hours of moving. On long trips, check sheep in the first hour. Watch for animals packing into corners and going down. Then check every two to three hours. Provide water as soon as possible on arrival. Don’t change feeds. • Special care needs to be taken in hot/humid weather and in very cold weather. In hot weather, make sure the sheep are not crowded and have lots of airflow. In cold weather, the sheep need to be dry and well-bedded. Large openings in trailers or stock racks should be covered. Deep bedding and mats reduce contact with the cold flooring. • Overloading trucks or trailers is the most common cause of animals crowding, going down, and being hurt or bruised.

68 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 • The table below offers a guideline for estimating how many sheep your truck or trailer can carry safely and comfortably. Remember, sheep with wool will take up more space than shorn ones.

Pounds Kilograms Square feet Square meters 51 - 75 22.5 - 34.0 2.4 0.22 76 - 125 34.5 - 56.6 3.0 0.28 126 - 150 57.0 - 68.0 3.6 0.33

Before any sheep leave the farm: 1. Tag all sheep 2. Record tag numbers, date, animal information (ewe, ram, or lamb) and destination premises identity 3. Fill in a LIS Manifest

Protecting Sheep Control of predators among sheep flocks is very important. The wildlife species from Predators known to prey on sheep in Canada include the coyote, wolf, fox, black bear, cougar, grizzly bear, bobcat, and raven. In Alberta, the major predators of sheep are coyotes. Other predators are rarely involved in predation of sheep, although losses caused by them can be severe when they occur. Losses can be reduced by the use of guardian animals, fencing, night confinement, removal of dead stock, human presence, lighting, and novelties such as bells on the sheep.

Most sheep farms use livestock guardian animals to protect their sheep and lambs. Guardian dogs, llamas, and donkeys have all been used to prevent or reduce predation in sheep flocks. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of guardian.

Guardian Dogs Dogs are the most popular and generally the most effective livestock guardians. Dogs have been used for centuries to protect livestock. Guardian dogs work by staying near the sheep and aggressively repelling predators.

Under range conditions or with large pastures, more than one dog may be necessary. Guardian dogs work well in pairs. Guardian dog pups should be raised with sheep. Human contact is needed to develop a well-rounded dog that can be cared for but still recognizes that its job is to stay with the sheep.

Guardian dogs should be purchased from a reputable breeder as genetics plays a role in their effectiveness. The breeds of dogs used to guard sheep are typically large 36-54 kg (80-120 lbs), white or fawn-coloured dogs with dark muzzles. They include: the Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Akbash, and Anatolian Shepherd, Kuvasz, Maremma, and Mastiff. Research and surveys indicate that about 75% of guard dogs are effective.

69 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Guardian Llamas Llamas are less widely used by sheep producers. They can offer an economical alternative for predator control. Llamas are particularly aggressive towards dogs and coyotes. Females or geldings (castrated males) are generally recommended (intact males can be dangerous to sheep and to humans. A single llama is usually more effective in a pasture as some llamas may bond with each other and fail to protect the flock. Llamas should be introduced to sheep in a small pasture or corral. They do not need to be raised with sheep to be effective and do not require training. Human contact with a guard llama should be avoided. The care and feeding of llamas is similar to sheep making it very easy to integrate them into your operation. Alpacas are not used as guardians. They are defenseless like sheep and will flee when they are frightened.

Guardian Donkeys Donkeys also are less widely used by sheep producers. Donkeys have a natural dislike and aggressiveness towards coyotes and dogs that can make them effective sheep guardians. Most donkeys will bond with sheep and protect them from predators. If the donkey isn’t raised with sheep, it should be housed next to the sheep for one to two weeks. A jenny-foal pair, a single jenny, or a gelding are preferred because intact males may be too aggressive with the sheep and people. Not all donkeys make good guardians. Some are too aggressive with the sheep. While all donkeys dislike canines, the miniature donkeys may be too small to provide adequate predator control. It is generally recommended that medium to large sized donkeys be used as livestock guardians. Like llamas, donkeys are long-lived and have minimal upkeep.

Guardian “Flerds” Less widely used and possibly the least effective for most operations is combining a flock of sheep with a small herd of beef cattle. Hence the name “flerd.” Cattle can serve as protectors as long as the two species are familiar with each other and have had time to bond together. If the sheep have bonded with the cattle, they will seek protection by grouping with them when threatened. If they have not bonded to the cattle, they will form their own group independent of the cattle when they are threatened.

Predation Keep Your Flock of Sheep Healthy Management Tips Predators look for easy prey. Keeping any sick, lame, older, or weak animals in corrals or barn areas rather than out on pasture can help. Flocks in good health tend to have healthier, stronger lambs and may be less susceptible to predation. Orphaned or abnormal lambs are often the first victims and can put the remainder of the flock at risk for continued predation.

70 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Maintain Careful and Regular Observation When you monitor your flock daily, you are more likely to catch problems faster. Knowing how the flock behaves normally helps identify when sheep are nervous, or have wool-pulls or injuries from early hunting efforts by predators. Where loses are not noticed right away predation rapidly gets out of control. It is very difficult to stop established predation.

