Darrell RothlisbergerRich County

Extension AgentBREEDS OF SHEEP

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There are many breeds of sheep. Here are a few that are used in junior market lambs

Col umbia

Rambouillet

Dorset

Su ffolk

Ha mpshir e

Southdown

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PARTS OF THE SHEEP

1. Face 15. Dock2. Forehead 16. Twist3. Poll 17. Leg4. Neck 18. Hip5. Throat 19. Hock6. Breast 20. Pastern7. Shoulder 21. Dew Claw8. Forearm 22. Foot9. Cannon Bone 23. Hind flank10. Fore flank 24. Sheath or Naval11. Heart Girth 25. Underline12. Rack or Back 26. Stifle13. Loin 27.Hindsaddle14. Rump

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2 1

|----------27---------------| 4 |--------12--------| 13 14

4 155

18

7 11 26

6 10 24 23 17 16

|------------ 25 ------------|8 19

921

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20 22WHY SHOW JUNIOR

LIVESTOCK?

The junior livestock program is aunique opportunity to use live animals todevelop youth. Youth learn somethingabout agriculture and livestock productionand develop an appreciation for thelivestock industry, but the main objectivesare to teach life skills and help youthbecome productive citizens of our society.The experience of youth owning andworking with animals, being responsible fortheir care, health, and growth, and exhibitingthem in a competitive environment is atremendous character building process.Junior livestock projects help develop lifeskills such as; leadership, communication,decision making and problem-solving.Character building, record keeping and thedevelopment of personal responsibility areother skills youths can develop as a result oftheir involvement in the broad range ofprograms in junior livestock.

MUSCLESelect show lambs with good

expression of muscle. Pick a lamb that hasfirm, hard muscle tone in the legs, loin, andrump, where the higher priced cuts arelocated. Look for muscle from differentviews and areas.

From the Rear

Leg - The widest portion should be throughthe center of the leg or stifle area. A largeroutside muscle right above the stifle joint isvery desirable. A muscular lamb will standand walk wide. This requires good

development of inside legmuscle. A lamb can standwide and not have a lot ofinside muscle. They mayjust be structurally wide. Besure to check for insidemuscle.

Top - A lamb needs to bewide across the top. Theloin needs to be large andmuscular. Look for a largerib cage which indicates a

lot of capacity. Width is an indicator ofmuscle. However, be sure to feel your lambto be certain that it is not fat. Feel down theback bone to determine the expression of theloin muscle. A good indicator of musclewill be those young lambs that you can feela groove down their top. This is like feelingthe groove between your fingers when theyare close together.

From the Side

Choose a lamb that has proper lengthin the areas of the higher priced cuts, legs,loin and rump. The back portion of the top or hind saddle (B) should be longer thanthe front part, rack or back (A). To calculatethis, measure A Bfrom the last two ribs to the pin bones, (where the tail Cconnects to the body). This should be two or more inches longer that the front part, depending on the lambs size.

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Length of the loin is important. Measure from the last two ribs to the hookbone (C). Length and width of the loin are important. Short bodied compact animalsare undesirable. Be careful not to getcarried away with length. If you select alamb that is too long it may be weak topped.

From the Front

A bulging muscle from the knee tothe shoulder is desirable. Large bonecircumference of the cannon bone is a gaugeof muscle, too. The larger thebone the more area there is toattach muscle to. Select alamb with a relativelylong, thick cannonbone. The shouldershould be slightlyprominent. Avoidgetting a lamb withtoo large a shoulder asthis will take awayfrom a smooth,balanced appearance.

STRUCTURALCORRECTNESS

Show lambs should be correct intheir skeletal orbone structure. The lambs neckshould be erect andextend out of thetop of the shoulder. The top line shouldbe long, level and

straight. The legs should have a largecircumference or diameter of bone. It’spasterns should be strong, and it shouldstand with it’s feet and legs wide apart. When it walks it should move with long,smooth steps, and track out wide. Do notselect lambs that are open shouldered, weaktopped and have steep rumps.

