Sheep/Goat Industry Vocab

Wool

the fiber that grows instead of hair on the bodies of sheep

Breed Complementarity

when characteristics of different breeds complement each other in crossbreeding systems

Farm Flock Production

sheep operations focusing on purebreds, smaller than range operations with more costs

Anestrus

period of time when a female is not having estrous cycle

Seasonal Market

a time of the year when there is increased demand for a product

Roughage

bulky feed with high fiber; less digestible than forages

Trimester

a third of a pregnancy

Range Sheep Production

sheep production operations with large numbers of breeding ewes using large areas

Mohair

the fiber produced by the Angora goat

Conception

when the sperm fertilizes the ovum

Secondary Enterprise

in diversified farm operations, secondary to the one that provides the bulk of the income

Intensive Systems

more concentrated conditions; fed higher quality feeds

Browse

the tender leaves and twigs from brush and trees

Specialty Market

a product generally aimed at a specific segment of the overall market; niche market

Palpation

physically touching and examining with one’s hands

Flushing

feeding extra feed to stimulate estrus and ovulation rates