Use Corrals and Night Confinement This can help to discourage predators who are wary of well-lit areas. Additionally, radios and flashing lights have been used, though predators are smart and adapt to most deterrents.

Dispose of Dead Stock Disposing of dead stock quickly and appropriately can prevent it from attracting predators.

Keep a Human Presence Around the Flock In addition to daily monitoring of flock behaviour, the presence of people checking the flock can discourage predators. Randomly changing the time can help deter coyotes.

Use Novelties Anything that causes an abnormal sound or reflection may help discourage predators. Bells on sheep, scarecrows, and pie plates hung around the pasture are examples.

71 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Marketing Marketing Lambs Whether you have one or one thousand lambs to market, it is important, critical in fact, that you recognize all lambs and sheep ultimately are raised for food. Even flocks that market wool or milk also market animals as meat. The economic well-being of lamb producers and the reputation of the entire Canadian lamb industry depends on producing well-cared-for, high quality, safe, and tasty lamb for consumers.

Before going into raising sheep, have a good marketing plan. There are a variety of different lamb markets in Alberta. Live lamb markets include selling directly to a lamb processor, selling to a lamb feeder, selling through an auction, or selling to a lamb buyer. Some producers choose to sell lamb meat directly to consumers. Direct sales of meat can include farm-gate freezer lambs, farmers’ markets, retail outlets, or food service (restaurants). The lamb marketed directly to consumers must be processed at a provincially-inspected processor or abattoir. It is illegal to slaughter and sell lambs from your farm.

The choice of market depends on type of sheep, genetics, lambing season, feed available for finishing the lambs, the location of the market, the number of lambs that will be marketed at one time, experience in finishing lambs and, of course, market demand and price.

For information: www.ablamb.ca Producer Module “Marketing Your Lambs.”

Tips for Marketing Project Lambs In 4-H, no member can sell breeding females. However, in some districts in this province, female lambs can be a market animal. Please note that once your ewe lamb becomes a market animal she is then no longer allowed to continue her 4-H career after the Achievement Day. Some Achievement Days have sales at the end of the show where the market lamb and the pen of threes are sold. Make sure you consult with your leader and or district sheep council to verify how many market lambs can be put through the 4-H sale. Members do a variety of activities to entice the buyer to the sale. Some make posters or invitations to send to prospective buyers. Other members visit the buyer directly to invite them to the sale. At the sale, the market lambs are sold and the members bid adieu to their lamb. If you have additional lambs to sell in your flock, one can sell privately or ship directly to the packer.

72 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 TIPS Tips for Keeping a Shepherd’s Calendar On a sheep farm there are many things that have to be done throughout the year. It is important to be prepared and do the job at the right time. It is a good idea to draw up a calendar for your farm based on when you plan to market lambs. The success of the next year’s lambing depends on managing the flock from pre-breeding until the lamb crop has gone to market. Here is an example of a year plan for an early winter-lambing flock. Details on some of the activities will depend on your own flock.

Shepherd’s Calendar: Early, Winter Lambing (January, February)

Month Management Detail June / July • Pasture growth in Alberta is generally enough to begin grazing. • Establish a body condition score for your ewes. Ewes with less than a 3.0 BCS need to be flushed for breeding. • Take fecal samples to the laboratory for fecal egg count. • Talk to your veterinarian about deworming thin ewes, lambs not doing well or scouring, or if results of fecal show high parasite levels. • Plan to flush ewes that are in less than a 3.0 body condition score for three to four weeks before breeding. Flushing can be moving sheep to a good pasture or by feeding 0.3 kg of whole grain. • Breed ewe lambs only when well grown and weighing at least two-thirds of their expected adult weight. Plan to breed ewe lambs as a separate group later than the mature ewes. • Have new rams purchased. For flock biosecurity, keep new rams in a quarantine pen for at least one week. • Check all breeding rams. They should be vaccinated, in good health, and in at least a 3.0 body condition score. Check lambing records. Mark and cull the poor mothers, ewes with poor lambs, as well as ewes that are very thin, have poor feet, or are lame and that have pendulous, lumpy, or damaged udders. • Check pasture plant growth and sheep daily. Clean waterers and refresh salt and mineral

• For mid-January lambs, turn rams into flock in mid-August. August • Estimate lambing and breeding dates and keep a record. Use the Gestation Table on page 8 to help with estimating the dates. • Continue to flush, especially ewes in poor condition. • Walk pastures to decide which have had enough grazing. The grazing season can be extended with good management, such as stockpiling excess growth, seeding annuals, and establishing hay regrowth.

September • Use a marker harness or brisket paint on rams; change colours every 16 to 18 days. • Remove rams after they’ve been in with the ewes for 21 to 30 days. • Decide when the clean-up rams will go in with the ewes. A different ram, to breed any open ewes, can be put in with the ewes for the second heat cycle. • If a longer gap between lambing groups is planned the clean-up ram can go in with mature ewes when ewe lambs are being bred. • Monitor body condition on any ewes still grazing.

