Page |1

INDEX
SR. PRACTICAL PAGE
NO NO

1. Body parts of sheep and goat 1.

2. Common terms related to sheep and goat 2.

3. Daily schedule of activities on a sheep / goat farm:- 3.

4. Identification methods of sheep and goat 5

5. Important traits of sheep and goat 9

6. Management of lambs and kids (care of young stock) 13

7. Vaccination schedule for sheep and goat 15

8. Housing of sheep and goat 16

9. Management of ram and buck 21

10. Dipping, pouring and spraying 24

11. Common vices in sheep and goats 26

12. Oestrous signs of sheep and goat 27

13. Record keeping on sheep and goat farm 28

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |2

EXERCISE. 1

External body parts of sheep

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |3

EXERCISE. 2
COMMON TERMS USED IN SHEEP AND GOAT
SHEEP GOAT
Adult male Ram/Tup Buck
Adult female Ewe Doe
New born Lamb Kid
Young male Ram lamb/ Tup lamb Buckling
Young female Ewe lamb/Gimmer lamb Goatling
Castrated male Wether/Wedder Wether/Castrated goat
Castrated female Spayed Spayed
Yearlings Hogget -
Female with its offspring Suckling Suckling
Act of parturition Lambing Kidding
Act of mating Tupping Serving
Pregnancy Gestation Gestation
Sound produced Beating Bleating
Group Flock/herd/mob Flock/band
Species called Ovine Caprine
Meat Mutton Chevon

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |4

EXERCISE. 3
DAILY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES ON A SHEEP / GOAT FARM:-

Purpose
The study of farm routines enables proper scheduling of various farm activities on a sheep and goat
farm. It also aids in the optimum utilization of labour and resources, and higher returns through
efficient management practices.

Approx. Farm routine operation

time
07:00 1. Turning out the animals for grazing.
2. This can be delayed during the winter months.
3. Observe and isolate sick animals.

08:00 1. Feed half of the daily concentrate ration to nursing females and
fattening lambs/kids
2. Watering of the animals on the grazing lands

08:30 1. Feed chopped green and dry fodder to penned sheep/goats

2. Cleaning of all the sheds and disposal of manure

09:00-15:00 Special activities like record keeping, weighing and marketing of lambs and kids,
shearing, vaccination and preventive health care, disbudding; grading, sorting,
storage and marketing of wool etc.
16:00 1. Return of sheep and goats to their pens

2. Feeding the other half of the daily concentrate ration to nursing

females and fattening lambs/kids

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |5

EXERCISE. 4
Identification methods of sheep and goat
Introduction
 Identification is a very important tool in the management of sheep. Every successful
business operation must have accurate records, and in the sheep industry this starts
with proper identification of the sheep. There are several types of identification
systems used in the sheep industry. Some of these are permanent where others are
used to temporarily identify the animal for treatment or sale. There are also a few
semi-permanent systems used like ear tags, for example, which can be occasionally
lost or ripped out. We will cover a brief summary of most of these forms of
identifications.
Permanent or Semi-Permanent Forms of Identification
Ear Tags
 Ear tags are the most common used form of animal identification. They come in
many forms and colors. Most ear tags are made from either plastic or metal. The
plastic tags come in many sizes and a couple of different shapes. The plastic tags
come per numbered or blank so you can use your own numbering system, and are a
fairly cheap source of animal ID. Ear tags are applied to the ear using an
ear tager which pierces the button of the tags through the ear. Pictured below are
some common types of ear tags and ear tagers.

Scrapie Tags
 Scrapie tags are now required by law for all sheep entering interstate
commerce. This is part of a nation-wide effort to eradicate the scrapie disease, and
allows every sheep to be identifiable to the original flock it came from. This law

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |6

applies not only to sheep, but also to goats and any other animal that has resided
with sheep. Scrapie tags are in the form of a premise ID tag with a unique animal
number and statement from the owner. These tags are applied with the use of an ear
tag gun.

Electronic Identification
 Electronic identification is the use of microchip placed in an ear tag, which is placed
in the animals. The microchip has the number on tag programmed to it, and is read
using a computer and a reader device. This is the form of identification that
the U.S. is moving towards due to than plans to eradicate scrapies and track animals
that have scrapies or other disease back to producers who raised these animals. This
method of ID could help make record keeping easier for producers too, using the
computer system. It is applies just like a normal ear tag.

