8th Annual World Sheep &
Wool Congress
By Susan Schoenian
 In
July, I attended the 8th annual World Sheep & Wool Congress
in Querétaro, Mexico. The congress is held every 3 years.
The last congress was in Québec, Canada. The next one will
be in Sydney, Australia in April 2010. Next year's International
Goat Conference will be held in Querétaro.
The World Sheep & Wool Congress draws participants from all
over the world. In Querétaro, there were over 700 participants
from 18 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay, and many states of Mexico. About
two dozen Americans make the trip to Mexico.
The first several days of the congress featured a scientific program
and various special events. Farm tours took place mid-week, with
four farms to choose from. The last several days of the congress
featured a multi-breed sheep show and trade show.
American speakers included Jim Morgan, from Katahdin Hair Sheep
International and the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP)
and Yves Berger, a dairy sheep specialist from the University of
Wisconsin.
About Wool
While the congress focused mostly on meat sheep production, one
of the more interesting speakers was Australian Ben Watts, who spoke
about global wool market dynamics. He described a growing demand
for apparel wool under 21.5 microns.
The finest wools (less than 18.5 micron) are required to produce
next to skin apparel. Europe (e.g. Italy) is still the primary consumer
of these types of wool, whereas China is the largest consumer of
raw wool in the world.
The Show
Most of the breeds at the show were ones common to the United States:
(Barbados) Blackbelly, Dorper, Dorset, East Friesian, Hampshire,
Katahdin, Suffolk, Texel,
Romanov, and Rambouillet. There were a few breeds that I had never
seen before (only in pictures), such as Charollais, Damara, and
Dorset Down.
The Charollais
is a French breed with outstanding muscling, akin to the Texel.
The Damara
is a fat-tailed hair sheep from South Africa. They are an extremely
hardy breed. The Dorset
Down originates from the United Kingdom and is a cross between
Southdown, Hampshire, and a few other British breeds.
Unlike here, the largest shows were for the hair sheep breeds,
specifically the Katahdin and Pelibüey. The Katahdins were
judged by Wes Limesand from North Dakota State University. If the
show was any indication, the Mexicans are trying to increase size
and muscling in the Katahdin, whereas in the U.S., most of us value
the Katahdin as a maternal breed.
 One
of the most numerous breeds represented at the show was the Pelibüey.
Pelibüeys are beautiful sheep with slick red hair coats and
originate from Cuba. Like their Blackbelly "cousins,"
they are noted for their outstanding reproductive qualities. I saw
in a Mexican sheep magazine where they are crossing the Pelibüey
with the Suffolk to form a new breed, appropriately called the "Pelifolk."
The show itself was impressive, with much more fanfare than in
the U.S. The bleachers were always full. The judges wore white (lab)
coats, with "judge" written on the back. Owners often
do not show their own sheep. Their hired hands do. It was the same
in the Caribbean when I visited there. The winners and losers are
gracious. The sheep are all halter-broken and well-behaved.
The show had a fantastic trade show. The enthusiasm in the Mexican
sheep industry was apparent, especially in the hair sheep sector.
Apparently, lamb prices are at an all-time high. The United States
was represented in the trade show by the American Sheep Industry
Association (ASI) and Katahdin Hair Sheep International (KHSI).
The Eco-Center, where the show was held, was a very large complex,
with excellent facilities. A huge blue arch marked its entrance.
Farm Tour
On tour day, I visited "El Gavillero Shangrila," a Katahdin
stud farm in Tequisquiapan, about an hour from Querétaro.
This farm keeps approximately 600 Katahdin ewes in a semi-confinement/dry
lot (zero grazing) setting. Confinement rearing of small ruminants
is common in less developed countries, such as Mexico and the Caribbean.
Security is one of the big reasons why stud sheep and goats are
raised in confinement or dry lot. There are many hungry people in
Mexico. It is also easier to control predation, internal parasitism,
and foot rot. Since labor is cheap in Mexico, the increased labor
required by this type of production system is not a problem. While
the sheep are not grazed, they still consume predominantly a forage
diet.
 The
farm (ranch) had excellent facilities. All the sheep had access
to shelter or shade. They were fed mostly in fenceline concrete
bunks and some in combination feeders with v-shaped hay racks, usually
covered.
