-
SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 174
Shearing:
Ewes can be sheared up to 3 or 4 weeks before lambing if the weather is mild. There are ten good reasons in shearing your ewes before lambing starts.
1. there are no dirty, germ-laden wool tags that lambs might suck when nursing.
2. a clean udder makes it easier for lambs to find teats.
3. during the birth process there are fewer germs around.
4. when assistance is needed it is easier.
5. it is easier to spot a possible prolapse.
6. the ewes appearance is easier for you to predict when she will lamb.
7. the ewe is less likely to lie on her lamb in the pen.
8. shorn ewes take up less space in the barn, and at feeders, as well as in lambing pens.
9. shorn ewes are less likely to sweat in lambing pens and contract pneumonia.
10. shorn ewes won't stay out in cold or bad weather, they will seek shelter and bring their lambs with them.
Crotching:
Crotching is the trimming of wool from the hind legs at the entrance of the vagina and also the udder and a few inches forward of the udder on the stomach. This wool can be saved, and washed and put to one side for spinning or sold later with the fleece.
Facing:
Facing is the trimming of the wool from the ewe's face. Facing is often done at the same time as crotching. It is very advantageous for sheep with heavy wool around the eyes and checks:
Ewes can be sheared up to 3 or 4 weeks before lambing if the weather is mild. There are ten good reasons in shearing your ewes before lambing starts.
1. there are no dirty, germ-laden wool tags that lambs might suck when nursing.
2. a clean udder makes it easier for lambs to find teats.
3. during the birth process there are fewer germs around.
4. when assistance is needed it is easier.
5. it is easier to spot a possible prolapse.
6. the ewes appearance is easier for you to predict when she will lamb.
7. the ewe is less likely to lie on her lamb in the pen.
8. shorn ewes take up less space in the barn, and at feeders, as well as in lambing pens.
9. shorn ewes are less likely to sweat in lambing pens and contract pneumonia.
10. shorn ewes won't stay out in cold or bad weather, they will seek shelter and bring their lambs with them.
Crotching:
Crotching is the trimming of wool from the hind legs at the entrance of the vagina and also the udder and a few inches forward of the udder on the stomach. This wool can be saved, and washed and put to one side for spinning or sold later with the fleece.
Facing:
Facing is the trimming of the wool from the ewe's face. Facing is often done at the same time as crotching. It is very advantageous for sheep with heavy wool around the eyes and checks: