SHEEP MANAGEMENT CALENDAR

Warren Gill, Professor
Extension Animal Science - Beef, Sheep and Horse

Success in sheep production depends on good management. Good timing of management practices can be an important factor in the success of a sheep operation. This publication contains sheep management suggestions arranged by month.

January Sheep Management Practices

        With lambing time and cold weather, January is one of the busiest months in the shepherd's year.

Feeding

        Hay and grain concentrate supplement are the largest variable expense items in the sheep producer's budget. Following are some tips for an efficient feeding program.

1. During January, graze pasture as availability and weather permit.

2. Use stored forages efficiently for optimum production. Have your forages tested by either the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service Forage Testing Laboratory (Extension agents can assist) or a comparable laboratory. Prepare rations based on the test results. Typical rations for a ewe in late pregnancy would be 3 to 5 pounds of grass/legume hay with a half pound or less of concentrate. Following lambing, provide 4 to 6 pounds of good hay and 0.75 to 1.5 pounds of concentrate. Ewes with twin lambs will need more than ewes with single lambs.

3. Provide a complete mineral supplement. This mineral should include a minimum of 8 percent phosphorus and enough calcium to keep the calcium : phosphorus ratio at about 1.2 : 1.0 or higher. Avoid using a mineral that was prepared for other species because these often contain too much copper for sheep.

4. Check your water supply. Ponds may freeze during cold weather. This will decrease performance and is dangerous if sheep walk out on the ice in search of water. If electric water heaters are used in automatic waterers, make certain there is no stray voltage to decrease or prevent water consumption.

5. Many producers planning to sell on the spring market will start creep feeding lambs when they are 2 to 3 weeks old. Typical creep feed can be approximately 16 percent crude protein, and can be made of common ingredients such as corn, oats and soybean meal. Commercial mixtures are widely used.

Health

1. Prepare for lambing. Many Tennessee lambs are born during January. Discuss medicine and equipment needs with either your veterinarian and/or county Agricultural Extension agent. Carefully observe ewes for signs of labor. Ask the vet, your Ag agent or more experienced shepherd when to assist and when to let nature take its course.

2. Keep lambing quarters dry, clean and well bedded. Scours and pneumonia can result if conditions become unsanitary.

3. Lambs and ewes should be kept in lambing pens (jugs) for at least 48 hours. Jugs should be at least 4 feet by 5 feet. Minimize use of heating lamps because of fire hazard.

4. Dip all newborn lamb navels in iodine solutions. Dock tails within two weeks after birth. (See "February" for castration information).

5. Make certain all lambs get 100cc (4 ounces) of colostrum as soon as possible after birth followed by another 4 ounces 10-12 hours later. The dam is the best source of colostrum, but other ewes or even cows can provide colostrum. See "December" for information about freezing and thawing colustrum.

General Management

1. Purebred producers should take birth weights on all newborn lambs.

2. January is a good time to start a record-keeping system.

3. Plan for a few orphan lambs, particularly if lambing percentage is high. The best solution is to graft onto a ewe with a single lamb (singlet). If this is not practical, plan to raise the lamb with lamb milk replacer. Use commercially prepared lamb milk replacer (never calf milk replacer). Wean to high-quality concentrate by 20 days old. The starter concentrate should be 20 to 24 percent crude protein and should be a ground meal (not pelleted. Abrupt change from milk replacer to starter is probably best.

Breeding

1. Lambing is the time to evaluate the success of last year's breeding program. Is your lambing percentage adequate? Are lambs arriving on a "tight" schedule? Are all ewes lambing? Answering these questions accurately and making management adjustments based on the answers may allow you to improve your animal's breeding performance next year.

Wool

1. Feed to reduce wool contamination. Feeding hay to sheep from from overhead racks can result in the wool becoming contaminated. Feeding on the ground may result in wasted feed and more parasites.

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February Sheep Management Practices

        Suggested management practices for February follow.

Feeding

        Efficient feed management is one of the keys to maintaining good production through the shortest month. Following are some tips for an efficient feeding program.

1. Some of the coldest weather of the year can occur in February. During cold weather, increase the allotment of high quality hay. Forage produces more heat of digestion than concentrates, helping keep ewes warmer.