The sheep and lambs were fed haylage, silage, and alfalfa hay with
some grain in their mixed rations, depending upon their production
class. We were told that good quality feed is expensive in Mexico.
The sheep were penned by sex, age, and production status.
Ewes lamb every 8 months, producing 1.3 to 1.7 lambs at each lambing,
according to the owner. The lambing facilities included lambing
jugs and larger pens where ewes could be separated into small groups
to raise their lambs. Each pen had a creep area. There were automatic
waterers. Each animal had a collar which indicated its sire. The
sheep looked good.
The farm was very clean. It had five employees (men) to feed and
take care of the sheep, plus two additional employees (women) whose
job it was to keep the place clean.
After we toured the farm, the breeder paraded his rams in front
of us. It was great. I enjoyed seeing his prized rams. The pride
the owner had in his animals (and ranch) was obvious. The rams were
big.
Mexico did a great job showcasing its sheep industry and hospitality.
Read my full article at www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/worldsheepcongress.html
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2007 Lambing & Kidding School Scheduled
Another Lambing & Kidding School will be held Saturday, December
8, 2007 from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Carroll Community College in Westminster,
Maryland.
The featured speaker will be Dr. Kevin Pelzer, Production Management
Medicine Specialist at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of
Veterinary Medicine.
Breakout sessions will be held to meet the diverse interests of
small ruminant producers in Maryland and surrounding states: sheep
vs. goat; meat, dairy, and fiber production; adult vs. youth; and
new vs. experienced producers.
More than 175 people attended the first Lambing & Kidding School
held in West Friendship, Maryland, on December 10, 2005.
As additional details about the school become available, they will
be posted to the web sites http://mdsheepgoatblogspot.com
and www.sheepandgoat.com.
You may also call 301-432-2767 x301 or x343 or e-mail cmason@umd.edu
or sschoen@umd.edu.
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Just for
Youth:
Meat Goat Show at State Fair
Champion 4-H/FFA Meat Goats
 This
was the 5th year of the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show at the Maryland State
Fair. Sixty-four market goats were exhibited. The breeding show
included classes for commercial and registered does and buck kids.
Dr. Frank Craddock, Sheep and Goat Specialist from Texas A&M
University was the judge.
For the second year in a row, Konnar Miller from Frederick County
exhibited the Grand Champion Market Goat. Julia King from Queen
Anne's County had the Reserve Champion Market Goat. The Best Bred
and Owned Market Goat was exhibited by Claire Bennett from Carroll
County. To be a bred and owned animal, the exhibitor must own the
dam at the time of breeding.
 Another
of Konnar's market goats had the highest rate of gain at 0.51. Only
0.001 lbs. separated her top gaining goat from the second highest
gainer exhibited by Dean Bennett from Carroll County. The market
goat show does not have a minimum requirement for rate-of-gain.
Exhibitors receive blue, red, and white premiums based on their
goat's performance.
Six market goats, including the Champion and Reserve Champion animals
were sold at the 4-H Livestock Sale. The top selling goat was Julia
King's reserve champion which brought $5 per lb. Konnar's Grand
Champion Market Goat was purchased by Susan Schoenian (The Baalands),
superintendent of the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show.
Cooper Bounds from Carroll County exhibited the Grand Champion
Doe in the commercial show. Grace Garst from Frederick County exhibited
the Grand Champion Doe in the registered show. Her aged doe (>2
years) was named Best Doe in Show. Another of Grace's aged does
was selected as Best Bred and Owned Breeding Meat Goat. The Grand
Champion Buck of the show was exhibited by Thomas MacDonald from
Caroline County.
For information about the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show at the Maryland
State Fair, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or
sschoen@umd.edu.
Top 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Showman
Three young men from Carroll County won the 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Showmanship
competition at the recent Maryland State Fair in Timonium.
 Ryan
Hevner was the champion junior showman (ages 8-10). Sam Harden was
the champion intermediate showman (ages 11-13). The champion senior
showman (ages 14-18) and overall grand champion meat goat showman
was Drew Cashman.
Drew competed against prior-year's winners in the "Showmanship
Challenge" and successfully defended his title. The 2006 winner
was Konnar Miller from Frederick County. The 2005 winner was Troy
Bennett from Carroll County.
Judging criteria is fitting of animal, 20 points; performance in
the show ring, 50 points; knowledge of project, 10 points; and exhibitor's
personal appearance, 10 points.