Tattoo
 A tattoo is a number and sometimes a letter or a herd mark placed in the ear of the
sheep. This method of ID is commonly used by purebred associations as it is one of
the most permanent forms of ID. A tattoo gun is use to place the numbers and/or
letters into the ear. The numbers and letters are made of needles that place small
holes in the ears in their shape and than ink is applied to the holes so that the number
is readable.
 The down fall to this system is can be ripped and sometimes the holes become filled
with dirt or grow over, but biggest disadvantage is that the small number in ear is
hard to read from a distance.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |7

Ear Notching
 Ear Notching is used two different ways in sheep. Some producers use it to identify
the type of birth in one ear and the week or year of birth in the other ear depending
on the system being used. The other use is to identify sheep that they are going to
cull from their herd. This method is used more in the commercial sheep industry to
identify those ewes that have bad udders, are poor mothers, or any other reason they
might want to cull these after lambs are weaned and this way they can be IDed in the
lambing barn. This also can be used to mark younger ewes who had
rectal prolapses for cull before breeding. The ear notch is just a V shaped notch
placed somewhere on the ear.

Nose Prints & Retina Scans

 Every sheep has a unique nose print like humans have thumb print. This is mainly
used to help identify show sheep and prevent people from swapping sheep. This is
done by placing ink on the lambs nose and than pressing paper or index card to
lambs nose to so print is place on the paper. Some places are now using retina scans
used in some human security systems to replace the nose print due to the ease of it
and technological advantages.

 Temporary Forms of Identification

Paint Brand
 Paint brands are used mainly for a farms own use or sale use and is a painted number that is
placed on an animals back or side. This allows for quick id of animals during breeding
season from a further distance, or any other time animals might need to be id quickly from
a distance such as lambing. Auction and sales use these due to the easy read factor for
buyers and recoding sales.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |8

Neck Straps
 Neck Straps are very similar to a dog or cat collar but is made for larger
animals. They are used mainly in dairy animals as well as sometimes used to
identify animals with a number for judging contest. They are probably the least
used form of sheep ID.

Chalk, Paintstick, and Sprays

 Paintsticks, Chalks, and Sprays have many uses for temporarily marking animals
and come in many colors so you can use them at the same time for different
IDs. Sheep are commonly marked with these on the back or head. They are
commonly used to mark pregnant and open ewes during pregnancy checks, as well
as to mark animals that need treated or have been treated or need sorted off from a
group

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 Page |9

EXERCISE. 5
IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SHEEP AND GOAT
Selection and judging of the breeding stock are the first and foremost steps to start with any
breeding programme. Appearance of the animal alone is not is not always a reliable guide to its
breeding value as its appearance depends on the inheritance it has received from its parents and on
the environment in which it grows up. It is, tefore, necessary to correctly estimate the breeding
value of the individual which depends on the accuracy in selecting the animals as per the defined
objectives.
a) Selection and judging of sheep for fine wool production
1. Body type and conformation
It should be true to the characteristics of the breed chosen. examples of fine wool breeds :
Hissardale, Deccani-Merino, Avivastra, Nali and Chokla synthetics, Bharat Merino, Nilgiri
synthetic and other crossbred types available in J&K, HP and hilly regions of UP.
2. Quantity of wool
i) Density of fleece (no. of fibes/sq.cm of skin surface)
ii) Staple length (>75mm is superior quality)
iii) Completeness of the covering (i.e. uniformity)
3. Quality of wool
i) Fineness of fibre (diameter): measured only under protein microscope/lanometer; at the field
level, one can differentiate between coarse and fine wool by spreading the fleece on the body of the
sheep.
ISI standards: ≤ 34.4µ: A grade
34.4-37.0 µ: B grade
37.1-40.0 µ: C grade
≥ 40.0 µ: D grade
ii) Medullation percentage: can only be adjudged under a lanometer; no field-level visual method
Fine wool: no medullation
Carpet wool: 10-20% medullation
iii) Staple/fibre length: ≥ 3.5 cm can successfully be processed on the worsted system
iv) Soundness: healthy and uniform growth of wool on the skin surface
4. Condition of wool
i) Purity: judged by the absence of hair, kemp, black and dark fibres; in selection of sheep for fine
wool production, due care should be taken to ascertain presence of only pure fibres, esp. in
breeding stock
ii) Presence of foreign matter: this is a disqualification in grading of wool. Classification based on
the extent of vegetable matter content:-
< 3%: Light burr

