Weaning lambs is an important process in sheep production, impacting their growth, health and long-term productivity. Weaning marks the transition from a milk-based diet to solid feed and, when managed properly, ensures that lambs grow into healthy, productive adult sheep. Understanding the optimal timing of when to wean lambs and implementing best practices for lamb […]
As you look over your flock during lambing season, it is generally fairly simple to tell which ewes excel in mothering ability. They are the thin ones whose spine shows, are bagged down and have two vigorous lambs half their size nursing like that fresh milk is the best thing invented. Prior to lambing those mama ewes looked great, but due to exceptional maternal traits and milking ability, they look a little rugged, just like they did last year. […]
There’s no doubt, weaning is a stressful time for any species. However, it is a necessary part of the life cycle. With proper planning and preparation weaning can be less stressful for both the mom and her offspring, while ensuring that both groups stay healthy and performing. Greg Beatty, owner of Beatty Club Lambs in Indiana, Pennsylvania, […]
Finding the best mineral for sheep is about more than filling a feeder with the same salt and mineral every few days. A properly balanced sheep mineral supports reproduction, immune function, digestion, hoof integrity, and overall flock performance throughout every season. Forage quality changes throughout the year, and many pastures lack the consistent vitamin and trace mineral levels sheep […]
Heat and Insect Control for Sheep and Goats If you own livestock, you’ve got insects. Furthermore, if the livestock are sheep or goats, flies, ticks and other pests can lead to economic losses and physical harm and discomfort to your animals. This time of year, warm weather should signal opportunity—lush forage, active growth, and animals reaching their potential. But as temperatures climb and insect populations […]
Protein Tub for Sheep Protein is known as the building block for cells. As you work to build your quality sheep flock, you want to be sure that the health and nutrition of that flock are top priorities. If they are, you need to offer adequate protein to your ewes when they need it most. When […]
Strengthen your stock and keep your flock in optimal health with a nutrition program from the BioZyme® family of brands. Providing balanced vitamins and minerals to your sheep 365 days a year is vital to ensuring the success of your flock. Combining the DuraFerm® Sheep mineral and Vita Charge® supplements will help ensure a successful […]
Fall is a busy time on the farm. Regardless of if you are lambing or kidding, weaning your summer-borns or preparing to market your animals, it is imperative to keep them feeling and looking their very best. The extra stress involved at various production stages along with temperature swings brought on by the fall, all make staying […]
Any progressive sheep breeder knows the keys to success start with a sound reproductive program, and that reproductive health starts with the overall health and nutrition of your animals. Progressive club lamb producer Tyler Pickinpaugh started his flock on his family’s ranch near Torrington, Wyoming, but has since relocated Pickinpaugh Livestock to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he and his wife run about […]
When we think mosquitos, we typically think of the foul odor of insect repellant and trying to keep those pesky creatures from landing on and biting our skin, causing itching and welts. However, if you are a sheep or goat producer who breeds ewes and does in the summer, your concerns for mosquitoes are likely to increase as you might […]