An Overview of the Sheep Industry

Advantages of Sheep Advantages of Sheep ProductionProduction

• Easy to handle and generally require little Easy to handle and generally require little input. input.

• Does not require elaborate facilities and Does not require elaborate facilities and equipment. equipment.

• Consume roughage as their primary feed. Consume roughage as their primary feed. • Help control weeds. Help control weeds. • Provide two sources of cash income: lamb Provide two sources of cash income: lamb

and wool. and wool. • Require a minimum amount of supplemental Require a minimum amount of supplemental

feeding. feeding. • Provide a quick return on investment.Provide a quick return on investment.

(Mathis and Ross, 2000) (Mathis and Ross, 2000)

Disadvantages of Sheep Disadvantages of Sheep ProductionProduction

• A sheep enterprise must be well managed. A sheep enterprise must be well managed. • Sheep are subject to predation by coyotes, Sheep are subject to predation by coyotes,

eagles, bobcats, lions, bears, domestic eagles, bobcats, lions, bears, domestic dogs, etc. dogs, etc.

• Sheep require better fencing than do Sheep require better fencing than do cattle. cattle.

• Internal parasites can create health Internal parasites can create health problems when sheep are intensively problems when sheep are intensively grazed on irrigated pastures. (Mathis and grazed on irrigated pastures. (Mathis and Ross, 2000) Ross, 2000)

Scope of the IndustryScope of the Industry

200, 000 total sheep 200, 000 total sheep

Rank 10Rank 10thth in total US numbers in total US numbers

Texas is rank #1 with 1.07 milTexas is rank #1 with 1.07 mil

California is ranked #2California is ranked #2

Iowa is 2Iowa is 2ndnd in sheep operations in sheep operations

The trend is downward for The trend is downward for US sheep numbers, notice a US sheep numbers, notice a slight increase in 05-06slight increase in 05-06

Scope of the IndustryScope of the Industry

Sheep numbers peaked Sheep numbers peaked

at ~56 million in the 1940sat ~56 million in the 1940s

ChinaChina

AustraliaAustralia

IndiaIndia

Scope of the IndustryScope of the Industry

NASS Wool clothing competes with other natural fibers, especially cotton and Wool clothing competes with other natural fibers, especially cotton and synthetic fibers. There are two main categories of synthetic fibers -- synthetic fibers. There are two main categories of synthetic fibers -- cellulosic and noncellulosic.cellulosic and noncellulosic.

Cellulosic fibers were developed earlier than the noncellulosic fibers Cellulosic fibers were developed earlier than the noncellulosic fibers and appeared in 1910. Trade names for these fibers include rayon. and appeared in 1910. Trade names for these fibers include rayon.

Noncellulosic synthetic fibers have been developed more recently, since Noncellulosic synthetic fibers have been developed more recently, since 1939. These fibers are truly man-made, since they are synthesized from 1939. These fibers are truly man-made, since they are synthesized from various chemicals under laboratory conditions forming fiber strands with various chemicals under laboratory conditions forming fiber strands with predictable properties and costs. Fibers in this group include most predictable properties and costs. Fibers in this group include most notably, nylon. (sheepusa.org)notably, nylon. (sheepusa.org)

Lamb ConsumptionLamb Consumption

Lamb consumption has declined from ~3 lbs. per person in the 1970s to Lamb consumption has declined from ~3 lbs. per person in the 1970s to just over 1 lb. in the late 1990s (Schroeder et al., 2001)just over 1 lb. in the late 1990s (Schroeder et al., 2001)

Other findings, the quantity of lamb consumed is sensitive to lamb price;Other findings, the quantity of lamb consumed is sensitive to lamb price;

Beef is a substitute for lamb;Beef is a substitute for lamb;

Demand for traditional lamb as an aggregate commodity declines as Demand for traditional lamb as an aggregate commodity declines as consumer income risesconsumer income rises

Sheepusa.orgSchroeder et al., 2001

Lamb ConsumptionLamb Consumption• What do you think of when you hear the term ‘beef’?What do you think of when you hear the term ‘beef’?

• What do you think of when you hear the term ‘pork’?What do you think of when you hear the term ‘pork’?

• What do you think of when you hear the term ‘lamb’?What do you think of when you hear the term ‘lamb’?

