VISIT THE SHEEP TEAM'S WEB SITE 

When the sheep team newsletter first got started, it was housed on the Knox County Extension Office’s web site.  This, however, is no longer the case, and has not been for some time now.  Currently producers are encouraged to view the newsletter and also see what other events, stories, ideas, etc. are happening with the sheep team at our web site.  The address is http://sheep.osu.edu

Because the web site is set up in the format of a blog, it gets updated on a regular basis and changes as new information is added.

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QUICK CHECKLIST FOR LAMBING TIME

*Be prepared for the first lambs 142 days after turning the rams in with the ewes, even though the average pregnancy period is 148 days.

*Watch ewes closely.  Extra effort will be repaid with more lambs at weaning time.  Saving lambs involves a 24-hour surveillance.  Additional help at this time is money well spent.

*Put ewe and lambs in lambing pen (jug) after lambing (not before).

*Grain feeding the ewes during the first three days after lambing is not necessary!

*Be available to provide assistance if ewe has troubles.

*Disinfect lamb’s navel with iodine as soon after birth as possible.

*Be sure both teats are functioning and lambs nurse as soon as possible.

*Use additional heat sources (heat lamps, etc.) in cold weather.

*Brand ewe and lambs with identical number on both sides.  Identify lambs with ear tags, tattoos or both.

*Turn ewe and lambs out of jug or pen as soon as all are doing well (one to three days).

*Bunch up ewes and lambs in small groups of four to eight ewes and then combine groups until they are a workable size unit.

*Castrate and dock lambs as soon as they are strong and have a good start (two days to two weeks of age).  Use a tetanus toxoid if tetanus has been a problem on the farm (toxoids are not immediate protection, it takes at least 10 days for immunity to build).