STYLE AND BALANCEThese two characteristics describe

how a lamb blends together. The front andrear ends should match. Looking at thelamb from the side view, it should have aclean, trim chest. The shoulder should besmooth while the top line needs to be longand level. A trimmiddle is desirable. Because lambs areshown with less than1/4 inch wool. It isdesirable that they havea tight, wrinkle-freehide.

The mostnoticeable lamb in a pen holds its head upand looks long and straight with a level hip. It’s walk is proud and wide based with athick leg.

LOOK FOR POTENTIALSelect a lamb that shows good

potential. Large framed, long bodied lambs,with a long neck, cannon bone, and thickloin show the most potential for growth. Lambs that are long in the loin and level inthe rump have an advantage over others inthe show ring.

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FEED TROUGHOPTIONS

Here are several waysto feed a project lamb. Thesecan aide in the development ofleg and loin muscle.Feeding off the ground willkeep lambs from stepping in the feed and

feed troughs will be easilycleaned and will becomfortable for the lamb

to eat out of. Someproducers feel that

feeding on anincline willpromote rectal

prolapse. Feedingon the ground may

cause lambs to show abreak behind the shoulders. Use the feedingmethod you feel will bethe best for yourprogram.

NUTRITIONFeed Rations

It’s not the brand name that isimportant, but the protein, fat , fiber contentof the feed, as well as palatability. Fivebasic nutrients are required for feeding showlambs and all livestock. They are water,protein, carbohydrates and fats or energy,minerals and vitamins.

There are commercial lamb feedration or a person can mix their own.

â Water

Water is the most important nutrient. It is essential to keep the body functioningproperly. Keep plenty of clean fresh wateravailable at all times.

ã Protein

Protein requirements for lambs varydepending on their stage of development. Young, fast-growing lambs need rationswith protein levels of 16 to 18 percent. Thisis important for development of the propermuscle mass. When lambs are getting fatand close to market, protein levels can be 11to 12 percent. Lambs that are fed moreprotein than they need convert it to energy. This is very expensive, so only feed thelamb the protein requirements itneeds for their stage ofdevelopment.

Ð Carbohydrates and Fats (or energy)

The body needs energy for necessarybodily functions. Grain and proteinsupplements are high in energy, while haycontains less carbohydrates and fats(energy). Be sure to have the proper energyfor your lambs development. Talk to yourfeed companies nutritionist.

å Minerals

Salt (sodium chloride),calcium and phosphorus are

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important minerals. Have free choice loosesalt, and loose trace minerals available at alltimes for show lambs. Calcium andphosphorus are essential for proper growthand development. A ration should be 2.5parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. xBecautious of the Copper level in sheeprations.x They can’t handle the levels ofcopper that cattle can. Too much copper cankill sheep. Ask you vet what signs to watchfor that indicate copper toxicity.

æ Vitamins Lambs require very small amounts of

vitamins. If lambs are receiving alfalfa hayor pellets in their diet, vitamin A should notbe a problem. It is a good idea to give yourlamb a shot of Vitamin B complex to helpthem stay healthy and stimulates appetite.

EARLY CARE OF NEW LAMBS

When preparing to bring a lambhome be sure to check the pen for any sharpcorners or obstacles. Feeding two or morelambs together has several advantages:• They willsettle downbetter in theirnew home

• They will eatbetter due tocompetition.

STARTING YOUR LAMBON FEED

For the first few days allow the lambs toget used to their new home. Start thefeeding routine slowly.

Feed some good quality grass, sorghumor alfalfa hay. Don’t feed grain for the firstfew days if they have not previously beenfed grain such as creep feed.

Start feeding grain in small amounts andallow the lambs digestive system to get usedto the concentrated grain. This should beabout 1/4 to ½ pound of grain per day. Allow lambs 15 minutes to finish theirgrain. If they don’t clean up their grain in15 minutes, remove the uneaten feed andreduce their next feeding by that amountuntil they clean it up. You will increase feedto approximately two pounds of grain andtwo pounds of hay per day. After two weeksyour lamb should be on full feed.