Vs.Vs.

Vs.Vs.

Vs.Vs.

Sheep EnterprisesSheep Enterprises

• Purebred*Purebred*• Commercial*Commercial*• Club LambsClub Lambs• Feedlot Feedlot • Wool*Wool*• Milk*Milk*

Sheep EnterprisesSheep Enterprises

• PurebredPurebred– Purebred sheep supply genetics for the Purebred sheep supply genetics for the

development of commercial sheep development of commercial sheep production systems. production systems.

– In general, depending on the breed and In general, depending on the breed and availability, it is more expensive to start availability, it is more expensive to start a purebred sheep business than a a purebred sheep business than a commercial one. commercial one.

– Purebred sheep are often more Purebred sheep are often more expensive to produce, and more expensive to produce, and more expense is involved in advertising and expense is involved in advertising and marketing. (Mathis and Ross, 2000)marketing. (Mathis and Ross, 2000)

Sheep EnterprisesSheep Enterprises

• WoolWool– Top CountriesTop Countries

• 11stst Australia Australia• 22ndnd New Zealand New Zealand• 33rdrd South Africa South Africa• 44thth United States United States

– Clothing v. Carpet WoolClothing v. Carpet Wool– Properties of WoolProperties of Wool

• Water resistantWater resistant• Good InsulationGood Insulation• ElasticityElasticity• StrongStrong• Felting PropertiesFelting Properties

Sheep EnterprisesSheep Enterprises

• WoolWool– ShearingShearing

• Average fleece weight in US is 8.5 poundsAverage fleece weight in US is 8.5 pounds• Shearing process typically requires 2 to 3 minutesShearing process typically requires 2 to 3 minutes

Sheep EnterprisesSheep Enterprises

• WoolWool– GradingGrading

• Blood GradeBlood Grade• Spinning Count SystemSpinning Count System• Micron diameterMicron diameter

– FinenessFineness– CrimpCrimp– Staple LengthStaple Length– UniformityUniformity– ColorColor– ““Noilage”Noilage”

Sheep EnterprisesSheep Enterprises• MilkMilk

– 2001 Production2001 Production• The East Friesian breed is the most The East Friesian breed is the most

common and productive breed of dairy common and productive breed of dairy sheep in the world. Their average sheep in the world. Their average production is 990 to 1,100 pounds per production is 990 to 1,100 pounds per lactation of 220 to 240 days.lactation of 220 to 240 days. (sheep101.info)

• Price of US sheep milk is $ .60/ poundPrice of US sheep milk is $ .60/ poundSpeciesThousand million

litersAs a percentage

Cow 494.6 84.6

Buffalo 69.1 11.8

Goat 12.5 2.1

Sheep 7.8 1.3

Other 1.3 0.2

TOTAL 585.3 100

 Source: FAO of the United Nations

Sheep Production SystemsSheep Production Systems

• Extensive Management SystemsExtensive Management Systems– Southwestern Range OperationsSouthwestern Range Operations

• Rambouillet type ewesRambouillet type ewes– High Quality Wool, Fast Growing Lambs, 100-High Quality Wool, Fast Growing Lambs, 100-

115% Lamb Crop115% Lamb Crop– Limited SupplementationLimited Supplementation– Predators are a challengePredators are a challenge

– Northwestern Range OperationsNorthwestern Range Operations• Similar but more feed resourcesSimilar but more feed resources

– Larger, coarser fleeced ewes are used with Larger, coarser fleeced ewes are used with higher % lamb crophigher % lamb crop

– Black faced rams are utilizedBlack faced rams are utilized

Sheep Production SystemsSheep Production Systems

• Extensive Management SystemsExtensive Management Systems– PredatorsPredators

• DogsDogs• CoyotesCoyotes• WolvesWolves• BearsBears

– GuardiansGuardians• DogsDogs• LlamasLlamas• DonkeysDonkeys

Sheep Production SystemsSheep Production Systems

• Intensive Management SystemsIntensive Management Systems– Farm Flock OperationsFarm Flock Operations

• Common in the MidwestCommon in the Midwest• Weaned lamb crop of 150-200%Weaned lamb crop of 150-200%• Maternal lines are mated to sire linesMaternal lines are mated to sire lines