October • Have enough winter feeds on hand to get the flock through to next June. • Sample and test all forages. Develop rations for all groups of sheep in all stages of production. Get nutrition advice from your feed company, your veterinarian, or nutrition consultant. • Maintain ewes on pasture as long as there is lots of plant material. Most forages will have very little nutritional value by October. • Ewes can be fed hay or silage out on pastures by moving the feeding area to minimize excess build-up of manure and wasted feed. • Reduce grain for mature ewes with 3.0 or more body condition score. • Continue feeding grain to young replacement ewes so they continue to grow while pregnant. • Prepare winter quarters, clean out barns, scrape corrals, repair gates, check operation of water bowls, and other maintenance, as required.

73 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2

November • Be ready to move sheep into winter quarters. • Have feeders and water in working order. Fill mineral and salt feeders. • Avoid overcrowding and keep resting areas well-bedded. • Make sure barns have good lighting and good ventilation. • Begin to improve feed quality for ewes lambing in January. First cut, good quality hay will work. • Decide if you are going to shear the ewes before lambing. Have a good shelter with lots of bedding and the ability to begin to feed grain in case of poor weather after shearing.

December • Sheep need salt and sheep mineral available free choice all year. Additional vitamins A, D, and E can be added to mineral mix or ration. Feed testing will determine if additional selenium should also be added to the ration. • To prevent diseases like enterotoxaemia and tetanus, vaccinate ewes every year at four to six weeks before lambing. Ewe lambs should have had their first and a booster shot by now. Don’t forget the rams. • Begin feeding grain, approximately 0.5 kg to 0.7 kg grain per ewe about four weeks before lambing. • Prepare for lambing. Have a checklist of supplies. Order fresh docking rings. Have lambing areas, claiming pens, and a creep area set up. Have creep feed and supplies on hand. • Order CSIP tags for lambs and have spare tags for any ewes that may have lost their tags. Plan for additional labour and to be on hand for lambing.

January / • Lambing begins! February • Separate ewes still to lamb from the ewes with lambs for easier feeding and monitoring. • After lambing, feed ewes according to their size and the number of lambs they are raising. Ewes with triplets must be penned and fed separately. • Having a ration formulated reduces guessing, overfeeding or underfeeding, and helps manage feed costs. • Generally a whole grain, possibly a protein supplement, and good second-cut legume/grass hay supplies most of the nutrition needed by a ewe raising twins. • While ewes are eating, walk around the corral and just observe. Watch for ewes that aren’t eating, udders that are uneven or red, lambs that are hunched or lethargic. • Have the creep area set up, bedded, and a small amount of starter creep in the feeders. Use a heat lamp to attract lambs to the area.

March • Plan for weaning. Vaccinate lambs with eight-way vaccine. • Contact the markets and buyers to discuss what lambs you have, how heavy they are, and when they will be ready to ship. • Wean and market any light lambs for the Easter market if there are buyers. Some years the Easter market pays well; some years it doesn’t. • Decide whether to sell lambs as feeders or to finish them on-farm. • Have enough grower/finisher ration to feed out all the lambs without making ration changes.

April/May • Wean lambs. Put ewes on maintenance rations. • Plan for shearing. Know the number of ewes, yearlings, and rams that need shearing. Contact and book shearers. Ask if bags and wool packers are supplied. • Set up shearing area. Have a roofed area available in case of rain. Wet sheep can’t be shorn. Don’t forget the rams. • Have enough help for shearing that you can take time to observe the sheep. Mark ewes to be culled. Check for and plan to treat external parasites. • Weigh lambs every week or two. Separate and market lambs as they reach the market’s target weight. • Begin to market lambs.

June/July • Plan for the grazing season. Soil test and fertilize pastures if needed and if moisture conditions allow. Check and repair fences. • Plan for predation management for ewes on pasture. • Deworm guardian dogs. • Talk to your veterinarian about parasite management including dewormers that control Taenia ovis in all farm dogs. Set up a program for managing internal parasites • Provide salt, sheep mineral, water, and shade in pasture. • Move ewes onto pasture. Check sheep and pastures daily. • Be ready to rotate pastures or set up additional paddocks with temporary fencing to utilize rapid spring growth. • Market lambs.

74 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Tips for Looking After the Environment Maintaining a healthy environment is important to all Canadians as well as essential for successful farmers. Food producers depend on air, water, and soil resources.

The following are some points to consider in ensuring your sheep operation is environmentally sound. • Manure is properly stored to prevent leaching and runoff. • Manure, farm wastes, and dead stock are correctly composted. • Composting manure is located far from waters sources (wells and creeks) to prevent contamination. • Corrals and areas with high numbers of animals are located away from water sources. • To prevent bank erosion and water contamination, sheep do not have direct access to streams or dugouts. • Your grazing management supports healthy plant populations and avoids overgrazing that can lead to soil compaction or soil erosion due to water runoff or wind. • Chemicals and fuels are correctly stored to prevent spills. • Chemicals, paints, and animal medications including sharps (needles) are disposed of properly.