2. Creep feed should be readily accessible to lambs. A light often attracts lambs to the creep. Older, experienced lambs will often lead younger lambs into the creep area.

3. Renovate grass pastures with legumes (such as clover and lespedeza) in the latter part of February. County Extension Agricultural agents have excellent brochures with detailed information about renovating with legumes.

Health

1. Lambing generally continues through February. Continue to closely observe all ewes that have not lambed.

2. Dip all newborn lamb navels in iodine solutions. Dock tails and castrate within two weeks following birth. Many good managers will dock tails as lambs come out of lambing jugs.

General Management

1. Purebred producers should take birth weights on all lambs.

2. Identify rapidly growing, twin ewe lambs for replacements.

Breeding

1. Identify ewes that do not lamb, have singles, lamb late in the season or have problems. These facts will assist in culling decisions. Consider culling ewes without lambs as soon as pracical.

2. Do not forget the rams. Check their body condition and adjust the supplement depending on presence or absence of adequate fat covering (condition). Check feet and legs to make certain problems have not developed.

Wool

1. Some producers will start shearing in the latter part of February, particularly if weather patterns appear mild.

2. Contact your county Extension agent to find out about upcoming sheep events, such as the sheep shearing school.

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March Sheep Management Practices

        Weather can have wide swings in temperature and precipitation.

        March will typically contain both cold and warm weather. Cool- season grasses, such as fescue and orchardgrass, will begin to grow during periods of moderate temperature, but may not be reliable as a forage source until April.

Feeding

1. Plan to feed hay through most of March. Ewes that lambed in December and January will have passed peak production and can have their supplement decreased.

2. Use winter annuals, such as wheat or ryegrass, for March grazing. Fertilize pasutres in mid- to late March according to recommendations from a soil test.

3. Provide a complete mineral supplement. This mineral should include a minimum of 6 to 8 percent phosphorus and enough calcium to keep the calcium : phosphorus ratio at about 1.2 : 1.0 or higher. A typical home-made mixture is one part dicalcium phosphate, one part white salt and one part trace-mineralized salt with selenium.

4. Continue creep feeding lambs.

5. Renovate grass pastures with legumes in early March, if not done in February.

Health

1. Lambing should be finished in most flocks by early March. Lambs should be docked and castrated before warm weather.

2. Vaccinate lambs for Overeating Disease (C. Perfringens type C and D) and Lockjaw (C. Tetani) at weaning. Repeat as advised on the vaccine label.

General Management

1. Ewe's milk production is generally low by eight weeks and negligible by 10 weeks after lambing. Plan to wean lambs by the time they are 10 to 12 weeks old. Wean by moving ewes away from lambs, not lambs from ewes.

2. Clean up lambing quarters by the third or fourth week of March.

3. Store lambing equipment by the last of the month.

4. Watch your flock for signs of external parasites. Treat accordingly.

5. Plan at least one deworming in March, sometimes two. A typical time for deworming ewes would be coming out of lambing jugs and/or just before turning onto spring pastures.

Wool

1. The latter part of March is a good time to start shearing.

2. Check shearing equipment. Get cutters and combs sharpened. If needed, have your shears reconditioned.

3. If you do not shear your own sheep, arrange for a shearer.

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April Sheep Management Practices

        Winter may be over, but April still brings management challenges to sheep producers. Appropriate application of management practices can be an important factor in the success of a sheep operation. Suggested management practices for April are given below.

Feeding

        April will typically bring warming trends, with cool nights and lots of rain. Cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue and orchardgrass, will reach peak growth by end of April.

1. Depending on weather and forage availability, plan to discontinue hay feeding by early April. Ewes that lambed in January will have passed peak production and can have their grain supplement decreased or stopped.

2. Use winter annuals for April grazing.

3. Continue creep feeding lambs that are still on ewes.

Health

1. All lambs should be docked and castrated before warm weather.

2. Vaccinate lambs for Overeating Disease (C. Perfringens type C and D) and Lockjaw (C. Tetani) at weaning.

General Management

1. Milk production by ewes is generally low by 8 weeks and negligible by 10 weeks. Plan to wean by 10 to 12 weeks. Wean by moving ewes away from lambs, not lambs from ewes.

