Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in 2015

OMAFRA Pasture Production Publication

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in ForageLeave a Reply

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.

Predation Management with a Focus on Coyotes

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Forage, PredationLeave a Reply

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.    

Ontario Animal Health Network (OAHN)—Small Ruminant Network Producer Report (4th quarter)

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

The Ontario Animal Health Network is a program focusing on early disease detection so as to identify trends in animal health issues. Information was obtained from a quarterly survey of practicing veterinarians and laboratory data from the Animal Health Laboratory. It is the intent of this program to improve the health of small ruminants in Ontario. The top 3 diseases or issues of concern for both sheep and goats for October 1 – December 31, 2014 were: Young stock (<1 year old):                      Adult stock (>1 year old): ▪ pneumonia                                           ▪ abortion ▪ coccidiosis                                            ▪ caseous lymphadenitis ▪ cryptosporidiosis                                   ▪ listeriosis The full report is available by clicking on this link:        OAHN SR Producer report Q4 2014-FINAL  

AgriStability it’s application and renewal time

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

Over the next month, Agricorp will be mailing renewals to existing customers in AgriStability, Production Insurance and the Risk Management Program. New customers can visit the Agricorp website for more information or call to speak with a customer care representative who can help the​m get started. More about Agristability and its renewal time.

Nutrition and Feeding Systems for Market Lamb Finishing

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

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

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

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…

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Farming and Agriculture Apps Directory

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

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.

Total Mixed Rations – are they right for your farm?

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

There are many combinations of feed distribution options. As you move from the traditional (forage plus grain) to TMR group feeding, there is an increase in efficiency of feeding. Pail feeding of ewes requires a large amount of labour. Many producers move into TMR feeding systems without considering that labour in the form of time is still required to move feeds to the mixer, individually add forages so that they can be weighed, and wait for mixing time and delivery of the TMR to the bunk. As a result, time spent feeding sheep may not be reduced unless the system is well planned. OMAFRA’s new factsheet Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Use in the Ewe Flock discusses the advantages and disadvantages…

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Feeding Corn Silage to Sheep

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

Corn silage is quickly becoming an economical and viable feedstuff for sheep as grain prices continue to rise and sheep flocks are becoming larger and more mechanized. Corn silage is unique due to rapid harvesting ability, low-cost storage and high yields of forage per hectare. It is a high-energy feed with a grain content of 40% or more. OMAFRA’s new factsheet Feeding Corn Silage to Sheep explains how with proper equipment, management and ration formulation, corn silage can be effectively fed to both the ewe flock and market lambs.

Are you ready for a power outage?

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in HousingLeave a Reply

You never know when the hydro might go out. Is your generator ready? OMAFRA has some good advice on using farm generators. Standby Electrical Generators for Emergency Farm Use Farm Generators: Making Connections the Safe Way Tractor Drive Generators: Producing Quality Power