Animal, Plant & Soil Science Lesson C7-8 The Sheep and Goat Industry

Interest Approach  Name as many products as possible made from sheep and goats.

Objectives  Define terms used to describe sheep and goats, and identify the parts of sheep and goats.  Compare and contrast the common breeds of sheep.  Compare and contrast the types of goats.

Objectives  Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of sheep and goat production.  Determine the facility and equipment needs in sheep and goat production.  Identify leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and determine the major export and import markets for the United States.

Objectives  Examine the impact of the sheep and goat industry on the economy.  Identify common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and determine appropriate prevention and treatment methods.

Terms  buck  cabrito  cashmere  chammy  chevon  chevre  doe  Easter kid  ewe  kid  kidding  lamb  lambing  mohair

Terms  mutton  ram  wether  wool  yearling

What are the proper terms used in describing sheep and goats, and what are the parts of sheep and goats?  Knowing basic sheep and goat terminology is important.  A. The following are common names and terminology used in describing sheep and goats. 1. A ewe is a female sheep. 2. A ram is a male sheep used for breeding purposes. 3. A doe is a female goat at any age. 4. A buck is a male goat at any age. 5. A kid is a goat of either sex under one year of age.

What are the proper terms used in describing sheep and goats, and what are the parts of sheep and goats? 6. A yearling is a goat of either sex one year old or older but less than two years old. 7. A wether is a male sheep or goat castrated when it was young. 8. Lambing is the process of a sheep giving birth. 9. Kidding is the process of a goat giving birth. 10. Wool is a sheep’s coat used as a fiber for products, such as clothing. 11. Chammy is leather made from sheep or goats.

What are the proper terms used in describing sheep and goats, and what are the parts of sheep and goats?  B. When the main purpose of a sheep or goat is meat consumption, we look at it to identify its basic external parts and to identify its meat cuts.  1. Many external parts of sheep and goats must be known to “speak the language” when judging or selecting one animal over another.

What are the proper terms used in describing sheep and goats, and what are the parts of sheep and goats?

 2. Many other terms should be known in reference to meat cuts taken from sheep and goats. a. Lamb is meat from a sheep under one year old (young sheep).  Mutton is meat from a sheep one year old or older.  Lamb is considered a delicacy. b. Meat from a goat is referred to as chevon.

Sheep Classification  Classified by wool type (7 types) 1. fine wool 2. medium wool 3. long wool 4.crossbred wool 5. carpet wool 6. fur sheep 7.hair sheep

What are the common breeds of sheep, and how do they differ?  A. The Suffolk The breed is polled and produces a medium- grade fleece. Production of market lambs is common among Suffolk owners because lambs grow rapidly and produce high-cutability carcasses.

What are the common breeds of sheep, and how do they differ?  B. The Dorset This medium-wool breed can be polled or horned. Dorset ewes are known for their out-of-season breeding, which results in fall lambs. They are also known for their prolificacy. They are heavy milkers and produce hardy lambs. The lambs are considered moderate growers and produce heavy-muscled carcasses.

What are the common breeds of sheep, and how do they differ?  C. The Hampshire Hampshires have a wool cap on the forehead and produce medium wool. Hampshire sheep are noted for their rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. These early-maturing sheep are good milkers and produce lambs with good carcass cutability.

What are the common breeds of sheep, and how do they differ?  D. The Oxford The medium grade fleece is heavy, weighing between 10 and 12 pounds. The lambs grow quickly. The breed is used in crossbreeding programs because of its size.

What are the common breeds of sheep, and how do they differ?  The Merino Producers of fine wool Known for banding instincts Great for grazing on poor quality lands Wool is in high demaned around the world called the “Golden Fleece”

Goat Classification  Three types Dairy Fiber Meat

What are common types of goats, and how do they differ?  A. Angora goats originated in Turkey and are well adapted to areas not fit for other livestock. Angoras are almost totally white at maturity and produce up to 7 pounds of mohair each year. Angora goats are horned, with long, droopy ears. At maturity, a buck weighs between 125 and 175 pounds, and a doe weighs between 80 and 90 pounds.

What are common types of goats, and how do they differ?  B. Dairy goats can produce 5 pounds of milk per day. They supply 1.8 percent of the milk supply in the world. Goat milk has more minerals than cow milk and is easier for small children and elderly people to digest. The most common breeds raised in the United States, in order of their popularity, are French Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Saanen, and Toggenburg.

 1. French Alpine goats are known as good milkers and have no distinct color. However, they are commonly shades of fawn, gray, brown, red, and black, or combinations of these colors. This breed has short hair. French Alpines are larger-sized goats with a rangy look.