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WMREC
Update from Susan Schoenian
Meat Goat Performance Test Ongoing
The 2007 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test
began on June 9 and will conclude on October 6. Forty-seven (47)
goats were consigned by 11 farms from five states. Breed composition
is Kiko, Boer, Kiko x Boer, South East Cross, and dairy x meat.
There are 40 bucks and 7 wethers.
 While
on test, the goats are being evaluated for growth performance (ADG
and BCS), parasite resistance (FEC) and resilience (FAMACHA scores),
and carcass merit (BF and REA). The goats are handled every two
weeks for data collection and health monitoring.
The goats are averaging 0.235 lbs. per day of gain (through September
12); 0.258 during the last weigh period. That's a pretty good average
considering the drought conditions. The goats are consuming a pasture
diet, with free choice minerals. They were given nutritional tubs
and grass hay when drought conditions had resulted in weight loss
to most of the goats during August. Rainfall towards the end of
month has helped to rejuvenate the pastures.
Gastro-intestinal parasites (worms) have not been a problem so
far this year, due to the drought conditions. The barber pole worm
requires warmth and MOISTURE to carry out its life cycle. Only four
goats have been dewormed during the test and their needs were marginal.
The goats were dewormed when they arrived at the test site so that
fecal samples could be collected later in the test, analyzed, and
compared among goats. Fecal egg counts have been variable, but high,
despite the lack of clinical disease and need for deworming.
Most of the goats on test are available for sale via private treaty.
Contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu
if you are interested in any of the goats you see in the data or
pictured on the blog. If you need a breeding buck, this test is
an excellent place to purchase one, since we can provide you with
data on the buck's performance.
 You
can learn more about the goat test and follow the progress of this
year’s test by visiting the blog at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com.
Acronyms:
ADG – average daily gain
BCS – body condition score
FEC – fecal egg count
FAMACHA scores – eye scores
BF – back fat thickness
REA – ribeye area
http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com
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Soyhulls: A Feeding Alternative
 With
high grain and hay prices, many producers are wondering what else
they can feed their sheep and goats without compromising the health
and welfare of their animals or depleting their wallets.
Soyhulls are an alternative feed source that many producers may
wish to consider. Soyhulls are a by-product of soybean processing.
They are the seed coat (not the pod) of the bean.
Because they are a processed product, the nutrient composition
of soyhulls varies; however, on average, they contain 77 percent
TDN (energy) and 12 percent CP (protein). They are a good source
of calcium and a moderate source of phosphorus. Soyhulls contain
more copper than conventional feed sources: 17 ppm vs. 8-12 ppm.
Copper toxicity tends to be a risk (with sheep) when the total ration
exceeds 25 ppm.
When used as an energy supplement, soyhulls can substitute pound
for pound with corn and barley. Because of their unique physical
characteristics, soyhulls can also safely replace a portion (up
to 50%) of the forage in the diet. One pound of soyhulls would replace
1.4 pounds of forage. Pricing all feeds on a cost per pound of TDN
basis will help identify whether soyhulls fit into feeding programs
for sheep and goats.
Read more about it . . .
Using
soyhulls in livestock and dairy rations
Fibrous
feed alternative: soybean hulls
Feeding
soyhulls and dried distillers grain with solubles to sheep
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Featured Web Sites
The Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (SCSRPC)
was formed in response to the critical state of the small ruminant
industry associated with the emergence of anthelmintic-resistant
worms. SCSRPC is a group of scientists, veterinarians, and extension
agents devoted to (1) developing novel methods for sustainable control
of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants, and (2) educating
the stakeholders in the small ruminant industry on the most up to
date methods and recommendations for control of gastro-intestinal
nematodes. 
Members of SCSRPC meet regularly and are in close communication,
continuously updating recommendations for parasite control. They
represent several universities, research institutions, and countries.
The group maintains a web site at http://www.scsrpc.org/. Recently,
several new domain names were purchased to make it easier to find
the web site, which contains information about the FAMACHA©
system and other novel methods for controlling internal parasitism
in sheep and goats.
The additional domain names are:
www.wormcontrol.org
www.controlworms.org
www.wormx.org
http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/
The West Virginia Small Ruminant Project, formerly the Sheep Management
Project, was introduced in 1998 by the West Virginia University
College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences in cooperation
with the WVU Cooperative Extension Service, USDA Wildlife Services,
and the WV Department of Agriculture.
