Small Ruminant Monthly Newsletter
March 2025 |
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Winter Edition Newsletter |
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In this newsletter you will find an article titled "Winter & Early Spring Management for Small Ruminatnts and Forages in Western NC". This article has some information and tips on what you should do to start preparing for this coming spring. Something else to think about is taking soil samples. This is very important when determining what nutrients your plants need in order to succeed.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to call the office and speak with the Livestock Agent, Skyler Murray or email me at skyler_murray@ncsu.edu. |
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Winter and Early Spring Management for Small Ruminants and Forages in Western NC |
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As winter transitions into early spring in Western North Carolina, small ruminant producers should focus on key management practices to ensure the health of their livestock and optimize pasture conditions for the growing season. Here are essential tasks to prioritize during this time of year.
Small Ruminant Management
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Nutrition and Body Condition
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Ensure adequate nutrition for pregnant and lactating does and ewes by supplementing with quality hay and grain as needed.
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Monitor body condition scores (BCS) and adjust feeding plans to maintain optimal health.
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Lambing and Kidding Preparation
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Provide clean, dry, and well-ventilated birthing areas.
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Stock up on essential birthing supplies, including colostrum replacers, iodine for navels, and warming areas for newborns.
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Observe animals for signs of labor and be ready to assist if necessary.
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Parasite Management
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Vaccinations and Health Checks
Forage and Pasture Management
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Assess Pasture Condition
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Overseeding and Frost Seeding
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Utilize frost seeding techniques to introduce clovers or other cool-season legumes into pastures for improved nitrogen fixation and forage diversity.
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Ensure proper seed-to-soil contact by grazing down pastures before seeding.
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Soil Testing and Fertilization
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Weed Control Planning
Final Thoughts
By addressing these management tasks now, small ruminant producers in Western NC can ensure healthy livestock, optimize forage growth, and set their operations up for a productive spring and summer. Proper planning and timely action will lead to improved herd health and sustainable pasture use for the year ahead.
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Southdown Sheep
The Southdown is best suited for farm flock production. It is a medium to small sized breed with a gray to mouse-brown face and lower legs and is polled (hornless). Southdown are an early maturing breed with good lambing ability and average milk production. They excel in a cross breeding program in their ability to produce meaty lamb carcasses at light weights and hot-house lambs. The Southdown is adaptable to varied and wet climates.
To learn more about Southdown sheep click here.
Photo from: Oklahoma State University
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Katahdin Sheep
Katahdin are hardy, adaptable, low maintenance sheep that produce superior lamb crops and lean, meaty carcasses. They do not produce a fleece and therefore do not require shearing. They are medium-sized and efficient, bred for utility and for production in a variety of management systems. Ewes have exceptional mothering ability and lamb easily; lambs are born vigorous and alert. The breed is ideal for pasture lambing and grass/forage-based management systems.
To learn more about Katahdin sheep click here.
Photo from: Oklahoma State University
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Angora Goat
The most valuable characteristic of the Angora as compared to other goats is the value of the mohair that is clipped. The average goat in the U.S. shears approximately 5.3 pounds of mohair per shearing and are usually sheared twice a year. They produce a fiber with a staple length of between 12 and 15cm.
To learn more about Angora Goats click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University
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Pygmy Goat
A full coat of straight, medium-long hair which varies in density with seasons and climates. On females, beards may be non-existent, sparse, or trimmed. On adult males, abundant hair growth is desirable; the beard should be full, long and flowing, the copious mane draping cape-like across the shoulders.
To learn more about Pygmy Goats click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University
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Extra Information & Articles |
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Body Condition Scoring
This article was written by the University of Florida. It talks about the importance of looking at the Body Condition Score. It also has great pictures that represent what thin and obese look like on the scale. Something interesting about it, is that it goes into detail of how it would feel if you was handling the animal as well.
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FAMACHA Information
The NC Extension website has more information on parasite control, and educational videos on how to check your FAMACHA score. The website has great information on wormers, as well as Factsheets for external parasites. |
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Soil Testing Kits |
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This article was written by an NC Cooperative Extension Employee. This is a well written article, that covers a variety of helpful topics from how and where do I need to take soil samples to how to interpret the report whenever you get it back. |
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Sheep Care Guide |
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This PDF has great information covering a variety of topics for sheep care. |
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - McDowell County Center, 60 E Court St, Marion, NC 28752, United States
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