For information on Alberta Environmental Farm Plans see: www.albertaefp. com

Tips for Estimating the Age of Sheep The productive value of sheep depends on their ability to eat and graze efficiently. The upper and lower jaw should meet evenly, with no overlapping, so that grass can be nipped off effectively. There are incisor teeth on the lower jaw should be unbroken and solid in the gum. There are no teeth on the front of the upper jaw. Teeth get longer and more worn as the sheep ages.

Dentition, also called “mouthing,” is the practice of estimating the age of a sheep by looking at the stage of development of its teeth. It is at best an approximation of age. Dentition is currently used to determine the maturity of market lambs and whether payment will be for “lamb” or for “mutton.” The definition of “lamb” in Canada is animals that are under one year of age. New research and technologies are being developed that may more accurately assess the maturity of lamb. Good records are the best way to accurately know the age of live lambs and ewes in your flock.

75 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 How Old is Your Sheep? Lambs: In rapidly growing lambs on highly nutritional diets, baby teeth may start to loosen and fall out before one year of age. Generally, however, an animal is a “lamb” when all the baby lamb or milk teeth are still present.

Yearling Yearling: When the sheep is approximately 10 to14 months old, two permanent front teeth emerge from the bottom gum to replace the front two baby teeth. There are two adult teeth that are larger than the milk teeth.

Two year old: At approximately 22 to 24 months, another pair of permanent teeth emerge on either side of the first set. There are now four adult teeth. Two year old Three year old: At approximately 34 to 36 months, the third pair of permanent teeth come in on either side of the first two pairs.

Four year old: At approximately 46 to 48 months, a sheep has a “full mouth.” All the teeth are permanent adult teeth. Three year old As the sheep grows older, the teeth will spread and wear down.

After four years of age, it is really impossible to assess how the old the sheep is. As a result, checking the teeth on older ewes isn’t really for checking age but for determining if the teeth are in good enough condition for the ewe to continue producing. For range ewes, particularly in sandy areas or on coarse vegetation, teeth show more wear. Ewes with missing teeth are called “broken mouthed” and Four year old should be culled before they begin to lose body condition.

Tips for Hoof Care Sheep were meant to walk to find feed and as a result have hooves that grow continuously. The hoof is the hard sheath covering the two toes of a sheep’s foot. When sheep are kept in corrals and don’t have far to walk, their hooves may need occasional trimming. White hooves grow faster than black ones. Hoof trimming is also done to improve the look of a show animal.

Hoof trimming hundreds of ewes in commercial production is generally not done unless there is a problem like hoof rot, also called foot rot. Producers should select ewes and rams with good feet and cull any animals with poor feet.

There are a number of different organisms that cause lameness in sheep. Contagious foot rot is a serious problem in any flock. It causes acute pain, lameness, and impacts the animals’ ability to walk and graze as well as the ability of rams to breed. It is an animal welfare issue.

76 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 When buying sheep, avoid any flock with lame sheep. Improving the situation for lame sheep may be difficult and costly. Sheep that appear to be free of foot rot can pick up the organism walking over contaminated ground at sales, auction markets, or fair grounds. New sheep should be held in quarantine for three weeks and be hoof trimmed before going in with your flock. Provide clean boots for visitors who have sheep of their own.

Judging When you judge breeding sheep, give attention to size, soundness, breed character, length, and muscling. Your sheep should walk freely and easily. Rams should be rugged and masculine. Ewes should be feminine and more refined. Size

• exhibited more size, scale and volume • larger framed ewe with more size and scale • more width to her chest floor • more spring to her rib • more overall capacity • bigger, stretchier ewe with more length to hind saddle • more width and depth of heart and overall spring of rib Head

• showed more breed character about the head • more feminine headed (ewes) • more masculine headed (rams) • more open faced Structure

• heavier boned, straighter legged, squarer standing ewe • more upstanding, longer legged ewe with more structural correctness • larger framed, heavier boned ewe • taller at the point of the shoulder • greater length of hind saddle

77 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Capacity

• smoother fronted, blended more smoothly in the shoulder • more width through the chest floor, more boldness to the rib • bigger volumed ewe with more total capacity • deeper, wider chested ewe with more substance and volume

Muscling

• fuller behind the shoulder • wider in the stifle region • carried out longer and squarer to the dock • a heavier muscled ewe with more natural thickness down the top • more thickness over the loin and more volume of muscle to the leg • stronger topped, thicker muscled ewe • longer rumped and thicker through the leg • a ewe with more natural thickness throughout the body • more muscling over the top and more flare to the rump

Condition Body condition scoring is a valuable skill for anyone owning sheep. Knowing how to correctly asses BCS helps manage feeding, pregnancy, lactation and lamb growth. When judging the breeding ewe, mention condition only if the ewe is very fat and over-conditioned in a BCS of 4 or more, or if the ewe is very thin and in poor condition in less than a 3.0 BCS.