The Project is currently being supported through funding provided
by the WV State Legislature. The goal is to help farmers increase
the economic efficiency and overall profitability of their small
ruminant enterprises through improved production practices and through
the introduction of new technologies and to help revitalize this
industry in West Virginia.
The project recently unveiled a new web site at http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/
and a blog at http://wvsrp.blogspot.com/.
For more information, contact the project office at (304) 874-3561
or sara.hare@mail.wvu.edu.
http://goatdairylibrary.org
Goat Dairy Library is a Wisconsin-based library that holds information
for setting up and managing a commercial goat dairy. Materials are
extracted from professional articles, journals and books, and from
interviews with experienced goat milk producers.
The site is arranged so that readers can quickly find a topic,
scan the best information currently available, and locate links..
Wherever possible, the entries are followed by a short citation,
which corresponds to a full entry in the site bibliography. The
Table of Contents page lists all of the topics and sub-sections
on the site, with direct links to the material. "What's New?"
has an events calendar, notice of news and new research findings,
and announcements about new material on this site.
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DSU Update from Dr. Dahlia Jackson
Extension and Research
 Delaware
State University Small Ruminant Program is relatively new and we
are in the process of building up our herd and working towards building
a recognized research program.
The Small Ruminant Program was initiated to provide producers with
information on goat breeds, management practices, parasite control,
and effective marketing to gain access to the expanding ethnic market
in the northeast States. Activities from this program will include:
- Demonstrations and applied on-farm research opportunities
- Production advice for small ruminant management, herd health, and
parasite control
- Extension workshops on topics of relevance for small ruminant
producers.
The breeding herd at Delaware State University consists of approximately
60 crossbred does (mainly Boer, Spanish, and Kiko crosses) and 3
bucks (2 Boer and 1 Kiko) and is located at Hickory Hill. The farm
is just over 77 acres and we also have a cattle herd consisting
of around 40 cows.
Recent funding was obtained from the USDA to characterize levels
of dewormer resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN)
of small ruminants in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Participating producers
will be asked to collect fecal samples from their animals and submit
to either DSU or the University of Georgia (UGA) for dewormer resistance
testing.
This study is a collaborative effort between DSU, University of
Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and UGA. Results will indicate dewormer
resistance on your farm and which drug/drugs is still effective
with no cost to you. This will help producers in implementing a
chemical deworming strategy that is most effective on their farm
in order to prolong the efficacy of available chemical treatments.
This study will only be effective if producers participate and therefore,
I am seeking producers in the Mid-Atlantic area (DE, MD, VA, PA,
NJ, NC and WV) to participate beginning next spring.
For more information on this project and what would be expected
from you if you participate please contact me at the number/email
below. In addition to this project, future research plans at DSU
include determining the efficacy of natural/alternative dewormers
in parasite control, evaluating the benefits of multi-species grazing
(cattle and goats), and identifying methods to increase goat production
to satisfy increasing market demands.
Teaching
In the past, the cattle and goats have mainly been used as a teaching
tool, allowing DSU's animal science and pre-veterinary medicine
students to gain valuable hands on experience and skills that will
no doubt be beneficial in the future. Even though there will now
be a heavy research emphasis on the goats, they will still be used
just as heavily as a teaching tool for students.
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at DSU offers
two baccalaureate degree programs, one in Agriculture and the second
in Natural Resources. Within the Agriculture degree, there are five
options including, Agri-business, General Agriculture, Animal and
Poultry Science, Pre-Veterinary Science and Plant Science with sub-options
of Horticulture or Agronomy.
In Natural Resources, options include Fisheries and Wildlife Management,
with sub-options in Fisheries or Wildlife, Environmental Science,
and Pre-Forestry. Classes such as Animal Science, Farm Management,
Beef and Sheep Production (will be Ruminant Production in future),
Nutrition, and others are designed with a clear intention of providing
students with a highly interactive and as hands-on experience as
possible.
Labs are scheduled in collaboration with the Farm Manager in order
to guarantee that students have an opportunity to participate in
many management activities. At the same time, field trips to various
farms, zoos and production facilities allow students to get a behind
the scenes look at many management practices that they might have
been curious about previously.