SUCCESSIN

FEEDINGContact with your lamb twice a day is

critical to monitor their progress. Feed ontime, within 15 to 30 minutes of a regularschedule. Hand feeding is the best way todo this. This allows you to regulate the feedintake. It is easier to keep lambs on feedand overeating is less of a problem whenyou hand feed. You will learn several thingsby seeing your lamb at feeding times. Theyare:

• Know when to increase or decrease feedby feeling your lambs finish

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• Know when concentrate level should beincreased to put on more finish

• Know when to put the lamb on a holdingration to prevent him from getting to fat(increasing oats will do this)

• Weigh your lamb regularly to help youdetermine how he is growing. This willhelp you decide how much to feed himto reach your weight goal for the show.

FACILITIESThe recommended amount of space per

lamb is 200 square feet. This providesample room for the lamb to move around. Ifseveral lambs are in a pen that is to smallthey may pick at each others wool and causepatches on the body with no wool. This willtake away from the overall attractiveness ofthe lamb.

A good tree can provide a great shaded areafor a lamb pen.

If natural shade isn’t available, constructa simple shade for the lambs to provideneeded protection. This also allows forproper air circulation.

EXERCISEExercising a lamb is very important andis beneficial in several ways:

• Develo

pmentofmuscle

• Condition or feel of muscle• Stimulation of appetite• Proper finish or fat cover

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If lambs have a large area for exerciseduring the entire feeding program they maynot need a forced exercise program.

More exercise is not always better. Youneed to make sound management decisionsfor the exercise program that works best foryou and your lambs. Some producers thinkthat to much exercise can cause bluecarcasses which is undesirable in theslaughter house.

Walking lambs on halter on level grounddoes not give them enough exercise to tonemuscle. This is however excellent for halterbreaking and getting you used to your lamb.

Tips for exercising lambs:

• Start slowly andbuild up to a fullexercise schedule

• Never allow alamb to get toohot when

exercising. Early morningor late evening when it’s cool is the besttime to exercise.

• Provide them with hurdles to jump over. These may consist of railroad ties, barrels,or pipes or boards sticking through an alleyway. Only allow the lamb to jump over one

obstacle at a time. In other words, don’t put

two sticks in one location. They might gettheir leg stuck in between them and injurethemselves.

• Jumping lambs over hurdles will assistin leg and loin development. Excessivejumping may build to much muscle in thefront shoulders and make your lamb toheavy fronted.

• Running without hurdles usually firmsand hardens finish. During the last six weekslambs should get plenty of exercise unlessthey are light weight. They must haveample finish before this part of the programtakes place. Provide a soft surface forexercising lambs such as sand or loose dirt.

• If your lamb is not very fat and youexercise to much it can cause the carcass tobe blue when the animal is slaughtered. This is undesirable

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HEALTHAny questions about a lambs health

program can be answered by your localveterinarian. With any medication be sureto follow the label recommendation and useonly those that are labeled for use in sheep. Be sure to be aware of and adhere towithdrawal times. There are eight basichealth aspects that need to be taken intoconsideration.

Enterotoxemia (overeating disease)

There are many types of this diseaseacross the United States. There are twotypes of this disease that effect us here inUtah; types C & D. Enterotoxemia iscaused by lambs consuming large amountsof grain or having an abrupt change in theirfeeding schedule.

All show lambs should be protected witha combination vaccine along with a boostergiven two to three weeks later. Additionalboosters can be given at two to three monthintervals.

Internal Parasites (worms)

New lambs should be drenched forstomach or intestinal round worms and otherinternal parasites. A second drenchingshould be given three weeks later. Consultyour veterinarian for recommendations. These may include Tramisol, Loxon, andThiabedazole, which yield good results.

Soremouth

This contagious disease appears as scabson the lips and mouth of lambs. It is a virusthat can affect humans, too. Iodine can beapplied to lesions where the scabs have beenremoved. This dries out the sores andreduces the infection.

Tetanus

If the lamb has been docked with aelastrator band, make sure to administer atetanus shot. Lambs that get tetanus seldomrecover and there is no satisfactorytreatment. There is a combination vaccinefor both tetanus and enterotoxemia.

Ringworm

This is a very contagious disease thatcan travel from lamb to lamb, from lamb tohuman, and from equipment to either lambsor humans. Prevention is the best measureto take.