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 10

3-5%: Medium burr

>15%: Heavy burr
Apart from vegetable matter, fleece may be contaminated with dust and other matter. Though the
contamination is mostly related to faulty management practices, but all the same, these are to be
kept in view while selecting the animals.
iii) Amount and distribution of yolk : A yellow wool fat "yolk" which accumulates on the wool
fibres as a protective layer making the wool more resistant to water and snow, is important in
determining the condition of wool.
iv) Colour of the fleece : The colour of the wool should be white and any deviation from it is
regarded as disqualification except for the entire colours which are required for some specific
purposes. In grading of wool, the colour is given the weightage as tinged white (TW), light yellow
(LY), heavy yellow (HY) and other colours in order of merit.
b) Selection and judging of sheep for mutton
 The mutton type in characterized by a deep, wide, blocky body with symmetry,
balance, breed character, thick fleshing, a strong constitution and quality. In
selection of the mutton quality animal one should actually look for the carcass
characteristics which are defined by the tenderness and juiciness of the mutton, high
proportion of lean to fat, higher proportion of meat to bone ratio etc. Since these
characteristics may not be known till the animals are slaughtered, the animal
breeder has to depend on indirect measurements of such qualities.
1. Breed type : refers to the breed chosen for the mutton production
2. Fleece and skin: these are of minor importance. Pink skin is supposed to be a sign of good
health, quality and a god feeder. A long, clean, bright and dense fleece
with a medium amount of crimp and pink skin is usually an acceptable
type among most medium wool breeds.
3. Constitution: It is evidenced by strong head with breed characters, strong back and loin,
and by all four evenly placed legs.
4. Natural fleshing and finish: While fleshing is an inherited character, finish is the result of
proper feeding. A lamb should have a deep covering of natural fleshing and fat which
spreads firmly and fully over the shoulder, ribs, back, lion, rump and legs.
5. Quality : includes:-
o clean-cut, well-shaped head covered with fine wool
o bone of ample size and clean joints
o firm and evenly distributed flesh
o good, light, dense fleece
o symmetrically balanced body
1. Sex characteristics: Rams with masculine characters should have strong, bold head and
neck, massive and powerful appearance, and bold carriage for being a potent sire. A sheep
with feminine characters should throughout have fineness of features with maternal instinct.
2. Balance: It is defined as blending together of all the components of an individual in
harmonious fashion which should be uniform in width, depth, fleshing, character and
quality.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 11

3. Type : It is manifested by an erect and well-set head and neck alert action and pleasing
disposition
4. Size : It should be proper as per age, sex and breed
 The breeder should supplement the information by indirect judging with the
information on full-sibs, for utilization in selection. Progeny testing of rams may
also be useful. As mutton traits are highly heritable, individual selection should be
used for fat lamb production.
Salient features of a good milch goat:-
a) Head: It should be long and of moderate width, with a full and well-developed muzzle and
prominent nostrils. It should be naturally hornless or disbudded. The head in the doe
should be well carried and should bear a feminine appearance. The eyes should be large
and bright, set well apart, indicating docility and some capacity for understanding.
b) Neck & shoulders: The neck should be long and slim, and of good depth, with the tassels, if
present, evenly hung. The withers and the shoulders should be fine in appearance, and
connect the neck with the body with little break in continuity. A considerable thickness
in the shoulders or a drop immediately between the shoulder blades is undesirable.
c) Chest: This should be moderately deep and of good width, giving the appearance of strength
without coarseness.
d) Forelegs: They should be straight, strong and possess good bone.
e) Feet: The animal should stand well on its legs without the tendency to “turn toes” or “walk on
its heels”. The hairy growth covering the hoof should be kept trimmed to the ‘sole’ of
the foot, leaving the latter bare underneath.
f) Body: Good depth is an important feature. It should drop in a gradual curve from the point
where the abdomen unites with the chest, i.e. a little way behind the forelegs, and then
rise slightly again to meet the udder. The back should be level from the shoulders to the
hips and then drop slightly at the tail region. The hips are often slightly higher than the
shoulder, but this need not be regarded as a defect. An excessive dip in the back,
however, is highly undesirable. Plenty of length from the head to the tail is a desirable
feature.
g) Ribs: The ribs should be well sprung so as to give a barrel effect; flat sides are a common
fault. The abdomen should not be protruding beyond the width of the ribs, so that its
roundness is not affected.
h) Hind-quarters: There should be sufficient width across the hips and the rump, and between the
pin bone and the hocks.
 The hind-legs should face straight forward and not outward; the latter tendency is
one of the commonest defects in goats resulting in the so-called ‘cow hocks’.
 There should be a slight rise from the back to the hips and a gradual drop from the
rump to the tail. A sharp drop from the hips to the tail is regarded as a defect.
i) Hind-legs:Bones should give the appearance of strength with the hocks slightly bent. The pastern
should be short, its joint showing no sign of weakness that might result in dropped
pastern.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 12

j) Udder and teats: The udder should be carried well under the body. When viewed from the side
it should be in front of the hind-legs.
 It should be large, but its size should be proportional to the size of the goat. The
skin of the udder is usually covered partly with fine, soft and pliable hair. The
texture of the udder should be reasonably soft.
 Heavy milk production is associated with the amount of milk-secreting tissue. The
udder should undergo considerable shrinkage after milking.
 Milk ducts and teats should be entirely free from hard lumps (indicating chronic
inflammation), these being sometimes discovered only after milking.
 The teats should be quite separate from the udder with a distinct line of
demarcation, point downward and slightly forward, and be of moderate length and
of suitable size to be conveniently held in the hand during milking.
 Large milk-veins should be present under the belly and lead to the udder. These
veins, although usually better developed in old goats, indicate superior milch
quality. The shape of the udder in the Indian breeds varies considerably.
k) Skin and hair: The skin should be soft, supple and loose. The coat varies in different breeds, but
is generally glossy, with fine, short hair.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 13