The department also offers a Master degree programs in many of
the options listed above. Because the teacher - student ratio in
the department is around 1 - 7, this provides a unique opportunity
for one-on-one interactions and facilitates students receiving individualized
attention that promotes their learning potential.
If you would like more information on attending DSU and the programs
it offers please do not hesitate to contact me at (302) 857 –
6490 or djjackson@desu.edu.
In addition, please contact me if you’d like to give your
opinion about the type of research and programs that you would like
to see conducted at Delaware State University.
Dr. Dahlia Jackson is the small ruminant specialist at Delaware
State University. She received her Ph.D. from the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore.
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Featured Breed:
Romanov - "lambs by the litter"
The Romanov breed is one of the most prolific breeds of sheep in
the world. The North American record for a Romanov ewe is seven
live, healthy lambs in a litter. The Romanov breed record is a litter
of nine.
The Romanov breed originates from the Volga Valley in Russia (near
Moscow). The name "Romanov"comes from the old royal family
of Russia. Romanov sheep were first imported into Canada in the
1980's, then after a 5-year quarantine period were spread throughout
North America.
 Romanov
sheep are small. The average ewe weighs between 100 and 150 lbs.
and the average ram weighs between 150 and 180 lbs.
The Romanov is a fine boned sheep that lacks the conformation of
conventional breeds. They have a small head with large eyes and
are usually polled but some males do have horns.
The face is mainly black but they may have a "star" or
"stripe" of white down the front of their face. Their
legs are usually black, but some have little white socks around
their ankles.
When Romanov lambs are born they are pure black, but when they
get older they turn gray. The color is lost on the first cross.
Most 1/2 Romanov lambs are born white (even 1/2 Suffolk). A few
are born tan, gray, or speckled and bleach out to look like a regular
crossbred sheep as they make their fleece.
Romanov sheep are double-coated. Their wool (a mixture of gray
wool and black guard hair) is used for rugs, mats, and wall hangings.
It can also be used as a lining inside jackets.
Romanovs do not have head, leg or belly wool and the wool is open
and light (containing hair) and is easily sheared. Rams have a thick
mane of black hair around their neck and brisket.
Romanov sheep have outstanding reproductive qualities. In addition
to their multiple birth ability, they have phenomenal early sexual
maturity and ewes will breed any month of the year.
The lambs are very vigorous and hardy. They are born with their
tail being only about 3 inches long so there is no need for docking.
Romanovs belong to the Northern European Short-Tail group of breeds,
which also includes East Friesian, Finnsheep, Icelandic, Shetland,
and Soay.
The most practical application of Romanov genetics is in the production
of crossbred ewes. According to the breed association, a half Romanov
ewe can produce a 250 to 300 percent lamb crop every eight months.
Half Romanovs retain much of the productivity and prolificacy (triplets
are normal, quads common), but produce offspring with improved carcass
qualities. 1/4 Romanov ewes are ideal for commercial sheep production.
However, purebred Romanovs are probably not well suited to the
beginning sheep producer, as they require a high level of management
and special care around lambing time.
North American
Romanov Sheep Association
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UMES Update from Dr. Niki Whitley
 A
group of scientists interested in parasites, forages, chemistry,
animal nutrition and genetics is working together with veterinarians,
producers, and Extension personnel to address the problem of parasites
in goats and sheep. Alternative anthelmintics (dewormers) are one
of the interests of everyone involved in this issue.
The scientists involved have been testing different
natural anthelmintics, including high tannin containing forages
(such as sericea lespedeza) and COWP (copper oxide wire particles,
a copper supplement developed first for beef cattle), both of which
have shown promise for reducing parasite worm egg counts in the
feces of sheep and goats.
A group of which I am part has recently conducted a study in which
Boer crossbred goats (wether and doe kids) naturally infected with
worms were individually penned in pens with slatted floors that
would not allow for re-infection with worms. They were fed diets
with 0, 20, 40 or 60% sericea lespedeza pellets (SLP) at 4% of their
body weight each day. This level of feeding was adequate because
the goats always had a little bit left over each day (feeders were
emptied weekly).
The diets had alfalfa pellets, SLP, commercial feed pellets, minerals,
and urea mixed so they were similar in protein and TDN (calories).