– Lamb Feedlot IndustryLamb Feedlot Industry• Concentrated in a confined area and fed Concentrated in a confined area and fed

high concentrate dietshigh concentrate diets• Colorado is leading lamb feeding stateColorado is leading lamb feeding state• Gain .75-1.0 pounds per dayGain .75-1.0 pounds per day

Stages of the Production CycleStages of the Production Cycle

ParturitionParturition

WeaningWeaning

Selecting Selecting Replacement StockReplacement Stock

GestationGestation

BreedingBreeding

MarketingMarketing

ParturitionParturition SignalsSignals

NervousnessNervousness

Ewes may leave the flockEwes may leave the flock

Udders will fillUdders will fill

Vulvas will become laxVulvas will become lax

ManagementManagement

Strip, Snip, DipStrip, Snip, Dip

Lambing jugsLambing jugs

Dehydration, Dehydration, HypothermiaHypothermia

ParturitionParturition Lambing JugsLambing Jugs

Bonding ExperienceBonding Experience

GraftingGrafting

Dehydration/StarvationDehydration/Starvation

# 1 Killer of Lambs# 1 Killer of Lambs

Lamb not claimedLamb not claimed

MastitisMastitis

Udder problemsUdder problems

PneumoniaPneumonia

ProcessingProcessing

IdentificationIdentification

Selenium Shots/ Overeating Selenium Shots/ Overeating DiseaseDisease

Tail dockingTail docking

CastrationCastration

WeaningWeaning

Weaning is done around 60-90 days Weaning is done around 60-90 days 40 to 45 pounds40 to 45 pounds

Creep fedCreep fed Monitor stress and disease controlMonitor stress and disease control

Selecting ReplacementsSelecting Replacements

FunctionalityFunctionality

• Encompasses structural correctness Encompasses structural correctness and fleshing abilityand fleshing ability

• The major factor in breeding The major factor in breeding animals, but in sheep they must also animals, but in sheep they must also be adequate in terms of growthbe adequate in terms of growth

• Ability of dam to produce progeny in Ability of dam to produce progeny in a cost efficient, productive mannera cost efficient, productive manner

FunctionalityFunctionality

• Body Condition ScoringBody Condition Scoring– To assess the nutritional status of ewes, a subjective To assess the nutritional status of ewes, a subjective

scoring system based on external body fat has been scoring system based on external body fat has been developed. developed.

– The amount of fat cover is then used to estimate body The amount of fat cover is then used to estimate body energy reserves. energy reserves.

– The scoring system has a range of one to five, with one The scoring system has a range of one to five, with one being extremely thin and five being extremely fat.being extremely thin and five being extremely fat. (Mathis and Ross, 2000)(Mathis and Ross, 2000)

Growth PotentialGrowth Potential

• Ability of dam/sire to transmit Ability of dam/sire to transmit growth potential to their offspringgrowth potential to their offspring

• Breeding sheep should excel in Breeding sheep should excel in weight per day of ageweight per day of age

• Indicators include length of body, Indicators include length of body, length of face and cannon bonelength of face and cannon bone

• Be aware of early maturing sheep Be aware of early maturing sheep that are short necked, coarse made that are short necked, coarse made and short bodiedand short bodied

Balance and Eye AppealBalance and Eye Appeal

• The symmetry and proportionalism The symmetry and proportionalism of the animal from the profileof the animal from the profile

• Extension and length plus strength Extension and length plus strength of skeleton aid in balanceof skeleton aid in balance– Front end designFront end design– Strength behind shoulder and at hip-Strength behind shoulder and at hip-

loin junctureloin juncture– Levelness of hipLevelness of hip

MuscleMuscle

• As with any food animal, muscle is As with any food animal, muscle is an important selection factoran important selection factor– More important in rams, particularly More important in rams, particularly

those characterized as sire breedsthose characterized as sire breeds– Lesser importance in females and how Lesser importance in females and how

the muscle is arranged may be of the muscle is arranged may be of greater concerngreater concern

– Similar locations as those targeted in Similar locations as those targeted in market lambsmarket lambs

Sexual CharacteristicsSexual Characteristics

• Display traits that indicate Display traits that indicate reproductive soundness and fertilityreproductive soundness and fertility

