We typically think of springtime as a time of birth and growth. Farmers are in the fields, flowers are blooming, and sheep producers are planning their next genetic matings. Changes in technology and evolving demand for lambs throughout the year have led more producers to summertime breeding. So now is the time to start planning […]
Category: Sheep
A Guide to Mastitis in Sheep
Mastitis – just the name sounds awful, and it is. Mastitis in sheep is an inflammatory infection of the udder, primarily affecting lactating ewes. It can significantly impact milk production, lamb survival and growth and overall flock health. We expect a lot from a lactating ewe, and we don’t want to see her feel bad […]
A Guide: What Do Sheep Eat?
Sheep are interesting critters. From the outside, they don’t appear that complex – wooly, somewhat loveable and even picturesque as they dot the countryside grazing. However, as they are grazing, their inside is working to meet their nutritional needs. Sheep are herbivorous ruminants, meaning their diet consists primarily of plant material, and they have a specialized […]
Protein Requirements for Sheep Throughout Their Life Stages
Protein is the building block for cells. As sheep producers, you know that to ensure the health of your flock, nutrition should be at the top of your priority list. Protein is a vital part of quality nutrition. When the ewe’s diet is deficient in protein, fetal development, growth and milk production are all compromised. […]
When to Wean Lambs and Post-weaning Lamb Care
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 […]
Preparation is Vital for a Successful Lambing Season
Lambing season is perhaps one of the most anticipated times for any sheep producer, both beginner and experienced. After carefully making mating decisions, breeding the ewes and waiting through gestation, healthy, newborn lambs hit the ground. Lambing season is definitely a time of excitement! At BioZyme®, the makers of DuraFerm®, we specialize in vitamin and mineral supplements […]
Reproduction Options for Your Ewes
When managing your ewe flock, understanding the breeding options available can help optimize genetic gain, improve flock productivity, and adapt to market needs. Three primary methods of breeding your ewes include natural service, artificial insemination (A.I.) and embryo transfer (E.T.). At DuraFerm®, we create nutritional supplements for sheep and goats that support optimal digestion and […]
When is Lambing Season?
Have you ever experienced the sound of a newborn lamb crying for its mom? Have you seen those long, spindly legs attempting to take their first steps, standing to suckle their mother’s milk? The smell of wool, straw and newborn lambs is a scent that will stick in your mind for a lifetime if you […]
What is Lambing? How to Prepare for the Next Generation
What is Lambing? In any aspect of livestock production, there is a waiting game. Sheep production is no different. Producers spend time and energy making mating decisions, breeding their ewes or transferring embryos into recips and waiting. And waiting. And waiting. What are they waiting for? Lambing season, of course, is when they can see […]
Sheep Grooming Starts Before You Leave for the Show
Sheep Grooming Baa, baa, show sheep. Have you any wool? Yes, and with any luck, your show sheep’s wool will have a good buildup of lanolin, too. Read on to find out how lanolin acts as a natural conditioner. Sheep grooming starts at home and isn’t something you want to attempt to start the week […]