Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts by Jillian Craig

About Jillian Craig

Jillian works as the Small Ruminant Specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Her main focus is on sheep, meat goats and dairy goat kids. Some areas of focus include predation, young animal care, labour and handling.

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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Artificial Lamb Rearing: Part 1 – A Producer Project

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

From March to August 2022 an on-farm project on artificial rearing systems specifically focusing on milk machines and lamb performance was conducted at several Ontario farms. The project had three main objectives: lamb productivity, rearing cost, and producer labour. The results will be presented in a series of articles; this article will focus on-farm set-ups, machine cleaning and milk replacer cost.    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 refer to Figure 1. The total number of ewes represented on the farms was 3395, with flock sizes of 400, 825, 120, 1000, 450 and 600 respectively. Two farms kept artificially…

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Pricing Trends for Dairy Goat Kids in Ontario (2017-2019)

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Dairy Goat Digest, Statistics

Jillian Craig, a Small Ruminant Specialist with OMAFRA, presents data about pricing trends for dairy goat kids in 2017-2019.

Predation Prevention Tools for a Goat Herd

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Goats, Predation

When faced with the on-going threat of predation to your herd some proactive steps can be implemented. It should be noted that even with the best prevention strategies in place, predation can and/or will still occur. When considering prevention practices, it is important to consider the level of predation (for example, the dollar value of loss), time of year, location, past history, cost of each predation prevention strategy, and the amount of protection offered.   There are different options for predation prevention strategies with some being more effective than others. Options include, but are not limited to, fencing, livestock guardian animals, hunting, trapping, night time enclosures and deterrents (lights, radio, bells, etc.). It should be noted that night time enclosures…

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Marketing Meat Goat Kids

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Business

When making the decision on where to market meat goat kids, a variety of options exist. It is important to keep in mind that the consumer is ultimately the person who will be purchasing the product. In the value chain found in Figure 1, the consumer is at the top of the diagram as they truly drive the system. With no end user, there would be no demand for the product. In the simplified Figure 1 diagram, this is only one example of how a value chain might work. There are different marketing methods depending on individual preferences.      Marketing methods for meat goats include: With this list in mind, it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for…

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Bonding Pens for a Doe and Her Kids

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Housing, Reproduction

In preparation for kidding, setting up bonding pens (also referred to as claiming pens or kidding pens) a few weeks in advance is often a good idea so when does start to kid you are prepared and can focus on kidding and daily chores, instead of building pens. Claiming pens assist the doe in establishing a strong maternal bond with her kid(s).

Invest in a Handling Facility

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in HousingLeave a Reply

If you currently do not have a handling facility, you need to seriously question why you have not invested in one. Handling facilities are essential if producers expect to find any savings in labour and efficiencies in the management of their sheep. Handling facilities will: Some factors which should be taken into consideration if you are building or purchasing one include: More information on handling facilities and sheep behaviour can be found in the OMAFRA factsheet entitled, “Use Behaviour to Your Advantage When Designing Sheep Handling Facilities” When designing a handling facility plan for other contracted jobs such as shearing or pregnancy scanning. For a new facility, consider the various design options for shearing such as raised decks and shearing chutes…

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Predation: Fencing and Resources

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in PredationLeave a Reply

Fencing is one preventative measure available in trying to reduce predation to flocks. There are a few different fencing options available whether building a new fence or adding to an existing fence. A good fence can be utilized in conjunction with other predator prevention strategies (such as livestock guard animals, deterrents, etc).  It is important to note that no fence will completely eliminate predation from occurring. The OMAFRA Factsheet entitled: Fencing Options for Predator Control includes information on electric fences, net-wire fences, electric net fencing as well as a comparison of cost and life expectancy for the three types of fences. Some other resources include: Sheep Management Practices Can Influence Predation Program Guidelines: Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

Colostrum Requirements for Lambs

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

Spring lambing is quickly approaching. Ideally, a lamb should receive 50 ml per kg of bodyweight of its own mother’s colostrum, within 1 hour of birth. Additionally, 150 ml per kg spread over three more feedings within the first 24 hours of life should be provided.  If you do ‘inherit’ some bottle babies, the total daily feeding rate should be no more than 10% of a lamb’s own body weight, and in as many as four feedings per day. Appropriate feeding frequencies at a given age are listed below. Recommended feed source, and frequency of milk replacement (M.R.) feeding for lambs from birth to weaning Age (days) Feed Source M.R. Frequency 0 -24 hr. Colostrum 4 to 5 times* 1 –…

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