Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
look after they're properly trimmed. The legs should move fl uidly with no
signs of lameness or stiffness.
Skin
Closely inspect the whole body for rashes or for wounds that haven't healed.
Turn up the animal into the sitting position used for shearing (see chapter 11)
to inspect the belly and the scrotum or udder areas. Several diseases manifest
with skin lesions, and sheep with these disorders are best avoided. If there are
wounds, are there signs of infection, like a hot red area around the wound or
draining pus? During fl y season, make sure there is no sign of fl ystrike, which
is eggs in the wool or maggots or screwworms at the wound site. (Flystrike
can also happen in the hooves of sheep with foot rot.) Minor wounds that
appear to be healing correctly shouldn't rule out an animal.
Health Records
After you've inspected the animals, inspect the health records. Check the vac-
cination record. If you're buying a ram, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) should be negative for epididymitis. Some shepherds have had
their fl ocks monitored for certain diseases, like scrapie, ovine progressive
pneumonia, and Johne's disease. If the fl ock owner has not done this type of
testing, ask your local veterinarian which tests are recommended. The deci-
sion should be based in part on where you live, how many animals you're
purchasing, and whether the seller is willing to provide you with a healthy-
animal warranty. (Also, while you're talking to the vet, fi nd out if there are any
recommended changes to the vaccination program for the fl ock.)
So . . . congratulations — you're the proud owner of some sheep. Now what?
Before you even bring the fl ock home, make sure your facilities are ready (see
chapter 3). A small holding pen or drylot that is well fenced should be the
fl ock's fi rst stop.
Feed the same type of feed as the farm where your sheep came from. Before
leaving the farm, ask the owner what kinds of forage or grain the sheep have
been eating. If the fl ock was fed something that isn't readily available at any
feed store, buy some from the farmer. Then gradually change the sheep from
their accustomed diet to whatever you intend to feed. Never change abruptly!
(See chapter 6 for specifi cs on feeds and feeding.) To avoid scours and bloat,