EXERCISE. 6
 MANAGEMENT OF LAMBS AND KIDS (CARE OF YOUNG STOCK)
Purpose : Young lambs and kids should be taken care of to the maximum extent during the
early period of life. Efforts should be made to have maximum care for optimum growth
during early period of life of lamb. This will ensure better survival and future growth.
1. Ensure proper suckling of the lambs. Examine udders for blindness of teats or mastitis.
2. Take care of indifferent mothers and arrange suckling of lambs by restraining such types of
ewes.
3. Provide creep feed (good quality hay with or without concentrate mixture) to suckling
lambs in addition to suckling of milk from tenth day to weaning age.
4. If possible, make available green leguminous fodder or fresh tree leaves to lambs to nibble
during suckling period.
5. Perform 'lamb marking' operation (comprising ear tagging/tattooing, tail docking and
castration of male lambs) at the age of 2-4 weeks.
6. Weaning should preferably be done at 90 days, although in breeds with low milk production
or where re-breeding is desired, it can be done around 60 days.
7. Supplementary feeding and good clean pastures must be provided.
8. Weaned lambs should be drenched against gastro-intestinal parasites by the first month, and
vaccinated against enterotoxaemia and sheep pox.
9. Weaners should not be grazed on poor, burry and thorny types of pasture since it could
cause skin irritation, injury to the eyes and damage to the wool.
10. They should be protected against predation and the vagaries of climate.
Castration : Surplus males are castrated to check indiscriminate mating, to make the males more
docile and to make mutton of superior quality. However, in India, the market demand most
often favours the intact male. Castration is usually done by using a castrating knife, Burdizzo
castrator/emasculatome or elastrator.
1. Burdizzo/emasculatome method
Secure the lamb and place it on its rumps with tail placed along the floor.
Manipulate the testes and slightly pull out the scrotum.
Hold the spermatic cords tightly on both sides making sure that it does not slip.
Apply tincture iodine at the site.
Place the jaws of the emasculatome over the spermatic cords and press the handles completely;
hold for a few moments before releasing.
Repeat the process about 1 cm below the first crush.
Apply additional antiseptic and watch the animal for infection for a few days.
Precautions : The emasculatome must be clean and disinfected, and its jaws must be clean and
smooth. The testes must be protected from injury. The scrotal skin folds must not be crushed.
2. Elastrator method

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 14

As this method is bloodless and painless, it is the most preferred.

Secure the lamb and make it lie down on one side.
Place the rubber ring with the help of the elastrator over the spermatic cord, a little above the
testes.
The constant pressure shuts off the blood supply to the testes and causes testicular atrophy and
sloughing off in about 2-3 weeks.
3. Incision method
Secure the lamb on a clean floor and make it lie down on one side.
Disinfect the surgical site and make an incision on the lower side of the scrotum with a sharp
knife.
Remove the testes and as much of the spermatic cord as possible.
Disinfect thoroughly and take adequate post-operative care.
Docking : Docking or removal of the tail is not common in India. That part of the tail remaining on
the body is referred to as the dock. This process is necessary in most sheep breeds for the
following reasons:-
a) To improve sanitary conditions, since the long wool on the tail will become saturated with feces
and urine and become a target for fly strikes or screwworm infestation.
b) To increase productivity in ewes, in which the tail may interfere with breeding and lambing.
c) To improve the appearance of sheep for exhibition in the show ring.
d) To increase the value of market lambs.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 15

EXERCISE. 7

Vaccination schedule for sheep and goat

Sheep vaccination schedule
Disease Age and booster doses Route Remark
Foot and mouth disease 6-8 week; s/c or i/m
Repeat every 6-9 depending on the
months vaccine
Haemorrhagic septisemia 3-4 months; 1 ml s/c May/june
Repeat annually
Sheep pox 3 months s/c
Tetanus Tetanus toxoid 0.5-1 mls/c o/i/m
Anthrax 4-6 months; repeat 0.5-1 ml s/c at tail In endemic areas
annually fold only
Enterotoxaemia 3-4 months; repeat after 2.5 ml s/c First two doses
15 days and then before august
annually

Goat vaccination schedule

Disease Age and booster doses Route Remark
Foot and mouth disease 6-8 week; s/c or i/m
Repeat every 6-9 depending on the
months vaccine
Enterotoxaemia 3-4 months; repeat after 2.5 ml s/c First two doses
15 days and then before august
annually
Haemorrhagic septicaemia 3-4 months; 1 ml s/c May/june
Repeat annually
Anthrax 4-6 months; repeat 0.5-1 ml s/c at tail In endemic areas
annually fold only
Tetanus Tetanus toxoid 0.5-1 mls/c o/i/m
PPR At the age of 3 months 1 ml s/c Once in three
for kid years
Goat pox At the age of 3 months I ml s/c March/April

