Chapter 22: Sheep Breed Identification and Production Management
1. Sheep are classified by their purpose and by their wool quality, such as fine wool,
medium wool, long wool, crossbred wool, carpet wool, and fur bred classes.
2. Sheep are the best suited livestock for grazing, are excellent scavengers, are very
efficient at converting food to meat, serve dual purposes, produce a low amount of
3. The most popular system is the farm flock method. This system’s primary goal is
to produce market lambs that will be used as a lamb meat source as the primary
product and wool as the secondary product. Typically, this system has producers that
have other livestock and may raise the sheep with other types of livestock in a pasture
setting. The purebred flock method is usually a small production system of purebred
4. Ewes can sometimes be difficult to breed as they do not normally show any signs
of heat. The estrus cycle lasts an average of 30 hours, sometimes making it difficult
to determine a breeding time. The estrus cycle occurs every 16 to 17 days. The
5. Typically, most sheep will not need a grain source except during gestation or if
other health issues require additional supplements. Sheep use carbohydrates and fats
for energy, usually provided through pasture, hay, silage, or grains. Protein is
6, All sheep flocks should have yearly physical exams, updated yearly vaccines, de-
wormers administered every 3 months, isolation of all sick animals, and daily
cleaning and sanitation of stalls.
7. Signs of Parasites in Sheep
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Rough coat
Wool loss
Anemia
Respiratory problems
Anorexia
Bloated appearance
Depression
8. Treatment and prevention should be quality hoof care by trimming away any
areas of damage, applying a topical disinfectant and antibiotic, and keeping
Clinical Situation