What are common types of goats, and how do they differ?  2. LaMancha goats are known for their unique ears. Two types—“gopher ears” and “elf ears”—are distinctive breed characteristics. This breed has high milk production.  3. Nubian goats are all-purpose goats that are useful for meat, milk, and hide production. They are not heavy milk producers, but their milk has a high average butterfat content. Nubian goats have long ears.

What are common types of goats, and how do they differ?  C. Meat goats are also known as Spanish goats and are used for milk and meat.  1. Boer goats came from South Africa and made their first appearance to the United States in Boer goats are known for their rapid growth rate, excellent carcass qualities, and adaptability. They have white bodies with red heads. This breed has grown in popularity among FFA and 4-H projects, as well as in the show ring.

What are common types of goats, and how do they differ?  D. Cashmere goats have been developed by selective breeding. Cashmere is the soft undercoat of fine down produced by goats. There is usually a large demand for cashmere because it is in short supply. Solid-colored goats are preferred in cashmere production, but multicolored goats are also used.  E. Pygmy goats were originally imported from Africa. They are only 16 to 23 inches tall at the withers and have horns. They can be any color or combination of colors. The main uses of pygmy goats are for research, as pets, as 4-H and FFA projects, and in zoo exhibits.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sheep and goat production?  Sheep and goat production has several advantages and disadvantages.  A. The advantages of raising sheep and goats are: 1. Sheep and goats are good grazers, and some do well on range environments. 2. Compared with beef animals, sheep and goats are efficient eaters of forage. 3. Sheep and goats are used for more than one purpose. 4. Lambs and goats have a fast growth rate, and a return on investment can be seen in a short time. 5. Sheep and goats can be raised together. 6. Sheep are used in public and private areas to control plants, such as poison ivy and honeysuckle. 7. Sheep and goats are popular for young children to raise as 4-H and FFA projects.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sheep and goat production?  B. The disadvantages of raising sheep and goats are: 1. The price of wool is very low. 2. The popularity of lamb and mutton is low.  Interest has lacked in lamb for the diet. However, some improvements have been made in promoting lamb consumption. 3. Disease and parasite presence is high in the production of sheep and goats. 4. Predators (e.g., dogs, wolves, and coyotes) typically attack sheep and goats. 5. Animals used for more than one purpose can cause an increase in labor.

 estock/livestock/sheep_goats/Youth+Proje cts/Goat+Project+Book.htm

What facilities and equipment are required in sheep and goat production?  Sheep and goat facilities and equipment vary based on climate, lambing/kidding season, and individual preferences.  Sheep and goats do not need shelter at all times.  They are very adaptable to a variety of climates and conditions.  Some sheep and goats are raised in confinement settings.  A. All farms require storage of feed, bedding, and equipment. Hay should be stored in a barn or a shed. Feed should be kept out of weather conditions. Equipment will last longer if it is maintained and is protected from the weather.

What are the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and what are the major export and import markets for the United States?  Statistics show the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production and the major export and import markets for the United States.  A. The highest sheep-producing states, based on 2009 figures, are the following: (1) Texas, (2) California, (3) Wyoming, (4) Colorado, (5) South Dakota, (6) Utah, (7) Oregon, (8) Montana, (9) Idaho, (10) Iowa.

What are the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and what are the major export and import markets for the United States?  The leading states based on total sheep operations in 2009 are the following: (1) Texas, (2) Iowa, (3) Pennsylvania, (4) Ohio, (5) Oregon.  The top wool-producing states, based on 2009 figures, are the following: (1) Texas, (2) Wyoming, (3) California, (4) Montana, (5) South Dakota.

What are the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and what are the major export and import markets for the United States?  B. The top sheep-producing nations, based on 2009 figures, are the following: (1) China, (2) Australia, (3) India, (4) Iran, (5) Sudan, (6) New Zealand, (7) United Kingdom, (8) Pakistan, (9) Turkey, (10) South Africa.  The top five wool-producing nations, based on 2009 figures, are the following: (1) Australia, (2) China, (3) New Zealand, (4) Eastern Europe, (5) Argentina.