• FemalesFemales– FeminineFeminine– Proper teat structureProper teat structure

• MalesMales– Adequate testicular developmentAdequate testicular development– Masculinity/RuggednessMasculinity/Ruggedness

Mouth SoundnessMouth Soundness

• ““Parrot Mouth”Parrot Mouth”• ““Monkey Mouth”Monkey Mouth”

MarketingMarketing

MarketingMarketing

• Lambs are marketed at ~140 Lambs are marketed at ~140 poundspounds

BreedingBreeding

• Seasonally PolyestrousSeasonally Polyestrous• PhotoperiodPhotoperiod• 17 day estrous cycle17 day estrous cycle• Length of Gestation- 144-151 daysLength of Gestation- 144-151 days

BreedingBreeding

• Typically natural matingTypically natural mating– 1:30 ratio typical1:30 ratio typical

• Artificial InseminationArtificial Insemination– Must be trainedMust be trained– Added CostAdded Cost

– Surgical or laparoscopic procedureSurgical or laparoscopic procedure

Mating DecisionsMating Decisions

• Breed ComplimentarityBreed Complimentarity– Matching sheep types with environment Matching sheep types with environment

and producing the ideal lamb crop for and producing the ideal lamb crop for the marketing venuethe marketing venue

• Breed Type OptionsBreed Type Options– Maternal BreedsMaternal Breeds– Paternal BreedsPaternal Breeds

Breed DistinctionBreed Distinction

• Medium wool breedsMedium wool breeds– Average wool characteristicsAverage wool characteristics– Superior growth and muscleSuperior growth and muscle– Sire-type breedsSire-type breeds– SuffolkSuffolk

• Black points-face, knee and hock downBlack points-face, knee and hock down• Slick, bell shaped earSlick, bell shaped ear

– HampshireHampshire• Black points-face, knee and hock down with Black points-face, knee and hock down with

evidence of wool cap, and being ‘booted’ evidence of wool cap, and being ‘booted’ downdown

Breed DistinctionBreed Distinction

• Medium wool breedsMedium wool breeds– SouthdownSouthdown

• Smaller framed relative to other breeds in Smaller framed relative to other breeds in this divisionthis division

• Mousey brown head and lower legMousey brown head and lower leg

• Fine Wool breedsFine Wool breeds– RambouilletRambouillet

• Hardy, fast growing breedHardy, fast growing breed• White face and legsWhite face and legs• Excellent wool qualityExcellent wool quality

Breed DistinctionBreed Distinction

HealthHealth• White Muscle DiseaseWhite Muscle Disease• Nutritional muscular dystrophy (white muscle Nutritional muscular dystrophy (white muscle

disease) is a degeneration of the skeletal and disease) is a degeneration of the skeletal and cardiac muscles of lambs. White muscle disease cardiac muscles of lambs. White muscle disease is most commonly found among lambs grazing is most commonly found among lambs grazing irrigated pastures. The incidence is generally irrigated pastures. The incidence is generally higher for lambs on legume pasture, creep feed, higher for lambs on legume pasture, creep feed, or other high-quality diets. Generally, ewes being or other high-quality diets. Generally, ewes being fed high levels of alfalfa hay are most likely to fed high levels of alfalfa hay are most likely to have lambs suffering from white muscle disease.have lambs suffering from white muscle disease.

• The condition is related to deficiencies in The condition is related to deficiencies in selenium or vitamin E. Selenium deficiency can selenium or vitamin E. Selenium deficiency can interfere with the transport of vitamin E.interfere with the transport of vitamin E.

ag.ansc.purdue.edu

HealthHealth• Sore MouthSore Mouth• Sore mouth is caused by a virus. It commonly Sore mouth is caused by a virus. It commonly

affects nursing or recently weaned lambs, but affects nursing or recently weaned lambs, but sheep of all ages can be affected. The disease is sheep of all ages can be affected. The disease is characterized by the formation of lesions, which characterized by the formation of lesions, which progress into thick crust or scabs, on the lips. progress into thick crust or scabs, on the lips. Often, an entire group of lambs will become Often, an entire group of lambs will become infected.infected.