2. Watch the ewe flock for external parasites. Treat accordingly.

3. Plan at least one deworming in April; typical time for deworming would be just before turning onto spring pastures. Lambs will benefit from worming if they are consuming more than half of their diet as pasture.

4. Start watching market prices, especially for heavier lambs. The approach of Easter and other factors may result in improved returns.

Wool

1. April is a good month for shearing, except it may be rainy. Sheep should be dry at shearing.

2. Make plans to attend sheep shearing school

3. If there is time, trim your animal's feet at shearing time.

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May Sheep Management Practices

Lamb Marketing

        May is typically the month with the highest lamb prices. A number of special lamb sales, mostly oriented toward club lambs, are held in Tennessee in May. Prices typically hold through early June.

Feeding

        May is a month with both cool and warm weather and plenty of rain. Cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue and orchardgrass, will be at the peak of nutritional quality. The nutritional quality of fescue and orchardgrass harvested at this stage will generally be high.

1. Lambs that have not been sold will probably need to be on a finishing ration. See your feed dealer or Agricultural Extension agent for feeding suggestions.

2. Provide a complete mineral. Commercial mixtures prepared specifically for sheep are usually most suitable. Avoid using commercial mixtures which were prepared for other species.

3. Dry ewes should be maintained on low-quality pastures or in a dry lot to avoid excessive weight gain.

Health

1. Deworm ewes and lambs on pasture. Follow label instructions on deworming products.

2. Watch for external parasites. Flies and ticks are occasionally a problem for sheep. Discuss products for control of these pests with either your veterinarian, Extension agent or animal health product supplier.

General Management

1. Select ewe replacements. Wean and manage the replacements separately from other ewes. Give preference to twins for replacements.

2. Wean remaining lambs not sold by the middle or end of May.

3. Sell cull and non-producing ewes during early May.

Wool

1. Find out the dates of the Wool Pool delivery point nearest you. Plan to sell in the pool unless you have a suitable alternative.

2. Finish shearing before Wool Pool.

3. Keep wool as clean as possible. Do not allow wool to get wet.

4. Do not bring wool to the pool in plastic feed sacks. This is against the rules. Bring wool in clean feed sacks (paper or burlap, not plastic) or corrugated boxes.

Typical Tennessee Sheep Event Calendar

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June Sheep Management Practices

        June can be a busy time for sheep producers. Suggested management practices for June are given below.

Lamb Marketing

        Large numbers of lambs from western states often reach the market in June, which typically results in a decrease in prices. May's better prices may hold through early June.

Feeding

        June will typically be warm and rainy. Cool- season grasses, such as tall fescue and orchardgrass, will be at or past the mature, seed-producing phase. Nutritional quality of fescue and orchardgrass pasture or hay harvested at this stage will be lower than that harvested in May. Following are suggested management practices for June.

1. Lambs that have not been sold will probably need to be on a high-concentrate finishing ration.

2. Provide a complete mineral. Commercial mixtures prepared specifically for sheep are more suitable that for cattle. Avoid using commercial mixtures which were prepared for other species.

3. Dry ewes should be maintained on low-quality pastures or in a dry lot to avoid excessive weight gain.

4. If ewes are to be bred for fall lambs in July, flush ewes during the last part of the month by turning them on to fresh pastures or by providing additional feed.

5. Maintain a plentiful supply of fresh water.

Health

1. Deworm ewes and lambs on pasture, especially if they were not wormed in May. Follow label instructions on deworming products.

1. Observe animals for signs of external parasites. Flies and ticks are occasionally a problem for sheep. Discuss products for control of these pests with your veterinarian, Extension agent or animal health product supplier.

General Management

1. Buy replacement ewes or select the best ewe lambs from your own flock. Give preference to rapidly-growing twins for replacements.

2. Select rams for use in early breeding. Shear rams late in June if preparing for July breeding. If your veterinarian has the necessary equipment, ask for a breeding soundness evaluation.

Wool

1. The Tennessee wool pool is generally held in June at two or more locations across the state. Contact your Extension agent for details about delivery dates, locations and times.