What are the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and what are the major export and import markets for the United States?  C. The U.S. goat industry is composed of milk, meat, and mohair operations.  1. Dairy goats are in every state. The leading dairy goat states are (1) Wisconsin, (2) California, (3) Texas, (4) Iowa, (5) Pennsylvania, (6) New York, (7) Missouri, (8) New England, (9) Ohio, (10) Indiana.  2. Meat goats have gained popularity recently. Meat goat farms are located throughout the country.  3. Mohair is a versatile fabric for warm and cold weather made from the hair of Angora goats. The leading states for Mohair production are Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

What are the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and what are the major export and import markets for the United States?  D. The United States exports about 2 percent of its lamb and mutton. Most U.S. mutton exports are to Mexico.  E. The United States imports more than 50 percent of the dairy goat cheese products it uses and consumes. Most dairy goat cheese imports are from France.

How does the sheep and goat industry affect the economy?  Compared with the beef, dairy, and swine industries, the sheep and goat industry is relatively small in terms of production numbers and its overall impact on the economy.  On the other hand, the sheep and goat industry tries to increase sales in specialty markets.  A. The sheep industry  1. The sheep industry has significantly changed in the past several years from wool to meat production.  2. The demand for lamb and mutton remains steady and shows little change in preferences. Traditionally, U.S. citizens have not consumed lamb regularly, as they do beef, pork, and poultry products.

How does the sheep and goat industry affect the economy?  3. The wool industry in the United States has changed because many wool mills have closed or have moved to other countries. This allows for export markets to increase slightly for wool and wool products.  4. The challenges for the sheep industry and American lamb products depend on the adoption of new technologies by producers, marketing improvements, research development, and perfection of efficiency at every stage of sheep production.

What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?  Several common parasites and diseases can affect sheep and goats.  Good management systems and prevention programs can control these.  A. External parasites attack sheep and goats. Lice, horn flies, stable flies, ticks, blowflies, mange mites, and mosquitoes are common external parasites. Symptoms are bites, scabs, and sores on the hide. Pesticides sprayed around the pen or directly on the animal can serve as treatment. Good sanitation and sound management practices are preventive measures.

What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?  B. Internal parasites can live in sheep and goats for a long time and may interfere with nutrients, cause diarrhea, and result in poor performance. Common internal parasites are lungworms, stomach and intestinal worms, liver flukes, and coccidia. A good, sound worming program is necessary for successful production.  C. Diseases can drastically affect sheep and goats. Veterinarians help producers manage flock or herd health.

What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?  1. Enterotoxemia, or overeating disease, is very common among growing lambs and kids. Because large amounts of feed are ingested, intestinal bacteria undergo rapid growth and release a toxin. Sudden death is usual in sheep and goats. Single lambs are more frequently affected than twins. Feeder lambs can be susceptible once they are placed on heavy rations of grain or pasture. A common treatment is to remove all concentrates from the ration and to feed solely roughages. The animals should be vaccinated, and the all-roughage ration should be continued until they have fully recovered. Preventive practices include a vaccination program, good management, and proper feeding.

What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?  2. Foot rot thrives in muddy areas where air is poorly circulated. Foot rot is caused by bacteria. Signs include a foul odor and a grayish, cheesy discharge, with lameness and intense pain. Vaccination is available to treat foot rot, or the rotten area can be trimmed away and the foot treated with 10 to 30 percent copper sulfate. Prevention of foot rot includes proper trimming of feet, keeping muddy pastures drained, and using a foot bath.  3. Contagious ecthyma, or sore mouth, is a highly contagious disease. Sores/scabs appear on the lips and mouth. Humans are susceptible to this disease. When applying antibiotic ointments as a treatment, the producer should wear gloves. Treatment should be applied until all sores are dried up. A vaccination program is a valuable tool in preventing the disease.

What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?  4. Bluetongue is caused by a virus and is transmitted by gnats. Commonly, gnats will infect sheared sheep during warm weather. Signs of bluetongue are fever, depression, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. The lips become swollen. There is no treatment for the bluetongue virus. Prevention should include vaccination at shearing time.

What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?  5. Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder. Signs include fever, depression, decreased milk production, abnormal milk, hardening or sensitivity of the udder, and loss of appetite. Sometimes signs are not visible. Bacteria can spread through dirty lots and bedding. Several types of bacteria can cause mastitis. Controlling mastitis requires cleaning and controlling the environment. Treatments are sensitive to the severity of each case and may include antibiotics. Ewes or does should be moved to individual pens, and a veterinarian should be contacted.

Review  What are the proper terms used in describing sheep and goats, and what are the parts of sheep and goats?  What are the common breeds of sheep, and how do they differ?  What are common types of goats, and how do they differ?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of sheep and goat production?

Review  What facilities and equipment are required in sheep and goat production?  What are the leading states and nations in sheep and goat production, and what are the major export and import markets for the United States?

Review  How does the sheep and goat industry affect the economy?  What are common parasites and diseases that affect sheep and goats, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?