Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts tagged lambing

Pregnancy Scanning: Management Tips

Pregnancy Scanning: Management Tips

Posted on Author emassenderPosted in Reproduction, Reproduction

This blog post was adapted from the OMAFRA Factsheet “Pregnancy Scanning: Management Tips” (AGDEX 433/22) by A. O’Brien. Introduction Pregnancy scanning, using real-time ultrasound equipment, is a useful management tool for Ontario sheep and goat producers. When scanning is performed within the recommended time frame by trained professionals, accuracy of identifying animals that are not pregnant and counting the number of fetuses is high. Pregnancy scanning can be used to assign open ewes to new breeding groups, make culling decisions, and optimize feeding management based on expected litter size. Benefits of Ultrasound Scanning Identify and manage open (not pregnant) ewes or does. Count fetuses to improve feeding management. Improve newborn survival through appropriate feeding management. Determine appropriate dry-off time in…

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Save Lambs from Hypothermia

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

Winter lambing can result in chilled lambs.  It is amazing how newborn lambs can be saved, even from a near comatose condition, using proper revival techniques.  Check out the Treating Hypothermia (Chilling) and Hypoglycemia (Starvation) in very Young Lambs poster (Click link: Hypothermia Poster ) to update or refresh your saving lamb skills.  A Hypothermia Flowchart is also available which serves as a reminder of the basic steps to take with a chilled lamb depending on the lambs body temperature.  More information on lambing and the critical first few days of life can be found in the OMAFRA factsheets titled ” Assisting the Ewe at Lambing“, “Care of the Newborn Lamb” and “Hypothermia in Newborn Lambs“.   e

Sheep Reproduction Basics and Conception Rates

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Business, ReproductionLeave a Reply

To run a profitable sheep operation, producers must understand the details of many different disciplines and how they interrelate. One of the basic aspects of a sheep farming operation is to make sure that ewes become pregnant and have lambs. It is important to understand the basic physiology of the reproductive cycle to ensure that management decisions do not prevent ewes from becoming pregnant. Conception rate varies between season, age, breed and lambing system. Understanding the effect of these factors will enable you to determine what a good conception rate is for your farm. Read more in the OMAFRA factsheet Sheep Reproduction Basics and Conception Rates.

Treating Hypothermia Flowchart

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

As winter lambing approaches, it is worthwhile to review the care of newborn lambs.  At this time of year one of the major concerns is hypothermia.  Lambs can recover from hypothermia as long as care is taken to identify whether the lamb is hypoglycemic prior to treatment.  In order to save lambs with hypothermia, it is necessary to take their temperature.  The normal rectal temperature for a newborn lamb is between 39°C and 40°C.  A lamb with a rectal temperature between 37°C and 39°C is considered to have mild hypothermia.  Lambs with mild hypothermia should be fed colostrum by stomach tube.   A lamb with a rectal temperature less than 37°C  is considered to have moderate to severe hypothermia.  Lambs…

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