Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in 2023

We’re Hiring! Summer Research Assistant – Grazing

We’re Hiring! Summer Research Assistant – Grazing

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in AnnouncementsLeave a Reply

OMAFRA Summer Research Assistant – Grazing Number of Positions: One (1) Location: Lindsay, ON Contract Length:  6 – 18 weeks, starting May 1, 2024 (start date negotiable) Salary: $17.40/hour (Level 2), based on a 36.25-hour work week Job Description: Are you interested in grazing ruminants (beef, sheep and/or organic/grass-fed dairy) and are looking to develop transferable skills, support your career goals and learn more about the Ontario Public Service? This position will provide excellent opportunities for those interested in a career in livestock production, pasture management, research in the agricultural sector, and knowledge transfer within the province. Duties will include: How to Apply: Application Deadline: January 9, 2024 We thank all those who apply, however only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Questions:…

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Webinar Library Now Live!

Webinar Library Now Live!

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in UncategorizedLeave a Reply

The webinar library is now live on the blog. Check out some previous webinars that focused on goat genetics, goat nutrition, udder health and milk quality.

Managing Metabolic Challenges in Dairy Ewes During Lambing

Managing Metabolic Challenges in Dairy Ewes During Lambing

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in Health, NutritionLeave a Reply

The transition period can bring many challenges to ewes. The transition period is the weeks leading up to and after lambing. The ewe is transitioning from a non-lactating, pregnant state to a lactating, non-pregnant state. Metabolic challenges can arise in the last 3-6 weeks of gestation before lambing and last into early lactation.  What is Ketosis? The term ketosis is derived from ketone bodies, produced when the body breaks down stored fat for energy, also known as lipid mobilization. In ewes, this occurs during increased energy requirements in late pregnancy and early lactation. A negative energy balance occurs when energy consumed does not meet the current physiological energy demand. In a less technical phrase, there needs to be more groceries…

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Hoof Health in Small Ruminants

Posted on Author Andrea Bajus, Technology Transfer Specialist, OMAFAPosted in Health, Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

On August 17th and August 19th 2023, Ontario Goat hosted a hoof health clinic emphasizing the importance of hoof trimming and preventing hoof diseases in your goats. Featured speakers included Dr. Gosia Zoebel (New Zealand), Susan Schoenian (University of Maryland), Dr. Emily zur Linden (Metzger Veterinary), and Dr. Lauren Wilson (Cornwallis Veterinary Services). Inspired by the event, this blog post discusses the importance of hoof trimming and outlines hoof ailments that you may be concerned about in your sheep and goats. Hoof Trimming In intensive systems, like those in Ontario, animals are typically housed on soft surfaces that don’t allow for natural wearing of the hooves. Allowing hooves to overgrow and become deformed can cause permanent damage and increase susceptibility…

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Transporting Livestock: Understanding a Transfer of Care Form vs. an Animal Transport Record

Posted on Author Andrea Bajus, Technology Transfer Specialist, OMAFAPosted in UncategorizedLeave a Reply

Whether you’re a commercial transporter or a producer transporting your own animals, it is important to keep records on the movement of animals to ensure that animals are being responsibly taken care of and humanely transported. You can do this by filling out a Transfer of Care form and an Animal Transport Record. But what’s the difference? Transfer of Care Form What is its purpose? The purpose of a Transfer of Care Form is to ensure that animals are not left at slaughter facilities, assembly centres, or auctions without evidence that the care has been transferred from the transporter to the receiver. This form only applies for animals that are delivered to slaughter, assembly, and auction facilities. After the recipient…

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Short Video Tutorials for the Dairy Goat Cost of Production Benchmarking Tool

Posted on Author Kristy BlankersPosted in Business, Webinar Recordings2 Replies

This series of short videos have been created to help guide producers through the process of using the Dairy Goat Cost of Production Benchmarking Tool in Excel. Each video covers an individual producer tab. Providing step-by-step instructions on how to enter the data correctly into the cells. Along with highlighting some of the information calculated and provided by each tab. To get the most out of the tool producers should try to fill out the information as completely and accurately as possible. Access all the videos here. Learn more about and access the Dairy Goat Cost of Benchmarking Tool here. Introduction Video This video provides a general overview of the tool. Covering some benefits of using the tool, the information…

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3 Sheep Podcasts to Listen to in 2023

Posted on Author Kristy BlankersPosted in UncategorizedLeave a Reply

Introduction Dive into the world of sheep from anywhere with these podcasts in 2023! These podcasts are sure to give you insight into the latest sheep news, covering topics such as management, health, nutrition, and much more! These podcasts are listed in no particular order. Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know Californian ranchers Ryan Mahoney, Dan Macon, and Dr. Roselle Busch host this weekly podcast covering all sheep stuff you should know. They frequently bring on guests and cover topics ranging from nutrition and management to sustainability and predators. This podcast presents a wide range of information in a short period of time. Length: Approximately 1 hour Frequency: Weekly Number of Episodes to Date: 134 Listen Now: Apple, Spotify The Sheep…

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Mature Ewe Size – How Big is Too Big?

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in UncategorizedLeave a Reply

What does this even mean?  I am talking about mature sheep size.  Ontario is home to many sheep breeds of many different sizes.  There can also be significant variation in size within breeds.  It is important to consider a number of factors when thinking about what mature size will work best for your operation. Environmental Concerns Concerns have been raised in the past few years about the effect of livestock farming on our environment.  One of the primary concerns is related to the contribution of ruminants to greenhouse gas.  Methane is produced by sheep during the fermentation of feed in the rumen.  The amount of methane produced is related to genetics, feed quality and feed intake. This means that larger…

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Artificial Lamb Rearing: Part 2 – A Producer Project

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Health & Nutrition, StatisticsLeave a Reply

From March to August 2022 an on-farm project examining artificial rearing systems specifically focused on milk machines and lamb performance was conducted on several Ontario farms. The project had three main objectives: lamb productivity, rearing cost, and producer labour. Six farms participated in the project. Two farms had Lac-Tek milk machines and four farms had Eco Feeders also commonly known as Förster-Technik and / or Grober. The results will be presented in a series of articles; this article will focus on producer labour. A previous article can be found in the December 2022 Ontario Sheep News for context as well as information on farm specific set-ups, machine cleaning and milk replacer cost.   Producer Labour  Labour was the most variable…

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3 Goat Podcasts to Listen to in 2023

Posted on Author Kristy BlankersPosted in UncategorizedLeave a Reply

Introduction Whether you are looking to get into raising goats or already are a goat producer, these weekly podcasts are for you. Covering a wide variety of topics, from health to management to showing, there is something for everyone in this list of podcasts. These podcasts are not listed in any particular order. Ringside: An American Dairy Goat Podcast Dairy goat farmers Jon Kain and Danielle Carolei talk weekly about all thing’s dairy goats. From management to breeding to showing goats, they are a source of information for goat producers across the United States. Frequently featuring guests with expertise on each week’s topic, this podcast is sure to teach you about the different dairy goat practices out there. Length: 1…

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