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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 9
When purchasing sheep there are certain things to be taken into consideration such as:
1. Asking to see their health records
2. Looking for animals of similar breeding.
3. Healthy fleece is important
4. Shape and proportion of the animal (conformation), an important factor when lambing comes around
5. Alert and active ewes
6. Calm disposition
7. Bright-eyed sheep, with no eye discharge, squinting or eye damage
8. Teeth should be examined – this will also help you to determine its age
9. Manure should be solid and pelleted
10. Remember your breeding goals, do you want multiple births, is your interest in wool, meat, or do you want to raise a particular breed.
11. If you are buying sheep from a low-lying area get the checked for lungworm.
12. Make sure that you only buy sheep free from Ovine Progressive Pneumonia, which is a disease that takes 2 years to manifest itself and for which there is neither cure nor vaccination. If no tests have been done by the seller either ask him/her to have them tested before you buy and provide you with a certificate, if the seller is reluctant go elsewhere.
13. If your choice is a ram belonging to the black-faced breed, make sure he has been DNA tested and is free from the "s" gene that causes "Spider
Syndrome".
14. If you are buying or leasing a ram, make sure that it is tested for Epididymitis, which causes damage to sperm producing tissues.
15. If you are a first time buyer, it is advisable to bring along a vet or someone successfully established in raising sheep. You can learn a lot from them and save yourself money.
1. Asking to see their health records
2. Looking for animals of similar breeding.
3. Healthy fleece is important
4. Shape and proportion of the animal (conformation), an important factor when lambing comes around
5. Alert and active ewes
6. Calm disposition
7. Bright-eyed sheep, with no eye discharge, squinting or eye damage
8. Teeth should be examined – this will also help you to determine its age
9. Manure should be solid and pelleted
10. Remember your breeding goals, do you want multiple births, is your interest in wool, meat, or do you want to raise a particular breed.
11. If you are buying sheep from a low-lying area get the checked for lungworm.
12. Make sure that you only buy sheep free from Ovine Progressive Pneumonia, which is a disease that takes 2 years to manifest itself and for which there is neither cure nor vaccination. If no tests have been done by the seller either ask him/her to have them tested before you buy and provide you with a certificate, if the seller is reluctant go elsewhere.
13. If your choice is a ram belonging to the black-faced breed, make sure he has been DNA tested and is free from the "s" gene that causes "Spider
Syndrome".
14. If you are buying or leasing a ram, make sure that it is tested for Epididymitis, which causes damage to sperm producing tissues.
15. If you are a first time buyer, it is advisable to bring along a vet or someone successfully established in raising sheep. You can learn a lot from them and save yourself money.