Quality, Balance, Femininity

• higher quality, more balanced ewe • more feminine head and more free of wool about the eye • longer necked, cleaner fronted ewe • typier eye with more eye appeal • longer, smoother necked ewe • more stylish ewe showing more smoothness and quality • neater fronted ewe • smoother shouldered ewe

Fleece

• a longer, denser fleece • more uniform, denser fleece free of black fibers

78 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Market Lamb Terminology One of the most confusing things about judging sheep is the terminology the judge uses when explaining how s/he judged the sheep. Show terms are often very subjective. The following are some of the more commonly used terms in market Iamb judging.

Muscling

• longer rumped, with more total dimension to the leg • thickest, heaviest muscled lamb in the class • showed more total volume of leg • showed more muscle expression in the lower leg • lamb with longest hind saddle in the class, with more length in the loin • wider topped lamb with more thickness over the loin edge • stood wider on the rear legs • thicker, more squared rump • showed more muscling in the forearm • carried out longer and squarer to the dock • fuller behind the shoulder • widest through the stifle • showed more evidence of muscling through the stifle region

Finish

• a firmer finished lamb • more uniformly covered, with a more desirable degree of finish • cleaner designed, trimmer lamb • lamb that is trimmer up front and cleaner through his underline • more correctly and uniformly finished lamb

79 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 General Appearance

• larger, growthier lamb • taller, more upstanding wether • shows more size and scale • more length of hind saddle • more depth of body • largest framed, longest bodied lamb in the class • showed more balance overall • straighter in his lines and more correct on his feet and legs • stronger topped lamb • cleaner fronted and smoother shouldered • longer bodied, cleaner fronted, and trimmer through the middle

Loin

• long, wide, deep, and muscular • large loin eye area

Rump

• long, level, and broad

Legs

• straight and well placed under corners of the body • rear legs filled with muscle • deep, wide, and thick muscle extends down to the hocks

Conformation Conformation is the general shape and structure of the lamb. The ideal lamb is wedge-shaped as you look from above. Viewing from the rear, this lamb will be widest through the stifle area.

Ideal Less Desirable

80 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Muscle It is very difficult to assess muscling on a live lamb. You can best determine the amount of muscle on the live lamb by examining the: forearm, leg, and loin.

There are three dimensions to muscle—length, width, and depth. You must consider all of these when you estimate the amount of muscle on your lamb. Much of the value of the lamb comes from higher value cuts in the leg and loin, sometimes called the “hind saddle.” The leg and loin make up approximately 25% of the live weight. The ideal market lamb is the correct weight, has the correct amount of fat finish, and is well-muscled. That can also be described by judges as a lamb with good conformation, balance, and quality.

Remember market lambs are raised for food. Canadian consumers are willing to pay high prices for high quality. Lambs that are well-muscled and well-finished produce quality meat for consumers.

Balance Balance is about how the animal looks. The proportion of the body parts fit with one another so that they blend together. The lamb looks smooth and well- balanced. Again, be aware that the greatest value is in high-priced cuts, so the hind-end muscling will look larger than front end.

Wholesale Cuts of a Sheep Carcass Higher Value 1. Leg Shoulder 2.Loin 3.Rack Rack Loin Lower Value Leg 4.Shoulder Breast Flank 5.Breast 6.Flank

81 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Finish Finish is the amount of external fat the lamb is carrying. Finish and the body condition score are easier to assess in a live animal than muscling. Handle those areas where there should be little to no fat—the point of the shoulder and the rear flanks. Fat cover on the live lamb can be determined by looking at the: • fill behind the shoulder; • finish over the backbone; • fill in the flank; • fat around the dock; and • fat in the twist and the brisket.

Feel these areas to determine the amount of finish. A hard, bare touch indicates a lack of finish. A soft, mellow touch indicates too much finish. On the ideal market lamb, you will feel the outline of the backbone and the ribs on the lamb.

Steps in Placing a Class Compare sheep in the class to the ideal in your head. The placing will reflect how the entries compare to the true type. First will be the closest to the ideal, second the next closest, and so on.

Look at the traits that have the highest importance on the score card first to make your placings. If the placings are really close, the less important traits can be used to help you make your decision.

1. Get a picture of the ideal sheep in your mind. 2. Stand back and look at the class to get an impression based on general appearance. 3. Compare the sheep in the class. 4. Look more closely at the sheep, and if permitted, handle the legs, loin, and shoulder to feel the structure under the wool. 5. Check teeth for bite. In ewes, check udders for defects. In rams, check testicles for defects. 6. List the four animals and the main traits you notice for each. 7. Place the class based on your observations. Do not second-guess or discuss with fellow members. Your first instinct is usually the best. 8. List the class in order of placing and make point form notes for your reasons. 9. Try to memorize your points whenever possible, so that you can give a polished presentation when sharing your reasons aloud.