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 16

EXERCISE. 8
HOUSING OF SHEEP AND GOAT
 Sheep and goats are raised in all climatic zones of Ethiopia. These climatic zones
are very diverse with some being dry and others wet. Extreme heat is a major
characteristic of some zones while others experience cold temperatures. Each
situation has its own requirements for the design and construction of optimum
animal housing. It should be

 Be strong enough to last a long time;

 Be large enough for the number of animals to be accommodated comfortably.
 Allow freedom of movement for all animals;
 Be well-drained or have well-maintained dry bedding and easy to clean. Sheep and goats
do not tolerate mud well; therefore, yards and shelters should be built only on well-
drained
ground;
 Receive morning sunshine evenly;
 Be well lighted and ventilated. Air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air
humidity and gas concentrations should be at levels that will not harm animals;
 Have suitable isolation pens for sick or injured animals as far away from the main
house as possible.
 Types / designs of recommended housing options
1. Orientation
 The orientation of the shed can be important depending on the climate. One can
prevent the sun from heating up the stall too much by placing the longitudinal axis
of the stall east - west. If, on the other hand, one wants the sun to shine on the
floor so that the floor dries up and parasites die, it is better to build the shed along
a north - south axis (This is preferred in humid areas).

West-East orientation North-south orientation

Figure 3. Orientation

2. Ventilation

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 17

 The purpose of ventilation is to provide the desired amount of fresh air, without
drafts, to all parts of the shelter; to maintain temperatures within desired limits;
and to maintain ammonia levels below specified levels.
 Ventilation is of utmost importance to maintain a desirable interior temperature of
28 to 30°C. If the animals cannot get rid of heat because the surrounding
temperature is too high (above 30°C), they eat less and therefore produce less.
Majority of pneumonia cases can be traced to excessively warm and humid
interior and sudden changes in temperature. It is, therefore, necessary to make the
shed sufficiently high and make sure there are openings for ventilation in the roof
or walls.
 In warm climates, where the stalls are fairly open, a low wall of about 1 meter on
the side the wind comes from is sufficient.

Lay out of interior of shed

3. Roof:
 The roof provides protection from sun and rain and can be of a shed, gable or modified
gable style.
 Slope is important in removing rain and thatched roofs need a greater slope than iron
sheeting.
 A greater slope is also beneficial in areas with high rainfall.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 18

 The roof should be waterproof with sufficient overhang to prevent rain from blowing in.
Adequate ventilation is essential in maintaining animal health.
 A high roof encourages air movement but is more likely to be damaged by strong
winds. A roof vent can assist in proper ventilation. Roofs can be constructed from iron
sheet, grass/bushes, wood, stone/brick or earth depending on production system, material
availability and climate.

Shed Gable Modified Gable

Types of roof

4. Wall:
 The wall should not be completely solid to allow air movement through the house.
 Good air movement (ventilation) is essential to remove moisture, excess heat in hot
weather and/or odor and gasses from animal waste so that animals stay cool, dry and
clean. Inadequate ventilation can lead to problems such as pneumonia.
 While good ventilation is essential for animal health, drafty conditions must be
avoided.
 Air circulation should be above the animals’ heads and ventilation openings
should be placed high enough so that air does not blow directly past the animals. Air
movement can be effected through mechanical (e.g., ventilator) or natural means.
 Providing openings or short side walls of about 1 meter height will provide
sufficient ventilation. A hedge can also fulfill this function.
 Outer walls are designed to protect animals from external influences and inner walls aid
in animal management, such as controlling breeding. At a minimum, inner walls should
create pens for:
a. Males
b. Females with young
c. Females without young
5. Floor:
 The floor could either be packed earth, concrete or slatted.
 Packed earth or concrete floors should have a slope of about 5% for good drainage.
Raised platforms where sheep and goats can lie above the floor and away from
manure and urine are beneficial.
 These can be placed along the longest wall of the barn.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 P a g e | 19

 Slatted floors should be raised about 1-1.5 meters above ground level to facilitate easy
cleaning and collecting of dung and urine.
 A raised, slatted floor in tropical and subtropical areas has the following advantages:
a. No need of bedding
b. Allows manure, urine and debris to drop through the slatted floor, thus removing
a major source of disease and parasite infestation
c. Requires less labor to clean and maintain
d. Remains relatively dry and clean
e. Reduced space requirements
f. Manure is easily collected for fertilizer use or for sale
g. Allows air to pass through the slats increasing ventilation and comfort in hot
weather.

