The 2015 Lamb Feeding Questionnaire was circulated to the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) email list and the Large Flock Operator email list. This questionnaire was developed to collect information on how Ontario sheep producers feed lambs to direct our talks at the Sheep Seminars and to evaluate the need for extension resources related to lamb feeding. The response to the survey was excellent with a total of 106 surveys started and 97 fully completed. The average flock size of those participating was 338 ewes with representation from all sizes of operations. Almost all participants were raising lambs born from ewes on their own farm with a focus on meat production. Producers responding to the survey represent about 79,000 market…
All posts in 2015
Rodent Control on Sheep Farms
Rats and mice have long been a problem on farms where food and nesting sites are plentiful. These animals consume and contaminate food destined for livestock and other animals, as well as humans. Mice and rats have tremendous breeding potential. Under ideal conditions, a pair of rats and their offspring can produce 20 000 000 young in three years. Controlling rodents is therefore a high priority for livestock producers. The OMAFRA fact sheet, “Rodent Control in Livestock and Poultry Facilities,” provides information about rodents on farms and what you can do to control them.
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Use Sheep Behaviour to Your Advantage When Designing Handling Facilities
Sheep handling in “make-do” pens is not only hard, difficult work, it is outright unpleasant. As a result, important jobs like vaccinating and deworming are often delayed or not done at all. Well-designed sheep handling facilities are essential to a successful sheep production operation. Few other investments will create such labour efficiencies and savings. Most producers will only build, or purchase, one handling facility in their lifetime, so planning is essential. Incorporate existing paddocks, laneways and barnyards into the handling system to allow for ample space when the flock is held in the yards for long periods of time. Sheep need to move smoothly between these areas with a minimum of fuss. To achieve this, a producer needs to understand…
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How Good is Your Rodent Control?
Rats and mice have long been a problem on farms where food and nesting sites are plentiful. These animals consume and contaminate food destined for livestock and other animals, as well as humans. Each rat on a farm will eat, spoil or damage approximately $25 worth of grain per year. The adaptability and agility of these animals make getting rid of them particularly difficult. Mice are capable of running up a vertical surface, negotiating a wire like the finest circus performer and can easily jump to a height of 30 cm (12 in.) from a flat surface. Its worth reviewing how effective your rodent control is. Read more in Rodent Control in Livestock and Poultry Facilities
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Ideas for Shearing Facility Design and Shearing in Ontario
Wool production is a year-long process. Yet it is during harvesting – a process that takes a matter of minutes – that quality is often adversely affected. Preparing your facilities and flock properly for shearing will make the job much easier and ensure quality does not suffer. Producers often assume that the shearer knows the best procedure for wool handling and preparation. However, it is the producer’s responsibility to make sure that animal handling is optimized and ensure buyers get the high-quality wool they desire. A number of factors go into designing and constructing a shearing facility that is effective for both workers and sheep. Read more in the OMAFRA factsheet Shearing Facility Design and Shearing in Ontario.
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OMAFRA Pasture Production Publication
The updated OMAFRA Pasture Production Publication provides information on improving pastures, including species selection, fertility, rejuvenation and renovation, weed control, grazing systems, fencing and watering. It also provides insight into animal pasture management, budgeting, and managing different types of livestock on pasture. Available to download from the OMAFRA website or purchase a copy for $10 at an OMAFRA Resource Centre or through ServiceOntario Publications.
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Predation Management with a Focus on Coyotes
Make sure you minimize your losses to predators this year. Alberta Lamb Producers has a good publication covering the basics of predation management planning, the biology and behavior of predators and defense against predators. Click on the picture below to access the publication.
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Nutrition and Feeding Systems for Market Lamb Finishing
In certain situations, specialized feeding programs for market lambs are ideal. These include situations where extra value can be gained by investing in the additional feed and labour. The producer must moderate his or her expectations according to the flock production system. Various aspects of diet preparation must be considered to optimize the delivery of nutrients and to ensure lamb health. Producers are encouraged to implement market feeding programs in consultation with nutrition providers and veterinarians to ensure all aspects and information are taken into account. The purpose of market lamb feeding is to cost-effectively produce a product of marketable quality and quantity. Keeping this objective in mind will help you make good business and animal management decisions. Read more…
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New from OMAFRA Low Labour Feeding Systems and Bunk Design for Sheep
This Factsheet discusses winter feeding set-up for the sheep flock and why a feeding set-up with flexibility is important. Flexibility in a feeding system is critical because: -Feed is the single largest cost centre in the lamb production operation. Managing this cost requires that the system has flexibility in accommodating various ingredients for cost-effective rations.-Infrastructure is a major long-term expenditure that is often larger than livestock investment and may approach land costs. Infrastructure that serves as an investment or asset should be adaptable to multiple uses, otherwise it becomes an expense that requires further investment (renovation expenses) to remain current.-Labour is another major cost on sheep operations. The need for labour varies by animal group, time of year and rations…
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Farming and Agriculture Apps Directory
Farms.com has created an online directory of agriculture apps that will help farmers quickly find the apps that will help them get the most out of their smartphone accessing information they want. Find out more about the farming and agriculture apps directory.
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