2. If you fail to get your wool into the wool pool, it is probably best to store it for next year. Alternative markets are unlikely to be found in Tennessee, except for an occasional spinner market. Store in a cool, dry place. Prevent vermin (mice, rats, etc,) infestation in the wool storage area. Avoid allowing the wool to become wet.

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July Sheep Management Practices

        July may contain some of those "lazy, hazy days" but it also contains some busy times for sheep producers. Suggested management practices for July are given below.

Breeding

        July is the beginning of the breeding season for many flocks. This timing is desirable from the standpoint of producing early lambs that are likely to bring the best returns on peak spring markets. However, environmental conditions in July are not ideal for breeding sheep. Heat and drought are part of the problem, as is day length, which is known to govern the onset of cycling in many breeds of sheep. Good management contributes to obtaining the best results in summer sheep breeding programs.

1. Use a "marking harness" or rub colored grease on the ram's chest to detect breeding activity. Record breeding dates. This is valuable in determining breeding efficiency and in planning lambing schedules. Change colors every 16 days.

2. Many rams "overheat" during breeding so ewes fail to breed for significant periods. Consider shearing the ram. Also, consider turning the ram with the ewes only at night. Another method for assuring reproductive success is to alternate rams on a weekly basis.

3. Allot three mature rams per 100 ewes or one yearling for every 20 to 25 ewes.

4. Provide plenty of shade, cool water and access to good pasture.

Lamb Marketing

        The lamb market is often depressed in July. Consider holding late lambs in a summer grazing program until fall or early winter. This will, however, require careful attention to health maintenance, especially deworming. Forage management will also be important.

Feeding

        July will typically be warm with periods of dry weather. Growth of cool season grasses, such as tall fescue and orchardgrass, will often slow or even stop. Warm-season grasses, such as bermudagrass, crabgrass and dallisgrass, will often flourish during July, particularly if there is adequate moisture.

1. Feeding ewes extra grain or turning onto improved pasture before breeding is called flushing. If ewes are to be bred in July or August, start on a flushing program about two or three weeks before rams are turned in. The goal is to have ewes gaining at the beginning of the breeding period. Feeding a pound or two of a concentrate ration will often suffice. So will turning into a high quality pasture. Flushing does not work with ewes that have been allowed to become too fat during the period between weaning and breeding.

2. Maintain a plentiful supply of fresh water. This is especially important for ewes that are being bred.

Health

        A healthy flock will be a productive flock. The pre-breeding period is a good time for certain vaccinations, such as vibriosis or leptospirosis.

1. Deworm ewes and lambs on pasture, especially if they were not dewormed in June. Follow label instructions on deworming products. Deworm ewes as part of the flushing program.

2. Observe your sheep for signs of external parasites. Flies and ticks are occasionally a problem for sheep. Discuss products for control of these pests with your veterinarian, Extension agent or animal health product supplier.

3. Mosquitoes may occasionally transport diseases into the flock. Control mosquitoes by eliminating their breeding areas such as brackish water.

General Management

1. Buy replacement ewes or select the best ewe lambs from your own flock. Give preference to well-developed twins for replacements.

2. Shear rams before turning with ewes to breed. If your veterinarian has the necessary equipment, ask for a breeding soundness evaluation on rams before breeding season. Otherwise, do a general assessment of the ram's health, including a palpation of the testicles and an inspection of the penis to check for injury or abnormal conditions.

Wool

Certain weeds can harm wool quality. Burrs, thistles and wild barley are among the weeds that should be controlled to keep wool quality high.

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August Sheep Management Practices

        Suggested management practices for August are given below.

Feeding

        Like July, August will typically be warm with periods of drought. Growth of cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue and orchardgrass, will often slow or even stop. Warm-season grasses, such as bermudagrass, crabgrass and dallisgrass, will often flourish during August, particularly if there is adequate moisture. If ewes are to be bred in August or September, start on a flushing program about two or three weeks before rams are turned in. The goal is to have ewes gaining at the beginning of the breeding period. A pound of a concentrate ration will often suffice. So will turning into a high-quality pasture. Flushing does not work with ewes that have been allowed to become too fat.

