Guidelines for Successful Sheep Breeding

Invest in a robust ram with a proven breeding track record. Opt for acquiring a prime breeding ram at a local livestock auction. Assess the rams on offer, ensuring they possess ample testicular size, a firm tail indicative of a healthy sperm reserve, and exhibit no apparent defects. Shortlist 3-5 rams to bid on, guaranteeing a fallback option in case your preferred ram gets sold.

• Engage in dialogue with the owners to glean insights into the rams' breeding history. Inquire about the average size of their offspring (larger being preferable) and the health status of the ram's lineage, spanning back to its father and grandfather.
• For premium-quality rams, request access to the animal's pedigree from the owner or breeder. When scrutinizing the pedigree, verify its coverage of at least 3 or 4 generations and minimal instances of inbreeding, if any.

Budget between $200 and $600 USD for premium rams at an auction. Note down the ram's identification number and await its appearance on the auction stage. Set a maximum bid limit and adhere to it strictly. Should your primary choice become too pricey, pivot to your alternatives without hesitation.

• After securing a ram, engage the previous owner once more. Inquire about any potential guarantees offered, such as a partial refund if the ram fails to sire offspring.
• For multiple purchases, ensure all rams are of the same age. Mismatched ages may lead to dominance issues, particularly with older rams outcompeting younger counterparts for mating opportunities.

Invest in a robust ewe with a history of successful births. Conduct a thorough visual examination before placing your bid, focusing on firm, healthy udders and intact dentition. Opt for ewes of average weight for their breed, avoiding extremes of obesity or emaciation.

• Given the diversity among sheep breeds, ewe weights can vary significantly. Mature breeding ewes typically weigh between 100 and 240 pounds (45–109 kg).
• Prior to bidding, consult with the breeder or owner to ensure the ewe has no history of prolapse during parturition and has successfully nursed previous offspring.

Anticipate spending around $200 USD for fertile ewes at auction. Ewes are generally priced lower than rams due to the latter's ability to impregnate multiple ewes within a single breeding cycle. Quality ewes may fetch prices ranging from $200 to $300 USD.

• Exercise caution if a breeder offers ewes below the $200 mark, as this could indicate health issues or prior birthing complications.

Provide your ram with a nutritious hay-based diet. Transition the ram from its grain-based diet in the auction feeding station to a diet rich in fresh grass and nutritious hay. Allow the ram ample access to grazing on quality hays, which enhances breeding performance and promotes the birth of robust, healthy lambs.

• Recommended hay varieties include timothy, bermudagrass, bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and ryegrass.

Arrange for a veterinary examination of your ram 6-8 weeks before breeding. Request a thorough 'breeding soundness exam' from the vet to ensure the ram's well-being. This should include a comprehensive clinical assessment, genital examination, and semen analysis. Healthy breeding rams should exhibit normal genitalia, libido, mating ability, and a sufficient sperm count.

• Starting 2 months prior to mating season, closely monitor your ram's health and demeanor for any signs of illness, as this can impact fertility due to increased testicular temperature.
• If concerned about the ram's health, the vet can examine the semen sample under a microscope to assess sperm count and quality.

Trim the fur around ewes' hindquarters in early autumn before mating. By clipping the area where the ram will mount, you facilitate easier access and prevent contamination from hair and fecal matter. Use standard sheep shears to remove approximately 12 square inches (77 cm²) of fur from the ewes' rear.

• This process is painless for the ewes and should not agitate them during clipping.

Time sheep breeding for early autumn. Ewes' fertility is linked to daylight duration, making the breeding season critical. Fall, with its shorter days, is optimal for breeding, as ewes enter heat approximately every 16 or 17 days during this period. As days lengthen, heat cycles decrease, signaling the end of the breeding season.

• For breeders in the U.S. or Canada, aim to breed sheep in October or November.

Observe ewes for signs of heat in the presence of a ram. Heat signs are subtle and usually manifest when ewes are near rams. Look for behaviors such as seeking out a ram and standing still nearby for mating. Ewes in heat may also nuzzle the ram's abdomen and exhibit vigorous tail wagging. Once signs of heat are observed, mating can commence.

• When a ewe urinates, the ram will sniff, extend its leg, and display a 'flehmen response,' indicating interest in mating after sniffing the female's urine.
• In the case of multiple ewes, many will enter heat simultaneously. Ensure separation of ewes in heat from those not in heat.

Organize your ewes into 2 separate groups, each with its own ram. When multiple rams are present, ensure they are kept apart to prevent potential conflicts over ewes. Segregating ewes into distinct groups with individual rams minimizes the likelihood of fighting. Once introduced, the rams and ewes will commence mating behaviors.

• If ewes are insufficient to divide or if only one ram is available, keeping all sheep in a single group is acceptable.

Allow the rams and ewes several weeks for mating. Mating behaviors may not manifest immediately upon introduction. Rams will mount ewes once they enter heat and emit mating hormones. A receptive ewe will stand for mating, typically resulting in pregnancy after 2 or 3 mating instances.

• A ram may show preference for a particular ewe and exclusively mate with her.

Monitor the ewe's abdomen for signs of growth post-mating. Typically within the initial 4 months of pregnancy, noticeable belly expansion occurs along with enlarged udders as they fill with milk. Veterinary ultrasounds can confirm pregnancy status.

• Increased appetite in ewes is also indicative of pregnancy.
• Udder size varies depending on sheep breed.

Provide pregnant ewes with a nutritious hay grass diet. During early and mid-gestation, feed pregnant ewes 3.5–4 pounds (1.6–1.8 kg) of hay grass daily to sustain developing lambs. Nutrient-rich hay grasses like orchardgrass, reed canary-grass, and tall fescue are ideal.

• Hay grasses and legumes can be obtained from local feed stores, typically priced between $1-10 USD per bale.
• Gestation lasts approximately 142-152 days, equating to a roughly 5-month pregnancy period.

Incorporate legumes into the diet of your pregnant ewes during the last 2 months of gestation. Begin feeding a mixture of hay grasses and legumes to pregnant ewes after 3 months of gestation. A high-quality, protein-rich diet is essential for fostering healthy lamb development during the final months of pregnancy. Blend legumes with grasses at a 1:1 ratio to ensure optimal nutrition.

• Protein-rich legumes such as cowpeas, vetch, soybean, and red clover are recommended.
• Allocate 3.5–4 pounds (1.6–1.8 kg) of hay grasses and legumes combined per ewe daily. For instance, provide 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of legumes and 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of hay grass.

Provide lactating ewes exclusively with legume hays. These hays are rich in protein and calcium, enhancing milk quality for nursing lambs. The protein abundance contributes to strong lamb development and supports ewe health postpartum. Offer each ewe 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg) of legume hay daily.

• Legume varieties include alfalfa, white clover, and birdsfoot trefoil.

• Exercise extreme caution when handling a ram, especially if it still possesses horns. Even if dehorned, rams can remain dangerous. A single head-butt from a mature ram has the potential to inflict serious injury, including breaking an adult's leg.