HealthHealth• Urinary Calculi (water belly)Urinary Calculi (water belly)• Rams and wethers in feedlots or on high-grain Rams and wethers in feedlots or on high-grain

rations are most often affected by urinary calculi, rations are most often affected by urinary calculi, but the condition can occur in sheep on but the condition can occur in sheep on succulent pastures or on grain stubble. Rations succulent pastures or on grain stubble. Rations high in phosphorus or rations with a phosphorus-high in phosphorus or rations with a phosphorus-calcium imbalance are most often associated calcium imbalance are most often associated with a high incidence of urinary calculi in feedlot with a high incidence of urinary calculi in feedlot lambs.lambs.

• Sheep must have a clean, constant source of Sheep must have a clean, constant source of water. water.

• Adding ammonium chloride to a ration at the Adding ammonium chloride to a ration at the rate of 0.5 percent .rate of 0.5 percent .

HealthHealth• External ParasitesExternal Parasites• The most common external parasite is the The most common external parasite is the sheep sheep

ticktick or or kedked. . – The ked is a wingless fly. It lives on the sheep and sucks The ked is a wingless fly. It lives on the sheep and sucks

blood from the skin. It causes irritation and blood from the skin. It causes irritation and restlessness, and tick residue can detract significantly restlessness, and tick residue can detract significantly from the character of the fleece, ultimately affecting its from the character of the fleece, ultimately affecting its value. Additionally, ked infestation will cause cuckles value. Additionally, ked infestation will cause cuckles (raised blemishes) on the hide, resulting in a discounted (raised blemishes) on the hide, resulting in a discounted hide or pelt value.hide or pelt value.

HealthHealth• Ringworm or Club Lamb Fungus. Ringworm or Club Lamb Fungus. • This can become a serious problem because it is This can become a serious problem because it is

contagious and can be transmitted from lamb to contagious and can be transmitted from lamb to lamb, from lamb to human, or from infected lamb, from lamb to human, or from infected equipment to lamb. A good prevention program equipment to lamb. A good prevention program is necessary. Products available for use produce is necessary. Products available for use produce varying results. Consult a veterinarian for varying results. Consult a veterinarian for assistance in treatment and prevention.assistance in treatment and prevention.

HealthHealth• Enterotoxemia. One of the main causes of death in Enterotoxemia. One of the main causes of death in

club lambs is enterotoxemia, or overeating disease. club lambs is enterotoxemia, or overeating disease. Symptoms are seldom exhibited. The disease is Symptoms are seldom exhibited. The disease is caused by a clostridial organism normally present in caused by a clostridial organism normally present in the intestine of most sheep. Lambs that experience the intestine of most sheep. Lambs that experience abrupt changes to their feeding schedules or that abrupt changes to their feeding schedules or that consume large amounts of grain are subject to consume large amounts of grain are subject to enterotoxemia. These changes cause the clostridial enterotoxemia. These changes cause the clostridial organism to grow rapidly and produce a powerful organism to grow rapidly and produce a powerful toxin that causes death in a few hours. toxin that causes death in a few hours.

• Vaccinate all club lambs for types C and D Vaccinate all club lambs for types C and D enterotoxemia. Administer a booster vaccine 2 to 3 enterotoxemia. Administer a booster vaccine 2 to 3 weeks later. Give additional boosters at 2- to 3-weeks later. Give additional boosters at 2- to 3-month intervals.month intervals.

HealthHealth• ScrapieScrapie

– Scrapie is an infectious disease of sheep that affects Scrapie is an infectious disease of sheep that affects the central nervous system and is always fatal. Upon the central nervous system and is always fatal. Upon necropsy, infected animals will have holes or vacuoles necropsy, infected animals will have holes or vacuoles in the tissue of the brain.in the tissue of the brain.• Codon 171 has a large affect on scrapie Codon 171 has a large affect on scrapie

susceptibilitysusceptibility– QQ, QR, RRQQ, QR, RR

• Spider Lamb SyndromeSpider Lamb Syndrome– Genetic disorder causing skeletal deformities in you Genetic disorder causing skeletal deformities in you

lambs.lambs.• NN-Genetically CleanNN-Genetically Clean• NS-Heterozygous, CarrierNS-Heterozygous, Carrier• SS-Actual spider lambSS-Actual spider lamb

Thanks for your Attention!Thanks for your Attention!