Breeding

        August is an important month for breeding from the standpoint of producing early lambs. However, the heat of August, and the day length, which is known to govern the onset of cycling in many breeds of sheep, contribute to reduced reproduction. Good management is often the key to obtaining the best results in summer sheep breeding programs.

1. Use a ram marking harness or rub colored grease on the ran's chest to detect breeding activity. Record breeding dates. This is invaluable in determining problems and in planning lambing schedules. Change colors every 16 days.

2. Many rams "overheat" during summer breeding so ewes fail to breed for significant periods. Consider shearing the ram. Also, consider turning the ram with the ewes only at night. Another method for assuring reproductive success is to alternate rams on a weekly basis.

3. Use 3 mature rams per 100 ewes or 1 yearling for every 20 to 25 ewes.

Health

        Observe the flock carefully for health problems during the breeding season. If ewes are failing to breed on their first service, suspect ram problems and obtain veterinary assistance.

1. Palpate the testicles of rams before breeding to make certain there are no abnormalities.

2. Deworm ewes and lambs on pasture, especially if they were not dewormed in June. Follow label instructions on deworming products. Deworm as part of the flushing program.

3. Observe for signs of external parasites. Flies and ticks are occasionally a problem for sheep. Discuss products for control of these pests with your veterinarian, Extension agent or animal health product supplier.

General Management

1. Prepare land for seeding of winter and early spring pasture.

2. Rotate ewes into fresh pastures at least once per week during the breeding season.

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September Sheep Management Practices

        September brings football, cool evenings and management challenges and opportunities to sheep producers.  September is a warm month, but nights become longer and cooler. Growth of cool-season pastures will improve if moisture is available.

Feeding

        Check condition of your ewes and rams. Feed one to two pounds of hay of pasture is inadequate. Ewes that conceive in September will lamb in late January and February. It is more difficult for lambs born in February to make desirable market weights by May. Day length is decreasing, which is known to cause the onset of cycling in many breeds of sheep. Also, ewes that conceive later in the season are more likely to have twins or triplets.

1. Continue using a ram marking harness or colored grease on the ran's chest to detect breeding activity. Record breeding dates. Change colors every 16 days.

2. Rams often have a three- or four-week period when they fail to settle ewes. This often occurs in late August, so a number of previously bred ewes may still be cycling in September. Most rams recover and settle the ewes, but it is wise to consult a veterinarian if large numbers of ewes are failing to breed.

Health

Check your flock for signs of foot rot. If problems exist, contact your veterinarian or Extension agent for recommendations.

General Management

1. Seed winter annuals into bermudagrass or prepared soil for winter and early spring pasture.

2. Stockpile fescue for fall grazing. An early September application of about 40 to 60 units of nitrogen per acre spurs fall growth. Remove sheep from pastures to be stockpiled for at least six weeks to allow fall growth to accumulate.

Final Note: plan to attend the Tennessee Sheep Producer's Association Annual Conference, generally held in late Fall or early Winter.

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October Sheep Management Practices

        Fall is in the air. October is the month of first frost, but there may still be some warm days. Growth of cool-season pastures will continue if moisture is available.

Feeding

        Pastures are usually adequate to sustain the flock. Consider the following:

1. Have hay tested in preparation for winter feeding (Extension agents can assist with this).

2. Fall-lambing ewes may need extra attention. Ewes in the third trimester of pregnancy may need supplemental feeding.

3. Early-seeded winter annual pastures may be ready for grazing late in the month.

Breeding

        Ewes which conceive in October will lamb in late February and March. Twinning rates are often higher in ewes bred during October. Lambs born in March are unlikely to make desirable market weight by May or June. These lambs may be best suited for home freezer trade.

1. Continue using a ram marking harness or colored grease on the ram's chest until the breeding season is ended. Any ewes that have not been bred by the end of the breeding season should be culled.

2. Many producers elect to end the breeding season in October by removing the ram.

Health

1. Trim ewes' feet in October, if needed.

2. Deworm ewes in October if sheep were not treated in September.

3. If needed, order lambing supplies.

General Management

        October is a good month for cleaning up the barn in preparation for fall and winter lambing.

