Purdue Extension's Lambing School To Provide Birth-Management Training

Jan 23, 2015

Sheep and goat producers at any level of expertise are invited to learn more about the critical production phases of late gestation, lactation and care of newborns at Purdue Extension's annual Lambing School on Feb. 14.

The workshop, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will focus on lambing and kidding procedures and factors that influence birth success, such as nutrition, reproduction, health considerations, lambing facilities and necessary management practices. It will be at Purdue University's Animal Sciences Research and Education Center Sheep Unit, 5675 W. 600 N, West Lafayette.

Presenters are Mike Neary, Purdue Extension small-ruminant specialist; Gerald Kelly, manager of the Purdue Sheep Unit; and Michael Hill, professor of food animal production medicine in the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine. Participants will have the opportunity to view and participate in live sheep births.

Registration is $35 per person and is due by Feb. 5. Attendance will be limited to the first 40 registrants. Fees include breakfast, lunch and educational materials.
The workshop brochure and registration form are available on the Purdue Extension sheep website at http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/SH/.

Source:ag.purdue.edu

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.