Ag Production III Mr. DeBord

The major factor affecting profitablitiy of sheep operations is reproductive effciency or percent lamb crop raised and marketed. Ewe maintenance cost is reduced when spread over more and larger lambs.

Lamb production can be improved by: Producing more lambs at each lambing Increasing lambing frequency Improving flock health Reducing parasite infestation Reducing lamb death loss

Reproductive Facts Puberty- Minimum range is 5-9 months at pounds. Puberty is influenced by breed, genetic selection, body size, nutrition, and birth date. Estrus Cycle- Ranges from 14 to 19 days with the average being 17 days. Estrus period is approximately hours with ovulation occurring near the end of the period.

Breading Season- Length of daylight, breed, and age influence length of breeding season. The breeding season typically stats in the fall and last five to seven months in common sheep breeds. Going into the breeding season ewes should be in a moderate body condition and gaining weight.

Gestation days. Well developed ewe lambs can be bred to lamb as yearlings. Ewes must be healthy but not fat. During the last six weeks of the pregnancy ewes should gain 20 pounds if carrying a single and is carring twins or triplets. The gain will help ensure the ewe will have a lamb/lambs and improve milk production. Approximatley 70% of fetal growth occurs during the last six weeks of gestation.

Rams- To ensure a maximum lamb crop, use the proper number of rams. Rams should be at least 10 months old before mating. Should be subjected to breeding soundness exam Rams are normally left with the flock for an 8 week breeding season Shearing rams prior to breeding can prove to be beneficial especcdilay during hot weather. Markers may be used to identify mates