Targeted grazing

Targeted grazing

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  Goats and sheep:a weapon against weedsSUSAN SCHOENIANSheep & Goat SpecialistUniversity of Maryland [email protected] – www.sheepandgoat.com
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  TopicsChoosing animalsControlling animalsAnimalmanagement
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  Choosing animalsSpeciesBreedSexAgeConditionHealth
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  SpeciesGoatSheepBoth
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  GoatsBrowsersTop-down grazersSelective grazersCantolerate secondary compoundsVery agileCan reach high-growing forageWill destroy young treesDon’t like to get wetCan be hard to containHarder to handle
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  SheepIntermediate grazersReadily consumegrassPrefer forbs (broadleaf weeds)Selective grazersGraze close to the groundAvoid wet areasEasier to handleEasier to contain
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  BreedSome breeds havedifferent grazing preferences.Larger framed animals will have a higher browsing line.Breeds vary in their management needs and tolerance to environmental stresses and disease challenge.There are more differences among breeds than between breeds.Crossbreds tend to be hardier.SexFemales and wethers (neutered males) are usually easier to handle than intact males.Intact male goats have an offensive odor during the rutting season.Don’t mix intact males with females.
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  AgeLambs and kidslearn to eat from their dams.Lambs and kids are more likely to try novelty foods.Lambs and kids have higher nutritional requirements.Lambs and kids are less tolerant of environmental stresses and disease challenges.Older animals are easier to handle and move.
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  ConditionHornsStatus Health
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  HornsHorned animals areusually more difficult to handle than polled (or disbudded) animals.Horns can get entangled in fences and feeders.Horned animals need more space.Horned animals will dominate polled animals.Should not mix horned and polled animals.Most common breeds of sheep do not have horns.
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  StatusGrowthMaintenanceEarly to mid-gestationLategestationEarly lactationLate lactation
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  HealthGeneral appearanceHair coatBodyconditionThriftinessDisease statusExternal parasitesInternal parasitesHoof healthVaccinations Clostridial diseasesRabiesWhere to locate breeders and purchase animalsCompanies that offer fee-based grazing services.Recommendation from local county extension office.Web sitesOnline directorieswww.sheepgoatmarketing.infoListings in farm publicationsPublic livestock auctionsFreeGive-awaysRescue animals
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  Controlling animalsTransportationContainment (fencing)Handling
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  Fencing optionsPermanentWoven wireor net fencingHigh-tensile, electricTemporary, portableElectric smooth wirePolywire, tape, ropeElectric netting
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  Permanent fencingTraditional netwire Physical barrierOff-set wires to keep predators out and livestock away from fence.More expensiveHigh-tensile, electricPsychological (and physcial?) barrier 4 to 8 strands, properly- spaced wiresLess expensive
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  Temporary (portable) fencingElectricnettingElectricsmooth, polywire, tape, ropeDifferent configurations and heightsComes in standard size rolls.Physical/physiological barrierPredator proofMore expensive1 to 3 wiresSingle or multi-wire rollsStep-in postsLeast expensive type of fencingPhysiological barrier only
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  Handling optionsLow-stressManhandle themTrainthemWork in harmony with their natural behaviorWorking pensChuteRestraintFoot bathPushDragPullGrab hornsCollars
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  Halters
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  Grain as motivationDon’thandle themWhat are the consequences of not handling them?Animal managementWater Shelter / shadeNaturalPortablePredator controlFencingGuardians (?)NutritionalMineralsOther supplementation?HealthParasitesHooves
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  Goats and sheep:a weapon against weeds