Of course the 0% SLP (control diet) had no SLP. There was ammonium
chloride in the feed to prevent urinary calculi. The goats had free
access to water. They were fed their diets for 28 days (4 weeks)
and fecal egg counts (FEC) were measured before starting and then
weekly.
Although it seems that the SLP may have had a slight effect when
looking at the "raw" data with FEC decreasing less for
0% (control) after the first week and increasing more for weeks
3 and 4 (see Figure 1), when statistical analyses are conducted
to account for the large variation from goat to goat, there will
probably not be a significant effect of SLP on fecal egg counts.
However, in this study, anemia was not a problem even though FEC
were high, indicating that most of the worms in the goats were probably
not the blood-sucking Haemonchus contortus that causes most
of the problems with goats and sheep in the U.S.
In previous studies at other Universities using animals with a
high H. contortus infection level, SLP dramatically decreased
FEC and increased red blood cell levels (helping to cure the anemia).
So, SLP may work preferentially on H. contortus, but more
research is needed to determine if this is really the case. For
more information on this or other alternative parasite control methods,
contact me at (410) 651-6194 or nwhitley@umes.edu.
You may also contact one of the other parasite-fighting group members
listed at www.wormX.org.
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Breeding Season Ram (and Buck) Management
by J. L. Goetz, D.V.M.
Pipestone Veterinary Clinic and Supply
Once you turn the rams out into the ewe flock ram management is
not done. If possible, rams should be observed daily. I prefer observing
rams in the evening as you are more likely to see them chasing ewes
than during the heat of the day. Rams should be actively chasing
ewes during the evening and sometimes you may even observe mounting.
This confirms that the libido (desire to breed) is good in the ram.
If the ram has a breeding harness new marks can be recorded and
a reasonably accurate due date can be calculated. Marking crayons
can be switched every two to three weeks (moving from light colors
to darker) to help keep track of ewes that remark.
Rams should also be observed for general health. Rams should be
athletic and sound on their feet. Any lameness is cause to consider
pulling a ram out of the breeding pasture. During the act of breeding
a ram must be able to support nearly all his weight on both back
legs. If one is painful he will not breed. When a ram dismounts
half of his weight lands on both front feet; if one is sore he will
not breed.
Back injuries are a common reason for pulling rams from the breeding
pasture. Breeding requires both strength and flexibility in the
spine. As rams age, the spine becomes less flexible as calcium bridging
starts to fuse the vertebrate. If this bridging cracks the ram will
experience intense pain and have no desire to breed.
Intervertebral disks can also become compressed or inflamed and
cause compression of the spinal cord. This is often evident as pain
or hindlimb weakness or lameness. While lameness from a foot injury
carries a good prognosis for recovery and a future as a breeding
ram, a back injury will nearly always reoccur the next time that
a ram mounts a ewe.
Other reasons that rams may have to be pulled from the breeding
pasture include pneumonia, rapid weight loss, or testicular injury.
Pneumonia or fever in general may cause temporary infertility if
the testicles get too warm.
Testicles are outside of the body for a reason. Sperm cannot be
produced at body temperature. Therefore, if body temperature increases
2-4 degrees, the sperm in the testicles and epidiymis are at risk
of being dead. It takes 60 days for a sperm cell to be produced
so fever can cause 60 days of infertility.
Testicular injury is not common but obviously ends the ram’s
ability to breed ewes. After any insult to the testicle such as
infection or trauma, the first sign is swelling and heat. Heat will
cause temporary infertility just like fever. After the swelling
phase you may notice one or both testicles shrink in size. This
is a poor prognostic indicator as it indicates that the sperm producing
tissue is dead.
Rams will lose weight during breeding season, especially ram lambs
as they are still growing and will not eat enough during breeding
season to grow and maintain their weight. Ram lambs may need to
be pulled out of the breeding pasture if they get too thin. Often
this is late in the breeding season when most of the ewes are bred
and fewer rams are necessary to "clean-up" the remaining
open ewes.
Treatment for rams that have to be pulled from the breeding pastures
is aimed at 1) salvaging the ram to use later in the breeding season
or for next year’s breeding season, or 2) salvaging the ram
for cull value. Number one is not a bad option if the reason for
pulling is mild such as pneumonia, foot sprain, etc.