Bamboo s wooden Slats made of Eucalyptus twigs

Figure 8. materials for constructing slats

6. Space requirement:
 In any type of housing for sheep and goats, adequate floor space must be provided.
Adjustments may also be made depending on local climate and flock size.
 Additionally for animals managed totally indoors, an open yard for exercising is required.
Sheep and goats should not be crowded and must have room to lie down. Overcrowding
promotes ill health.
Recommended floor space for sheep and goats
Type of animal Weight (Kg) Floor Space (m²/animal)
Solid Floor Slatted Floor Open yard
Ewe/ doe 35 0.8 0.7 2
Ewe/ doe 50 1.1 0.9 2.5
Ewe/ doe 70 1.4 1.1 3
Lamb/ kid 0.4 – 0.5 0.3 – 0.4
Ram/ buck 3.0 2.5
Pregnant ewes/does 2.0 1.5

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
Space requirement:

In any type of housing for sheep and goats, adequate floor space must be provided.
Recommended space requirements vary depending on animal size and the type of floor
used (Table 1). Adjustments may also be made depending on local climate and flock size.
Additionally for animals managed totally indoors, an open yard for exercising is required.
Sheep and goats should not be crowded and must have room to lie down. Overcrowding
promotes ill health.

Table 1. Recommended floor space for sheep and goats

Type of animal Weight (Kg) Floor Space (m²/animal)

Solid Floor Slatted Floor Open yard
Ewe/ doe 35 0.8 0.7 2
Ewe/ doe 50 1.1 0.9 2.5
Ewe/ doe 70 1.4 1.1 3
Lamb/ kid 0.4 – 0.5 0.3 – 0.4
Ram/ buck 3.0 2.5
Pregnant ewes/does 2.0 1.5

EXERCISE. 9

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
MANAGEMENT OF RAM AND BUCK
Pre-turnout Preparation:

1. Shear all rams, if the season of the year permits. This will help them on hot, humid days.
2. Trim their feet well in advance.
3. The previous year’s rams and bucks need to be placed on a weight gaining program:
o 1st choice - good, green pasture, i.e. mixed legume-grass.
o 2nd choice - good, clean grain at the rate of 1 - 2 lbs/head/day and an ample
supply of good quality, legume hay.
4. A breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) should be performed on every ram and buck.
This exam should include a thorough semen evaluation. See B710 for additional
information on performing a BSE.

Employment of Teaser Rams or Bucks:

 "Teaser" rams/bucks are animals that have been surgically altered in a way that
prevents them from reproducing.
 These animals still have sexual drive and will mount females in heat. Some producers
will use a marking harness on the teaser ram/buck to mark the ewes/does that are
cycling.
 These animals can also be used to help get a group of females cycling at roughly the
same time.
 Estrus synchronization can also be accomplished by having rams/bucks in a pasture,
paddock, or pen next to the group of ewes/does.
 The sight, sound, and particularly smell of the ram/buck will often be enough to
synchronize the cycling of the females. The use of teaser rams/bucks should not begin
more than two (2) weeks prior to the start of the breeding season.

A typical marking harness on a teaser ram.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
Ram/Buck Usage During the Breeding Season: The following are common ratios of
females to males:

Ratio of Ewes per Ram or Does per Buck:

 Ram lambs and buck kids (approx. 8-10 months of age):

o 15 to 30 ewes or does per 1 ram lamb or buck kid.
 Yearlings (approx. 12-16 months of age):
o 25 to 50 ewes or does per 1 yearling ram or buck.
 Mature rams and bucks:
o a general rule is 100 ewes or does per 2.5 to 3 rams or bucks.

There are 5 ways of utilizing a ram or buck during the breeding season:

1. Continuous Service: This is where the rams/bucks are simply turned in with the
females at all times during the breeding season.

2. Intermittent Service: The rams/bucks are turned in for only a portion of the time,
usually at night. This is an excellent way to use ram lambs and yearlings who will
have a tendency to overwork themselves. This also makes it easier to supplement the
ram(s) and buck(s). When the male is not with the females, leave a bred female
or wether in with the ram/buck for company.

3. Rotational Service: This is a method of using different rams/bucks at different times

during the season. Use of the rotational plan is recommended when young males
constitute a portion of the ram/buck battery. Rotational servicing helps to prevent the
younger males from overworking themselves.
o The 1/2 and 1/2 system - turn-out 1/2 of the rams/bucks for about 3 weeks and
then bring them in. Turn out the other 1/2 of the ram/buck battery for the
remaining time.
o Another method is to use 1/3 of the rams/bucks for the first two weeks, then
remove them. At that time, introduce the other 2/3rds of the ram/buck battery
for the next 2 weeks. After the 2 weeks, then add the initial 1/3rd of the
rams/bucks so that all males are in for a final 2 weeks.