82 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Comparative Market Sheep Terms Comparative Typier Shows more finish Smoother More uniformly covered Higher quality Firmer finish Thicker More finish of the loin More balanced Trimmer middle More stylish Trimmer or neater front end Shorter legged Larger, well filled leg Lower set More compact Breeding Sheep Terms Comparative Deeper body More breed character Deeper rib More feminine head Deeper at heart Stronger (rams) Deeper flank Stands more correctly on front/rear legs Shorter neck Fuller behind shoulder Fleece Breed Terms Comparative Smoother shoulder Greater length of staple Stronger top Denser fleece Wider throughout Finer fleece Greater spring of rib More uniform fleece Wider back Wider, deeper, longer loin Fuller leg Deeper twist Wider breech

Here is an example of a worksheet were you can take 4-3-2-1 notes about the lambs in the class.

Start by writing down three points about each and then transfer them to your reasons worksheet once you have 1 decided on your placing. 2 Giving Reasons 3 Your points should be brief and yet justify your placing. Use two or three points per placing. 4 Grants can be used when a lower placing has an obvious strength over one placed higher.

For example, “I place 1 over 2 because 1 shows more width of loin and development through the leg than 2 but I do grant that 2 shows more length throughout.” Look the person taking reasons in the eye speak slowly and with confidence.

83 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Reasons Format I place this class of______(name of class (your placing, ex: 3, 1,2,4)

I place ______at the top of the class: ______(3) (explain why)

I place______over______because______(3) ( 1) (explain why)

I place______over______because______( 2) (explain why)

I place______over______because______( 4) (explain why)

I place______at the bottom/last because______(4) (explain why) For these reasons I place this class of______(name of class) ______(your placing, ex: 3,1,2,4)

*NOTE: If you give good reasons why the third exhibit places over the fourth, it is often unnecessary to give reasons for placing the fourth-placed article last, or on the bottom. It is important to try to be positive at all times. Check with your leader to find out which format your association prefers. Make sure to check BEFORE the judging competition.

84 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Tips for Oral Reasons Presentation: • loud, clear, easy to hear • speech well-paced, not too fast • maintain eye-contact with audience • avoid reading notes • stand comfortably • speak to the audience confidently and convincingly • use correct grammar, phrasing, and sentence structure • avoid repetition • use proper pronunciation and enunciation • unacceptable words include good, better, best, and nice Format: • introductory statement • concluding statement • identifies the class completely and correctly • compares the three pairs • logical and easily followed

Content Score: • Top pair

• Middle pair

• Bottom pair

Must be: accurate, comparative, specific, complete, and thorough.

85 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Tips for Written Reasons Presentation: • logical, easy to follow • comparative throughout • uses descriptive comparative terms with “more,” words ending in “er,” • has an introduction and conclusion • class is identified completely and correctly • uses proper expressions such as “grant,” and “advantage” • uses proper spelling and grammar

Content: • accurate information • thoroughly covers all the points • uses the appropriate animal terms • uses the terms for body parts accurately • is specific

Sample Reasons – Hampshire Breeding Ewes

I placed this class of Hampshire breeding ewes 4·2·3·1.

I placed 4 over 2 because 4 was a stretchier ewe showing more size, scale, and Hampshire breed character than 2. Four was wider over the shoulder, back and loin, fuller in the heart, and longer and leveler in the rump than 2. I grant that 2 stood straighter on her front legs and was more dense in her fleece than 4.

I placed 2 over 3 because 2 showed a straighter topline and more spring of rib than 3. Two was wider fronted and wider and stronger through the loin than 3. Two was tighter in her fleece and stood straighter on her front legs than 3. I admit that 3 was more open-faced and deeper bodied than 2.

I placed 3 over 1 because 3 was longer bodied, more balanced, and more open faced than 1. Three showed more thickness over the top, and was longer, leveler, and squarer in the rump than 1. I grant that 1 was stronger over the top than 3.

I placed 1at the bottom of the class because 1 was the smallest ewe in the class, and was narrow in her rump and light in her leg.

These are my reasons for placing this class of Hampshire breeding ewes 4·2-3-1.

86 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Activities Match Up Make Type of Breed and Breed Characteristic index cards for a matching up activity. For the Type of Breed, use the Internet and sites like the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association to find colour pictures of various breeds of sheep, print these out and paste them on individual index cards – one per breed. Write breed characteristics and breed type (ewe/maternal, ram/paternal, wool, hair/dairy type) on the Breed Characteristic index cards (one characteristic per card). Have the members sort out the cards matching up the photo, name, and characteristics for each breed.

You may also do this activity by handing out the characteristic and breed cards and having members find one another by matching up the photo, breed name, or characteristic that goes with the breed card.

Field Trip To teach your club about breeds of sheep and project selection, it may be beneficial to take a field trip. Consider the following options: • Take a tour of local sheep farms, and ask members to keep notes so that the group can compare the breeds being raised in your area. • Attend a purebred sheep show as a group, and listen to what the judge says about each breed. • Attend a livestock auction and try to identify the various types of sheep being sold. • Hold a mock judging event, and have members chose the best animal out of a group and explain why they chose the animal.

Wherever you go, make sure the members are engaged in the activity. Explain to them the purpose of the trip and give them a simple assignment to complete while they are there.