Number two is a bad option as cull rams are never worth much. In
most cases of severe injury, weight loss, etc producers will be
better off by culling the ram immediately. As far as we know, treatment
with Bamamine (flunixin), long-acting penicillin, Excenel, Naxcel,
or Nuflor are not detrimental to fertility. Treatment with dexamethasone
or LA-200 can cause transient infertility for 60 days.
Article as it appeared in SheepLetter, Vol.26, No.7, September
2006.
Reprinted with permission of Pipestone Veterinary Clinic and Supply
(www.pipevet.com).
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Circling Disease
Circling disease or silage disease known as Listeriosis is caused
by Listeria monocytogenes infection. Listeria monocytogenes
is a gram positive bacterium infection that occurs commonly in ruminants
and is seen worldwide. The incidence of infection in at-risk animals
in most circumstances does not exceed 1-2% of the population. However,
outbreaks of greater proportions have been reported.
The disease causes the following clinical forms: systemic blood
infection of neonates and ewes, abortion, neonatal death, eye infection
and inflammation, and the most recognized form is the neurologic
form that causes the circling.
The circling is a result of the infection locating in the brain
stem and/or spinal cord. Mammary infections can also cause spread
to humans by drinking raw, unpastuerized milk.
Clinical signs of Listeriosis include fever, off feed, depression,
neurologic deficits such as lack of direction and balance, head
pressing (pushing head against objects for extended period of time),
dropped jaw, lip, and ear. These signs usually occur on one side
of the face and body and the circling walking pattern is in one
direction or if down the head turns against their flank one way.
The only definite diagnosis is with submission of brain and cerebral
spinal fluid, usually diagnosis is made from clinical signs and
history.
Other possible diagnosis of similar neurologic disorders might
be Parasite migration (meningeal
worm) to the central nervous system, polio, injury, or rabies
should always be considered for safety of the handler.
The usual causes of listeriosis is from rotting, spoiled or decaying
vegetation, which are most commonly improperly fermented silage,
haylage/wrapped hay, spoiled/wet hay, and lots where close grazing
is occurring in mostly wet contaminated soils. The agent can live
in soils for two years as carriers can shed listeria in their feces
and contaminate the soil.
Treatment of the disease is much more successful if started early
in the course of the disease before the animal is debilitated and/or
comatose. Untreated cases are 100% fatal.
Treatment of the disease must include antibiotic therapy that will
cover at least a week in duration. Most commonly used is either
oxytetracycline or penicillin. Other treatments would include an
anti-inflammatory or steroid to reduce swelling in the central nervous
system as well as supportive therapy such as fluids.
Prevention would include careful inspection of the feed and no
feeding of spoiled feed as well as fencing off of known contaminated
areas. It is also important to remember to handle any neurologic
disease with caution and wear proper protective equipment (gloves)
especially when working in or around the animal's mouth.
Source: News Ewe Can Use - Summer 2007 (West Virginia University).
Reprinted with permission.
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Table of Contents
Maryland
Wool Pool Report
by Dr. Rich Barczewski
The 2007 Maryland Wool Pool was held on Wednesday, June 20 at the
Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. A total of 74 consignors
brought 35,799 pounds of wool to this year's pool, up approximately
3,000 pounds from last year.
 Wool
was graded in the following categories. In the Choice Clear White-face
grade, we had 2,123 pounds; Medium White-face, 13,174 pounds; Coarse
White-face, 7,530 pounds; Non White- face, 6,567 pounds; and Short,
6,493 pounds.
This year's pool was especially successful in that we had a lot
f volunteers who showed up to help with the pool, making it easier
on everyone.
I can't begin to thank everyone who pitched in this year to make
the 2007 pool a success. This is the producers' pool, and while
I have the charge to manage the pool, I could never get the job
done without the volunteers.
For consignors who don't have the time to pitch in for a couple
of hours, please take the time to thank those that did. These volunteers
help to keep the costs down.
This year's cost to run the pool was 5 cents per pound. We work
hard to keep these costs as low as possible. Additionally, if you
are consigning large amounts of wool to the pool, we appreciate
receiving the wool baled.
 If
you have over 300 pounds of similarly graded wool to bring to the
pool, please contact me to make arrangements to get your wool baled
prior to the pool. This year, almost 16,000 pounds of wool arrived
to the pool baled. Again, this makes our job at the pool easier
and helps us to keep our costs down.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that I send notices of
the pool out to consignors who sold wool in the past two years.