4. Hand Coupling/Hand Mating Service: This involves taking the ewes or does as
they come into heat to the flock ram/buck for servicing. This can be good for purebred
breeding in order to extend the service of an old or infirm ram/buck. However,
because of the necessity for heat detection, it requires the use of additional heat
detection methods such as a teaser ram/buck and apron. Failure of adequate heat
detection is the primary reason this method may be unsuccessful.

5. Artificial Insemination Service: This system requires that efficient heat detection
methods be utilized. Currently, this method is not being used to any great extent in
large commercial sheep production systems because of the extensive labor and
management issues that are involved. However, many of the small and mid-sized goat
and sheep producers successfully utilize this method for genetic improvement in the
flock/herd. Both frozen and fresh semen are commonly used for breeding.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
Species Age Breeding Type of Volume of Total Length of time for
when season penis semen per sperm per new sperm to
puberty ejaculation ejaculation mature
reached (spermatogenesis)
Ram 4-12 Non- Fibroelastic 0.7-2 mLs 2-11 billion 59-73 days
months(6 seasonal with a (1 mL ave.) (3 billion
mo. ave.) (will sigmoid ave.)
breed flexure and
anytime) obvious
urethral
process
Buck 2-8 Non- Fibroelastic 0.8 mLs 4 billion 60-70 days
months seasonal with a
(will sigmoid
breed flexure and
anytime) obvious
urethral
process

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
EXERCISE. 10
DIPPING, POURING AND SPRAYING
A. Dipping
Purpose:
 To eradicate ectoparasites, cure and prevent spread of sheep scab, ward off attacks by
sheep blow-flies, remove waste material and dung from the fleece prior to shearing,
thus facilitating production of clean wool.
Time:
 In India, sheep can be dipped immediately before the post-winter shearing and/or
before the post-autumn shearing.
 In addition, they can be dipped 1-4 weeks after shearing, when the fleece has grown
long enough to retain dip solution and also allow cuts and scratches incidental to
shearing time to heal.
 Dipping chemicals : BHC, Lindane (0.25%), DDT (0.5%), Garathion, Malathion
(2.0%), Cimathion, Pyrethrin-arsenic sulphide powder (0.2% arsenic), coal tar-
creosote (0.76%), nicotine and tobacco dips (0.1% nicotine, 15 kg tobacco leaves in
500 lit water).
Dipping tanks :-
a) Hand bath : In case of small flocks, a tank of galvanized iron (1.2 x 1.0 x 0.5 m) can be
used. Sheep can be lifted one by one into the bath and kept for two minutes. The sheep are
removed and placed on a drain board to drain off surplus dip back into the dip tank.
b) Swim bath : In large flocks, the dipping tank can be constructed of metal or concrete. It
should be 12 feet long at the top and 6 feet long at the bottom, with a incline for the other 6
feet. The tank should be 2 feet wide at the top, sloping to one foot at the bottom, and it should
be 6 feet high. The sheep should be completely immersed in the liquid (including their heads
and ears).
Precautions :-
1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly for preparation of the dip as well as
its disposal.
2. Always water and rest the sheep before dipping to avoid their drinking of dipping
solution.
3. Choose a bright, sunny day (neither too hot nor too cold) so that the treated animals
will dry quickly and the insecticide will not be diluted by rain.
4. Avoid dipping of sheep in advanced stage of pregnancy.
5. Avoid dipping of sick animals, sheep with wounds, young lambs (less than one month
old) and stock being sent for slaughter.
6. Avoid dipping of rams in breeding season to guard against injury to penis or scalding
of thigh.
7. Keep sheep in the holding pen for at least five to ten minutes so that they drain
properly, thus avoiding wastage of dip and resultant pollution of the environment.
8. Complete each day's dipping by 4 PM so that the sheep will have some hours to dry
before nightfall.
9. Do not return treated sheep to the shed from which they came until it is completely
cleaned.
B. Pouring
 When an individual sheep is affected with scab or badly affected with maggots and
has open wounds, dipping is not advisable.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
  In such animals, a small quantity of dip is poured into the fleece along the back, sides
and belly to achieve the objectives of dipping.

C. Spraying
 Spraying sheep with a fly repellant insecticide solution over the backs and sides is an
effective method of controlling ectoparasites in tropical countries.
 In developed countries, fly-repellant solution is sprayed in the form of a fine mist
through a series of nozzles into a roomy tunnel through which the sheep are forced to
pass.
 However, spraying can be done with the help of a power sprayer or hand sprayer in
case of small flocks.
 Spraying is not as economical or efficient as dipping and is recommended only for
young lambs which cannot be dipped.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
EXERCISE. 11
COMMON VICES IN SHEEP AND GOATS
 A vice is a habit which is regarded as a weakness in someone's character, but not
usually as a serious fault.
1. Wool pulling and wool eating
 Wool pulling is a form of abnormal behaviour which occurs in sheep within
restrictive enclosure and indoor management systems.
 Overcrowding and deficiency of roughage in the diet are the contributing
factors for this vice.
2. Stealing young / lamb stealing
 Pre-parturient ewes, cows and mares often approach, sniff and remain close to
the new born young of other members of the group. This leads to reduced
maternal support to the young and it become weak.
 In lamb stealing, the foster mother may later reject her own lamb when it is
born or may have no colostrum left for it. In these various situations lamb may
often die. This problem can be controlled by separating the ewe or cow should
separated from the group before and very soon after parturition.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
EXERCISE. 12
ESTROUS SIGNS OF SHEEP AND GOAT