Note: plan to attend the Tennessee Forage and Grasslands Council Annual Meeting generally held in November in Nashville.

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November Sheep Management Practices

        There may be some cold weather this month. Growth of cool- season pastures will slow or stop.

Feeding

Consider the following:

1. Ewes in the last one-third of pregnancy may need supplemental feeding. The correct amount to feed should be based on a forage test but you can follow the rule-of-thumb of feeding about 1/2 pound of concentrate per ewe in late pregnancy.

2. Stockpiled fescue and winter annual pastures should be ready for grazing, as needed.

3. Glean corn fields with your ewe flock after corn is harvested.

Breeding

        Ewes that conceive in November will lamb in April or May. This is probably too late for most Tennessee producers.

Health

1. Prepare for lambing. Arrange easy access to feeding and lambing supplies when lambing begins.

2. Sort and separate early-lambing ewes a week or two before lambing dates.

3. Observe the ewe flock frequently as lambing time approaches.

Wool

        Keep wool clean during winter feeding by avoiding situations where hay or feed contaminates wool. Feeding hay from overhead feeders should be avoided. Keep bedding areas from becoming too muddy.

General Management

1. A layer of hydrated (slaked) lime under bedding may reduce moisture and ammonia build-up in the lambing barn. This can help reduce sickness.

2. Check heat lamps, lambing pen panels and watering equipment.

3. Some sheep producers prefer to shear before lambing. This apparently improves the "mothering" ability of ewes and decreases the amount of room needed for housing the flock. Conversely, twice-per-year shearing is likely to decrease the length and value of wool.

4. If ewes are not sheared, they should be "crutched" by shearing the area around the vulva, udder and flank.

Final note: The North American Sheep Show in Louisville is worthwhile for anyone to visit. Dates are generally in mid-November.

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December Sheep Management Practices

        The holiday season is a relaxing time for many, but sheep producers are likely to be busy. Lambing is likely to begin in this month on many farms and cold weather is likely to signal the beginning of winter feeding time.

Feeding

Consider the following:

1. Continue supplemental feeding of ewes in the third trimester of pregnancy (about 0.5 pound of concentrate per ewe) plus three to five pounds of grass-legume hay.

2. Increase feed for ewes after lambing. Separate the ewes with single lambs from ewes raising twins and triplets. All ewes will need about four to six pounds of high quality hay. Ewes with single lambs will need 0.75 to 1.25 pounds of supplement and ewes with twins or triplets will need one to two pounds of concentrate supplement.

Breeding

        Ewes that conceive in December will lamb in May or June. This is probably too late for most Tennessee producers to receive top market prices. Keep rams in good condition, but avoid allowing them to become too fat.

Health

1. Dip navel cords of newborn lambs in disinfectant (7 percent iodine is widely used) after they are dry.

2. Dock and castrate lambs under clean, sanitary conditions before lambs are two weeks old.

3. Observe your ewe flock several times during the day and at least twice during the night during lambing season.

4. Chilled lambs may be most quickly warmed by putting them into a bucket of warm water. Water must be more thatn body temperature and less than 104 degrees F. Dry thoroughly upon revival.

5. Have a supply of frozen colostrum available. The best source is probably from another ewe. Colostrum borrowed from a dairy will work, as will commercial preparations. Freezing in an ice tray is convenient. Thaw carefully to avoid destroying the antibodies (do not boil or microwave!). Provide 8 ounces in two 4 ounce feedings to lambs by tubing with flexible rubber tube and syringe. The first feeding should be as soon as possible after birth and the second during the next 10-12 hours.

General Management

1. Keep lambing quarters dry and well-bedded. Use heat lambs sparingly, as needed.

2. Plan to keep ewes and lambs in individual lambing pens (jugs) for at least 48 hours after birth. The typical size of jugs is 5 feet by 5 feet. These are often built of temporary wooden gates or panels.

3. Keep newborn lambs out of direct drafts, but do not prevent adequate air circulation.

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Summary

        Sheep require good management to give the best returns. Developing a month-by-month routine is the best method for making your sheep flock a successful and profitable part of your farming life.