If you would like to be notified of next year's pool and have not
sold wool to the pool in the past two years, please contact me to
let me know. I can be contacted by e-mail at rbarczewski@desu.edu
or at richbar@starband.net.
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Table of Contents
Small
Ruminant Resources Available
 A
Producer's Guide to Scrapie
http://sheepindustrynews.com/scrapie_guide/
This web-based course takes about an hour to complete and describes
scrapie, prevention methods, National Eradication Program, producer
obligations, and assistance. This is a great reference tool for
experienced and new producers as well as an excellent resource for
youth programs. All U.S. sheep and goat producers are encouraged
to access this user-friendly learning tool.
 Targeted
Grazing Handbook
The Targeted Grazing Handbook represents a compilation of the latest
research and experience on harnessing livestock to graze targeted
vegetation in ways that improve the function and appearance of a
wide variety of landscapes. The handbook is available for $25 and
includes the material in both printed form and on a CD. Copies can
be ordered by calling the American Sheep Industry Association at
(303) 771-3500, ext. 32 or by email at info@sheepusa.org.
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Table of Contents
 Baaaaaatter
Up!
Did you know there are 150 yards (450 feet) of wool yarn in a baseball?
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Table of Contents
Calendar
of Events
September 27 - PASA Field Day: Parasite Control with Dr.
David Pugh
Centre County Visitor’s Bureau, State College, PA
Contact: PASA at (814) 349-9856 or www.pasafarming.org
September 29 - Lower Shore Goat and Sheep Sale
Somerset County Civic Center (fairgrounds), Princess Anne, MD
Contact: Dr. Niki Whitley at (410) 651-6194 or nwhitley@umes.edu
October 6-7 - Southwest Pennsylvania Meat Goat Weekend
Brownfield Community Center, Dawson, PA.
Contact: Walt Bumgarner at (724) 228-6881 or wob10@psu.edu
October 20 - MD Sheep Breeders Association Annual Mtg.
& Banquet
Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, MD
Contact: Nancy Starkey at (301) 253-4732 or ncstarkey@aol.com
October 20 - 1st Annual Mid-Atlantic Hair Sheep Sale
Mifflin County Fairgrounds, Reedsville, PA
Contact: Cadie Pruss at (717) 242-4154 or acadia@lcworkshop.com
October 27 - Virginia Bred Ewe Sale
Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg, VA
Contact: Corey Childs at (540) 955-4633 or cchilds@vt.edu
December 8 - Lambing & Kidding School
Carroll Community College, Westminster, MD 21157
Contact: Cindy Mason at 301-432-2767 x301or cmason@umd.edu
Web site: http://mdsheepgoat.blogspot.com
or www.sheepandgoat.com
December 18 - Northeast SARE grants due
Contact: www.uvm.edu/~nesare
or (802) 656-0471
January 12 - VA-NC Shepherd's Symposium
Alphin Stuart Livestock Arena, Blacksburg, VA
Contact: Dr. Scott Greiner at (540) 231-9159 or sgreiner@vt.edu
Calendar
of Events at SheepGoatMarketing.info
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Table of Contents
 Wild
& Woolly (formerly The Maryland Sheep & Goat Producer)
is published bi-monthly by University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.
It is written and edited by Susan Schoenian, Sheep and Goat Specialist
at the Western Maryland Research & Education Center. To receive
the newsletter, contact the Western Maryland Research & Education
Center: 18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD 21756, (301) 432-2767
ext. 343 or 301, fax (301) 432-4089; or e-mail: sschoen@umd.edu
or Cindy Mason, administrative assistant, at cmason@umd.edu.
The cost of receiving the newsletter by mail is $10 per year payable
to the University of Maryland. The newsletter is free when accessed
via the Internet. You can be added to a list to receive an e-mail
message when a new newsletter has been posted to the web at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/news/index.html.
Comments and suggestions regarding the newsletter are always welcome.
References to commercial products or trade names are made with the
understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement
by Maryland Cooperative Extension is implied. Articles may be reprinted
with permission of the author(s). More information on sheep and
goats can be accessed at http://mdsheepgoat.blogspot.com
and http://www.sheepgoatmarketing.info.
Article submissions are encouraged. Articles may be reprinted with
permission. |
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