There are several prevention methodsused for ringworm. Some of them are:

Q Fulvicin Powder - This powder can beused to top dress feed or in a bolus form

Q Novasan - Spray on lamb equipment and

pens with a mixture of 3 ounces pergallon of water

Q Bleach - A 10 percent solution can besprayed on lamb equipment and pens

Rectal Prolapse

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This condition causes the rectum toprotrude from the body. Get immediateattention from a veterinarian. The possiblecauses are:

¯ Feeding a high concentrated feed¯ Short Docking procedure¯ Straining from feeding on an incline¯ Pushing to get into a small creep feeder¯ Coughing from a respiratory condition¯ Diarrhea ¯ Feeding dusty or moldy feed¯ Hereditary

Any one of these is not the sole cause ofrectal prolapse. However, they can attributeto the problem.

Tail Docking

If tails are docked to long it detractsfrom the style and balance of the lamb. If itis docked to short it can contribute to the problem of rectal prolapse. Be sure tofollow the rules of the show that your aregoing to. Plan many months before you goto the show so you can follow the rules withregards to tail docking as well as other rulesof the show.

Polyarthritis (stiff lamb disease)

This condition affects lambs from threeweeks to five months. The lambs areinactive, don’t want to get up or move andlose weight or gain weight slowly. Contactyour veterinarian for treatment of atetracycline antibiotic prescription.

SHEARING LAMBS

Shear your lambs before it gets to hot. Lambs will stay cooler, feel better and be

more efficient on feed. Some feeders feelsheared lambs will put on a smoother moreuniform finish.

EQUIPMENTHere is a list of possible items to include ina show box and/or feed room:

T stiff brush for cleaning water troughsT shovelT rakeT trimming table with measurements of 45

inches long, 20 inches wide and 18inches tall

T clippersT wool cardT rope halterT hand shearsT portable feed and water troughs T lamb blankets and or socks

PAPERSGet a Bill of Sale from the seller or

breeder. Ask about the appropriateLivestock Brand Inspection papers as well. For lambs coming into Utah from anotherstate, call the Extension Office forprocedures, and laws an regulations from theUtah Department of Agriculture and Food. The extension office has a copy of theseregulations

RULES ANDREGULATIONS

It is your responsibility to know therules of the shows that you plan to attend. Different shows have different requirements,whether county, state, jackpot or even

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national events. Call the representative forthese shows to get a copy of the showpremium book or rules.

REFERENCESThe author does not claim all

material inside as original. Thank you andcredit goes to the following sources.

“4-H Show Lamb Guide”Texas Agricultural Extension ServiceAS 3-4.059October 1998

“Utah 4-H Sheep Marketing and BreedingProject Manual”

Utah State University CooperativeExtension ServiceRevised April 1993

“4-H Market Lamb Production”New Mexico State UniversityCooperative Extension Service100B-14Reprinted June 1995

“Livestock Production, Selection, &Reasoning”

KS Publishing 1999Laramie, Wyoming

“Livestock Judging Guide for 4-H ClubMembers”

S-92 January 1996Cooperative Extension ServiceKansas State University Manhattan

“Live Animal Evaluation”North Dakota State University Extension

Service15 ASReviewed and reprinted October 1990

“Breeds of Livestock”

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/

REVIEWED BY:Frank Hodnett

Roosevelt County 4-H Extension Agent,Portales, New Mexico, New MexicoState University Cooperative ExtensionService

James BarnhillWeber County Extension AgentOgden, Utah, Utah State Extension

Jim JensenUtah County 4-H Extension Agent,Provo, Utah, Utah State Extension

Sterling BanksSummit County Extension Agent,Coalville, Utah, Utah State Extension

Randy SessionMorgan County Extension Agent,Morgan, Utah Utah State Extension

Lyle HolmgrenBox Elder County Extension AgentTremonton, Utah Utah State University

Lindy Payne4-H alumni San Juan County,Bloomfield, New Mexico

Justin LeskySheep Producer San Juan CountyBloomfield, New Mexico

ON THE COVER - Lindy Payne ofBloomfield New Mexico demonstrates howto set up a lamb properly at the 2000 WeberCounty Livestock School.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

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Utah State University Extension prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.

WEBER COUNTY EXTENSION STAFF

NOTES