Pictionary Once members are familiar with the characteristics of common sheep breeds, break them into teams and play Pictionary. Pull the name of a breed from a hat and have members draw it. Team members must guess which breed it is based on breed characteristics or creative additions in the drawing. For example: The Canadian Arcott could have a maple leaf on it.

87 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Nutrition Word Search

Can you find all the hidden words in this word search? Words can go in the following directions:

C A L C I U M L Z A E D Q I Q

I E Q O E H K W I G S W P X E

R I M P O G E T N H E Y V P A

O Y U P F Y D P C K N E S O A

N E I E M I T F C N A M N T J

T N D R J Z L M S R G O M A I

R I O G V N A U U Z N C A S L

U D S U C J B N R E A A G S B

F O E M Q L O E O N M R N I I

L I L L D R C D H I R G E U E

U E E T O X D B P R O P S M R

S W N V N J V Y S O P V I P S

E Q I T R G F L O L I P U R L

H I U R M M L O H H A K M O P

Z F M L V S V M P C Q I Q G B

CALCIUM SULFUR MANGANESE

PHOSPHORUS COPPER MAGNESIUM

SODIUM IODINE CHLORINE

SELENIUM COBALT MOLYBDENUM

IRON ZINC POTASSIUM

88 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Solution

C A L C I U M + Z + E + + + +

I + + O + + + + I + S + + + +

R + M P + + + + N + E + + P +

O + U P + + + + C + N + + O +

N E I E + + T + + + A + + T +

+ N D R + + L M S + G + M A +

R I O + + + A U U + N + A S +

U D S + + + B N R E A + G S +

F O E + + + O E O N M + N I +

L I L + + + C D H I + + E U +

U + E + + + + B P R + + S M +

S + N + + + + Y S O + + I + +

+ + I + + + + L O L + + U + +

+ + U + + + + O H H + + M + +

+ + M + + + + M P C + + + + +

(Over, Down, Direction) CALCIUM (1, 1, E) SULFUR (1, 7, N) MANGANESE (11, 1, N) PHOSPHORUS (9, 6, N) COPPER (4, 1, S) MAGNESIUM (13, 6, S) SODIUM (3, 3, N) IODINE (2, 5, N) CHLORINE (10, 8, N) SELENIUM (3, 8, S) COBALT (7, 5, N) MOLYBDENUM (8, 6, N) IRON (1, 2, S) ZINC (9, 1, S) POTASSIUM (14, 3, S)

89

. 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 References Websites Alberta Agriculture and Forestry: www.agric.gov.ab.ca • numerous articles on managing sheep • traceability as relates to sheep

Alberta Environmental Farm Plans: www.albertaefp.com

Alberta Lamb Producers: www.ablamb.ca Producer Modules on the Alberta Lamb Producers website: • Shepherding 101 – Going into Sheep • Sheep & Goat Management – Nutrition • Sheep & Goat Management – Health • Sheep & Goat Management – Reproduction • Marketing Your Lambs • Grazing Management • The Business of Sheep

Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP): www.cansheep.ca

Canadian Cooperative Woolgrowers website: www.wool.ca

Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association website: www.sheepbreeders.ca

Fencing: www.sheeplOl.info/201/fencing.html

National Farm Animal Care Council: www.nfacc.ca • Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep

Poisonous Weeds: • http://www .crowsnestpass.com/public • http://weedscanada.ca/plants_poisonous_animals.htm • http://www.edmonton.ca/bylaws_licences/PDF/Weed_ldentification_ Book.pdf

Sheep 101: www.sheep101.info • Fencing

Sheep Bytes: : www.sheepbytes.ca

Other Resources Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep http://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/sheep

Eales, F.A. 1983. “Hypothermia in Newborn Lambs” in Diseases of Sheep, W.B. Martin, ed. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific.

90 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 Glossary A ANTIBIOTIC: Substance that prevents or controls bacterial infection.

B BALANCED RATION: A ration which supplies the necessary nutrients—protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and water in proportion to properly nourish an animal. BLOCKING: The squaring or shaping of a sheep’s body by trimming wool until it has a symmetrical and pleasing shape in appearance. BLOCKING STAND: A raised flat platform with pipe or wood stanchion for holding the sheep while blocking. BREED: A race or special case of domestic sheep that reproduces distinctive characteristics. BRITCH: The area around the hind legs of a sheep. BROKEN MOUTH: A term used to apply to sheep that have one or more missing teeth. BURDIZZO: Pincer-type instrument used in docking and castration.