 Redden of the vulva and discharge from vulva

 Tail wagging
 Mounting other animal
 Seeking male
 Frequent bleating
 Push her back
 Standing for mating (standing reflex)
The males are attracted by smell, sight and sound and exhibit following behaviour
 Sniff the vulva
 Extending neck with curling of upper lip
 Biting the side of the ewe/doe and wool pulling
 Paw the ewe– raising and lowering of one front leg in a stiff legged striking motion
 Mount and mate

 Identification of sheep and goat in heat

1. Using an intact male

 The male is allowed in the flock to identify the oestrous animals.

 There is a chance of the buck or ram will mate the doe or ewe if it is not controlled
properly.

2. Use of intact male fitted with aprons

Male with aprons

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
  An apron is tied on the abdomen of the male to cover the penis.
 The apron is made of a soft piece of cloth measuring 60x45 cm with strings on four
sides to tie it properly. This prevents mating.
 The apron should be washed daily and checked for holes or tears to avoid unwanted
mating.
 There is a risk of fertile mating if the apron is not securely fastened and checked
frequently.
 Inflammation, irritation and infection of penis and prepuce area can occur, resulting
in inhibited sexual desire and mounting behaviour.
 The ram/buck are apronized and allowed in to the flock for identification of animals
in the morning and evening for about 15 to 20minutes.
 Teasure ram/buck detects the females in heat, which are marked and separated out for
breeding with desired ram.
3. Vasactamised ram
 Vasactamised rams can be prepared by doing surgical intervention.
 An intact buck or ram is let in to the flock. The buck or ram follows the doe/ewe in
estrous.

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
EXERCISE. 13
RECORD KEEPING ON SHEEP AND GOAT FARM
Purpose :
 Farm records are essential for ascertaining the pedigree, implementing the breeding
programme for improvement of the herd, keeping track of various farm efficiency
indicators, economical feeding of animals, culling of under-productive animals,
stocking and sale of products, and computation of financial data.
1. Individual ewe history sheet

Date of Disposal Growth Data

Singl
ID birth/
Flock e/ Descri Sire Dam D
no Rea Re Re
no. ption no. no. a Dat Ag
. Purcha son mar Wt mar
Twin t e e
se s ks ks
e

Lambing Data

Weaning Disposal
D Conditi
ID Birth Type Sire A
at Sex on of Wei Dat Mo
no. wt. of birth no. g
e birth ght e de
e

Wool Production

Wool Sides Shoulder Belly Thigh

growt %
Y Y Tot Gre Cle
D h of
Fin Yi Fin i Fin i Fin al ase an
at Yiel yi
ene el ene e ene e ene yiel wei wei
e d el
(days ss d ss l ss l ss d ght ght
d
) d d

Health Record Slaughter Data

Ant W
e- Dre ei
D Dre
D Live mor sse gh Re
Cond Treatm Rem a ssi
at wei tem d t mar
ition ent arks t ng
e ght feat wei of ks
e %
ure ght ski
s n

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
 2. Ewe record
Date Type Type Age and Shorn
Birth
Ewe Sire Dam of of weight fleece Lamb
Remarks
no. no. no. of details
weight
birth birth rearing at weaning weight

3. Ram record

Age and
Date Type Type Shorn
Birth weight
Ram Sire Dam of of fleece Progeny
Remarks
no. no. no. of performance
weight at
birth birth rearing weight
weaning

4. Lamb crop register

Year Season Date Date ram Ram Ewe Date of Lamb Sex Birth
ram turned used no. lambing no. weigh
turned out
in

Type Nursed Date Date 120 Market Disposal Disposal Remerks

of by weaned castrated days weight mode date
birth (ewe weight
no.)

5. Wool production register

Sides Shoulder Belly Thigh Tot

al
Sh
sta
ee Days Re
Dat Fine Yi Fine Yi Fine Yi Fine Yi ple Gra
Year Season p of mar
e nes el nes el nes el nes el yiel de
no growth ks
s d s d s d s d d
.
len
gth

6. Health register
Date Animal no. Complaint Treatment Remarks

7. Roll call register

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management
Date Rams Ewes Ram lambs Ewe lambs Total Reason for variation Remarks

Prepared by: Dr. Komal K. Prajapati

M.V.Sc: Livestock production management