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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 59
The sorting pen can be constructed similar to the gathering pen, the difference is that they have internal fences that separate sorting pens and can be shorter, about 3 feet (0.9 m) high, and this allows you to cross between the two pens.
SCALES
For a small flock, lambs can be weighed by making a sling (a sling is something used to hoist or carry) from either plastic or burlap that is then attached to a hanging scale. This type of scale is economical, however they are only practical for weighing younger lambs. As for weighing mature ewes it is very difficult to get a full grown ewe into a sling and then onto the scale, it is possible, but watch out for your back!
For larger flocks a scale is advantageous. They have several benefits, one of which helps you to track production, assess feeding programs, and accurate weight at time of sale. However, a good scale is very expensive, but will last.
A point that should be remembered is one called "shrinkage". Shrinkage is loss of weight. If a sheep is weighed on your farm under normal circumstances and surroundings that weight will not be the same as when you get it to a sale barn or to a butcher. This amongst other things
is because sheep, like cows, suffer from stress and this causes weight loss. "Shrink" occurs on the distance of shipment, weather conditions, and whether feed and water were readily available in transit. "Shrinkage" can be as high as 10% of an animal's weight, but in most cases it averages around 3%.
Estimating weight:
If a scale is out of the question for the time being you can try this simple method that provides you with a good estimate of a sheep's weight.
First, measure all the way around the sheep's body just behind the front legs – if your animal has a full fleece to get a more accurate estimate part the fleece and then take the measurement.
Second, measure the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump which is just before the tail.
Third, multiply the first measure twice then multiply the second measure and divide by 300.
SCALES
For a small flock, lambs can be weighed by making a sling (a sling is something used to hoist or carry) from either plastic or burlap that is then attached to a hanging scale. This type of scale is economical, however they are only practical for weighing younger lambs. As for weighing mature ewes it is very difficult to get a full grown ewe into a sling and then onto the scale, it is possible, but watch out for your back!
For larger flocks a scale is advantageous. They have several benefits, one of which helps you to track production, assess feeding programs, and accurate weight at time of sale. However, a good scale is very expensive, but will last.
A point that should be remembered is one called "shrinkage". Shrinkage is loss of weight. If a sheep is weighed on your farm under normal circumstances and surroundings that weight will not be the same as when you get it to a sale barn or to a butcher. This amongst other things
is because sheep, like cows, suffer from stress and this causes weight loss. "Shrink" occurs on the distance of shipment, weather conditions, and whether feed and water were readily available in transit. "Shrinkage" can be as high as 10% of an animal's weight, but in most cases it averages around 3%.
Estimating weight:
If a scale is out of the question for the time being you can try this simple method that provides you with a good estimate of a sheep's weight.
First, measure all the way around the sheep's body just behind the front legs – if your animal has a full fleece to get a more accurate estimate part the fleece and then take the measurement.
Second, measure the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump which is just before the tail.
Third, multiply the first measure twice then multiply the second measure and divide by 300.