C CARBOHYDRATES: Includes both the fibre and the nitrogen-free extract in feeds. They comprise about 3/4 of all dry matter in plants. Acts as chief feed in the body to maintain the temperature and energy. CARD: A hook with wire teeth for lifting wool fibres for trimming. CASTRATE: Removal of the testicles of a male animal. CLOSEBREEDING: A form of inbreeding to the extent of mating closely related animals, e.g., dam to son. COLOSTRUM: First milk produced by a fresh ewe (for a period of two to three days). CONCENTRATES: Whole grains, milled feeds, and manufactured supplements that are generally low in fibre and high in energy. CREEP FEEDER: A supplemental feeder designed such that free access to it is available to lambs, but not mature sheep. CROOK: A spring type hook on a long handle that is used to catch sheep by a hind leg. CROSSBREEDING: Crossbreeding is the mating of rams and ewes of different breed compositions or types. ... There are effects of heterosis in the crossbred offspring, crossbred dam, and crossbred ram. CRUDE PROTEIN: Commonly used to designate all the nitrogenous substances in feeding stuffs or nitrogenous compounds. CROSSBRED: Offspring produced by the mating of two different breeds.

91 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 D DAM: The mother of an offspring. DIGESTIBLE CRUDE PROTEIN (DCP): Portion of the total protein in a feed that can be digested by the animal. DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENT: This means that portion of each nutrient that may be digested and taken into the body. DOCK: The remaining stump of a tail after docking. DOCKING: Removal of a tail. DRESSING PERCENTAGE: A percentage of carcass weight compared to live weight. Lambs normally dress from 48% to 52%.

E ESTRUS CYCLE: The reoccurring 13-20 day reproductive cycle of a ewe from the time she is ready to be bred until she will be bred again if conception does not occur.

F FERTILE: The stage of development of the female animal at which conception will occur. FLEECE: Wool shorn from the body of a sheep. FLEECE TWINE: A paper twine or string for tying wool. FLUSH: To provide lush pasture for use two or three weeks before breeding. Grain or hay can also be used to bring ewes into good condition.

G GESTATION: The period of time between breeding and lambing. This period is usually 144-151 days for sheep. GRADE: An animal not eligible for registration although its parents may be “purebred.” GUMMER: An old sheep that has lost most of its teeth.

H HEREDITY: The transfer of characteristics from one generation to another. HYBRID VIGOUR : Line breeding is a mild form of inbreeding.

I INBREEDING: The mating of closely related animals and includes closebreeding and linebreeding.

L LACTATION: The period of time from which a ewe produces milk (“freshens”) until she is dried off and not producing milk prior to lambing again. LANOLIN: Natural oils in the fleece. LINEBREEDING: A form of inbreeding but to only a minor degree, e.g., cousin to cousin mating.

92 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 M MASTITIS: A bacterial udder infection. Milk may be lumpy or stringy. Ewes with mastitis should be culled. MATURE SHEEP: One that is over two years old.

N NICK: Term used to describe a mating which produces offspring that are superior to either parent. NUTRIENT: It is applied to any food constituent or group of food constituents of the same chemical composition that aid in the support of animal life.

O OPEN EWE: Ewe not yet bred. OUTCROSS: Mating of purebred animals that are not related within a breed. OVERSHOT JAW: Bottom teeth do not come out to the edge of the top jaw. Eating is made more difficult. This is an inherited characteristic. Such sheep should be culled.

P PALATABILITY: The degree to which an animal will eat a feed depending if it is pleasant to the taste, smell, and feel. PARASITE: Internal or external organism that lives in and on the host animal at whose expense it obtains food and shelter. PEDIGREE: A record of the male and female ancestors showing name, date of birth, and production figures. PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT: Feeds high in protein, mixed with grains to provide a balanced ration; e.g., soybean meal and fishmeal. PROVEN SIRE: A ram that has proven his ability to transmit his good qualities by consistently producing animals that are superior to their dams. PROGENY: Offspring of an individual animal. PUREBRED: An animal produced by consistent generations of breeding within a recognized breed of sheep.

R RATION: Amount of feed fed to an animal over a 24-hour period. R.O.P.: Record of Performance. Federal government sponsored sheep testing program for in flock comparison of rate of gain, etc. REGISTRATION PAPER: Official record issued by Canadian Livestock Records as to the identity and pedigree of a purebred animal. ROUGHAGE: Feeds low in total nutrients and usually high in fibre content; e.g., hay, straw, and silage. RUMEN: First stomach of the ruminant (cud-chewing) animal.

93 4-H Sheep Project Guide Level 2 S SCOURS: Disease of young lambs in digestive system due mainly to overfeeding and infectious organisms. SIRE: The father of the offspring. SELF-FEEDER: A feeding trough that is built so that the quantity of hay or grain can be placed in it and the sheep can eat whenever they wish. STRECHIER: longer bodied, longer spined, longer limbed not short, dumpy or compact.

T TAGGING: Removal of wool from around the britch before lambing and around the eyes to prevent wool blindness. TAGS: Pieces of wool shorn off when tagging. TATTOO: Ear identification markings to identify animals for registration. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN): Measure of approximated heat or energy value of the feed, consisting of the total of the digestible energy producing nutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

U UNDERSHOT JAW: The lower teeth extend out beyond the edge of the upper jaw. This condition makes eating very difficult. It is an inherited characteristic and sheep affected in this manner should be culled.

W WETHER: A male sheep that has been castrated. WOOL BLINDNESS: Wool growing around the eyes making it difficult for a sheep to see.

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