Sheep - 101

(The information provided on this page was presented by Mr. Vince McGolden during the summer of 2002 at the Livestock 101 workshop. This information is not meant to be an all inclusive resource.  It should only be used as a starting point.  One should always consult a knowledgeable and experienced Ag teacher, 4-H leader, or sheep producer.)

Purpose of a Show Program:

• Student Recognition
• Chapter Recognition
• Builds Responsibility
• Character Development
• Winning Attitude

When trying to decide if a Sheep project is right for you:

• Discuss the positive and negative points of a lamb project with your instructor or leader
• Determine the financial investment involved
• Discuss time/labor investment
• Discuss parental involvement

Purchasing a Sheep project:

• Decide whether to purchase a lamb in the spring or the fall.  Purchasing in the spring (April - June) includes feeding through the summer months.  Purchasing in the fall (Oct. - Nov.) means there are fewer sheep to pick from
• Purchasing a good lamb at the start is more than half the battle
• Purchasing lambs at a sale will allow you to compare the sheep you like to other lambs in the sale
• Go with someone who has experience
• Age of sheep (a lamb must have their baby teeth to be eligible to show)  Lambs keep their baby teeth in a range from 11 to 14 months.  The length of time varies due to breed, feeding practices, stress, and/or individual lamb characteristics

Facilities:

• Sheep need shelter that is cool and dry in the summer and warm and dry in the winter.  A sheep too hot or too cold will not do very well.
• Pens should be approximately 32 ft. long x 16 ft. wide (2 panels long x 1 panel wide)
• It is recommended that you use cattle panels.  The height of the cattle panel will help prevent dogs from entering the pens.
• It is recommended that each sheep have an individual run; however, you can pen them together. Adjust the pen size appropriately.
• Keep in mind possible problems including dogs or other predators, places where sheep could get their heads caught, or places where the sheep could cut themselves on nails, panels, or loose tin.

Exercise:

• Everyone has their own method of exercising show lambs.  Consult your local advisor or leader.  If you have neither, a good rule of thumb would be to walk the lamb 15 minutes every other day.  (note: The more you exercise the lamb the more likely you will need to increase the feed)

Showmanship:

• Consult your local advisor or leader for specifics concerning showing, setting-up, and bracing your lamb for show.
• Attend Show Camp
• Practice everyday for best results

Feeding:

• YOU SHOULD USE A ONE POUND COFFEE CAN TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT OF FEED FED TO YOUR SHOW LAMBS.  THIS IS A UNIVERSAL MEASUREMENT AMONG SHEEP SHOWERS.
• Consistency, Consistency, Consistency is the key.  Feed at the same times each day.  Feed the same type of feed all the way through.  Keep fresh water.
• Textured or pellet feed are both acceptable.  You should feed a feed that contains 16%-18% protein
• You should always remember that a sheep is a ruminant animal and should be fed some roughage (hay).  Consult your advisor or leader for the appropriate amount.
• Feed additives such as vitamins and minerals or commercial additives such as Moorman's Mintrate, Winner's Edge, Show Bloom, Muscle Master, etc. should all be fed according to the label.
• The amount of feed fed per feeding is dependent on the size and breed of sheep, and the fat condition of the lamb.  Consult an Ag teacher, 4-H leader, or sheep producer.

Vaccinations

• Overeating & Tetnus - It is recommended that you give after purchase and give the booster at nomination
• Wormers - Rotate types of wormers every 30-45 days (examples: Ivomec, Tramisol bolus, Valbazen, Safe-guard) consult your veterinarian, advisor, or leader on amounts
• Wool Fungus - There is no vaccination for wool fungus.  Consult your Ag teacher, 4-H leader, or veterinarian for treatment.

Equipment (note: If you are working with an Ag teacher, he/she will probably have the necessary equipment.  However, if you plan on making this a long term project it will be to your benefit to acquire the appropriate equipment)

• Sheep halter
• Sheep stand for clipping and washing
• Appropriate clippers and blades
• Sheep covers
• Hanging feeders
• Water tank

Questions?  Contact Vince McGolden, Fairview, OK

Page updated 06/21/2006

Contact: David Cantrell