Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in Sheep

Is the Production Insurance Forage Rainfall Program right for you?

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in ForageLeave a Reply

The Production Insurance Forage Rainfall Program may be a good fit for you. The forage rainfall plan uses rainfall as an indicator of quantity and quality of forage.  There are two coverage options available: •Insufficient rainfall •Excess rainfall  Insufficient Rainfall The insufficient rainfall option protects against insufficient rainfall only. If the measured rainfall at the station you choose during the insured period is less than 85 per cent of the long-term average rainfall for your area, a claim may be paid.  The producer can chose the rainfall collection station data to use. Excess Rainfall The excess rainfall option provides protection against excess rainfall during the chosen harvest period.  The producer selects a rainfall threshold of 5 mm or 7 mm. If you…

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Managing Rams for a Successful Breeding Season

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Health & Nutrition, ReproductionLeave a Reply

The ram is the most important member of the flock, yet he does not always get the attention he deserves. Good ram management can determine the success of your breeding program and ensure a profitable lamb crop. Sperm production in rams takes 49 days, therefore it is important to remember that you will not see the effects of any management changes for almost 7-8 weeks. You’ll want to ensure rams are well looked after in the two month period leading up to the breeding season as it will have a direct effect on the quality of sperm and fertility of the ram. Testicle size is a good indicator of a ram’s sperm producing ability, which can be assessed using scrotal circumference.…

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Do you have a water contingency plan?

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in Business, Health & Nutrition, HousingLeave a Reply

In 2016, many areas of the province saw very warm and dry conditions, and many wells were still dry leading into the winter. In other years, like the start to the 2017 growing season, the province experienced periods of excessive rain, leading to saturated soils and flooding. Both situations create many challenges for livestock and poultry farmers. No one can control the weather, but we can plan for it. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) encourages you to plan for future weather – conserving water and using it efficiently can help during low water conditions, and having effective drainage systems in place can help with saturated soil and runoff. Things to consider for low water conditions: Things…

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Nutrient Application: Timing Matters

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

There’s a right time for everything. Every year, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) receives calls about winter spreading. Long, cold winters that come after a wet fall and/or late harvest tend to make winter spreading more common. However, spreading on frozen or snow covered ground, on saturated soil or before major rain events is not a good practice, even if storages are full. Spreading at the wrong time increases the likelihood of nutrient loss and runoff. Nutrient runoff not only pollutes lakes and rivers, it can also decrease your profits. Lost nutrients have to be replaced from another source, and additional commercial fertilizers cost money. Instead, apply at the best possible time to increase your…

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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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Utilizing Moisture Stressed Corn as Feed

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in ForageLeave a Reply

This post was written by Thomas Ferguson, Forage and Grazier Specialist, OMAFRA. It was originally posted on Field Crop News August 18, 2016. With the dry weather this year and low forage yields across much of the province, many producers are looking for alternative forages. There is a lot of stressed corn that could be utilized as forage for livestock. The amount of moisture stress that the corn has been through can affect the quality of the silage and there can be great variability between fields and even within a field. In fields that were dry during tasseling or pollination and have reduced grain fill, the energy content of the silage will be reduced but forage quality should remain constant.…

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Are even the most robust parasites able to beat the heat?

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

Haemonchus contortus, also known as the “Barber’s Pole Worm,” is a deadly nematode parasite that lives in grass during its infectious juvenile life stage, and as a result, is eaten by sheep as they are grazing. The worms travel along with the ingested food and will bury within the stomach wall of the abomasum of the animal, where it will spend the next major life stage as an adult. Mature female worms have the capacity to release 5-10 thousand eggs per day, which are then released from the abomasum and make their way into the feces. While in the feces, the eggs will hatch and become the infectious juvenile life stage that is found in pastures. This blood-sucking parasite conducts its…

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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

Do you have a parasite strategy for this grazing season?

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Health & Nutrition, Risk PreventionLeave a Reply

Anthelmintic resistance is an important consideration for every parasite strategy.  It is important to monitor and treat animals selectively.  That means only treat those animals who need it most.  To slow or prevent antimicrobial resistance at least 30% of the animals must not be treated.  More information on parasites and the 5 Star Worm Program can be found in the Handbook for the Control of Internal Parasites of Sheep and Goats developed by Canadian researchers and extension personnel.

Would Your Barn Get a Checkmark? Barn Fire Safety Checklist

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Housing, Risk PreventionLeave a Reply

Take time to check how safe your barn is.  The National Fire Protection Association has information related to fire, electrical and related hazards. National Fire Prevention Association Click on the image to make it larger.