Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts tagged Sheep

New! Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production

New! Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production

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

Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production is a comprehensive guide to forage agronomy. It has information on establishment, fertility, weed management and weather stress for many species grown as forage in Ontario. It also covers harvest and storage of forage crops and understanding a laboratory forage analysis. To download a free PDF version or order a paper copy, click here. ~~~~~~ La Publication 30F, Guide de production fourragère, constitue une source de renseignements détaillés sur les pratiques agronomiques en production fourragère. On y trouve de l’information sur l’établissement, la fertilité, la lutte contre les mauvaises herbes et le stress thermique, applicables à de nombreuses espèces végétales cultivées comme plantes fourragères en Ontario. Ce Guide traite aussi de questions concernant la récolte et l’entreposage des fourrages et…

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Caution! Silo gas and nitrate poisoning

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Uncategorized

Rain events across the province have interrupted a dry spring. While the water is welcome, the 5-7 days after a rain that ends a severe dry period increases the risk of nitrates in forage crops! Nitrates are of concern because they can increase silo gas production and cause nitrate poisoning in livestock. Silo Gas Silo gas (nitrogen dioxide, N2O) is produced almost immediately after filling a silo. It has a bleach-like odour and may be visible as a reddish-brown haze. However, it is not always visible. Nitrogen dioxide is heavier than air, therefore it tends to be located just above the silage surface and on the ground around the silo. It may flow down silo chutes and into feed rooms. Tower silos are…

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The Sheep and Goat Production Blog has moved!

The Sheep and Goat Production Blog has moved!

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

Welcome to the new web address for the Sheep and Goat Production blog. Be sure to update your bookmarks to the new web address sheepandgoatproduction.ca In addition to being an email subscriber you can also follow the blog on Twitter @SheepProdn for the latest sheep content and @GProdn for the latest goat content. All the blog content from our old website has moved to the new web address. You will notice a few changes to the menus of the blog. Do you want to know more about the contributing authors? Check out the current authors list by clicking the tab above. Browse our previous content through the blog menus found above. If you find any content that is missing or…

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CAP Special Provisions and Farmer Mental Health Resources

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Announcements, Announcements

Article: Owning a farm is much more than a business; it is a way of life.  As with most businesses, there are some very stressful times that can weigh you down. During busy seasons or critical production periods, it is normal to be faced with time constraints and pressures and facing major financial issues can multiply these pressures many times.  During these times, and with the added reality of COVID-19, these demands can put anyone involved in the business of agriculture under a great deal of stress, often impacting one’s mental health. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) cares about the well-being of farmers and farm families and recognizes the unique challenges that can lead to mental…

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Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Courses

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Announcements, Announcements

To help facilitate education and knowledge transfer, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) offers Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Courses. Each course covers both sheep and goats, providing an overview of each of the sectors and introductory concepts. These courses are designed for individuals who are thinking about starting a sheep and/or goat farm. Each course is a full-day workshop, and the registration fee includes a light lunch, all course materials, and a farm tour.  2020 Date and Locations: April 17th, 2020 – Guelph Ontario. Location T.B.D  July 17th, 2020 – Lindsay Ontario. Location T.B.D.  September 18th, 2020 – Guelph Ontario. Location T.B.D For more information or to register, visit the OSF website…

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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: Plan…

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Predation Tools

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in PredationLeave a Reply

When faced with the on-going threat of predation to your flock 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. Results of an Ontario survey conducted in 2011 to determine current use of predation prevention tools found that the majority of respondents (153/169) indicated they were currently using predation prevention tools. Some respondents who indicated that they were not using prevention tools did however state the…

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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  General OMAFRA Predation Page Overview: Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program  Program…

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Cache Valley Virus – A Cause of Birth Defects in Ontario Lambs

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

By: Dr. Jocelyn Jansen, OMAFRA; Dr. Maria Spinato, Animal Health Laboratory; Dr. Paula Menzies, Ontario Veterinary College   During the latter half of December 2015 and the start of 2016, the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) received several submissions of stillborn and aborted lambs with unusual and severe birth defects. Other similar cases were also reported to OVC and OMAFRA veterinarians. The most likely cause of these birth defects is Cache Valley virus (CVV). Blood and tissue samples from fetuses, as well as blood samples from ewes, were tested for the virus and/or antibodies to CVV. On January 14, 2016, test results came back positive for CVV. CVV was previously diagnosed in Ontario flocks in 2011, 2012 and 2013. CVV is…

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