Animal Science 10/30

Differences Between Sheep and Goats

  • Coats
    • Sheep have wool
    • Goats have "fur"
  • Horns
    • Sheep horns typically curl back
    • Goat horns are more pointed
    • Not all sheep have horns; some are polled
  • Tails
    • Sheep tails generally hang down
    • Goat tails are held up
    • Many sheep in production agriculture have docked tails

Nutritional Differences

  • Copper Sensitivity
    • Sheep cannot process copper; excessive copper can be fatal
    • Goats can eat a variety of materials, including oil cans
  • Foraging
    • Sheep graze (grass)
    • Goats browse (brush)
    • Implications for pasture management:
    • Sheep and cattle may compete for resources since they often eat similar types of forage
    • Goat and cattle coexist well on the same pasture as they prefer different types of vegetation
  • Metabolic Disorders
    • Feeding too much copper to sheep can lead to sudden death in the herd
    • Sheep often choke on their feed due to eating habits

World Importance of Sheep and Goats

  • Global Production
    • Sheep are the third most common livestock species in the world
    • Important for food, milk, and clothing (wool)
  • Geographical Distribution
    • Largest populations in Asia (approx. 530,000,000 sheep) and Africa (approx. 300,000,000 sheep)
    • The U.S. has approximately 5,000,000 sheep, making up less than 1% of agricultural production
  • U.S. Production Trends
    • Majority of sheep in the U.S. are found west of the Mississippi River (approximately 66%)
    • Important production states: Texas, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah
    • Arkansas has about 205,000 sheep, with an average flock size of 150
    • Small production numbers relative to cattle and poultry industries in the U.S.

Sheep Production and Management

  • Weaning Age
    • Lambs are typically weaned at 4 to 5 months of age
    • Puberty occurs at around 6 months
  • Gestation and Breeding
    • Gestation lasts approximately 5 months
    • Seasonally breeding species, only breed during short days of winter and early spring
    • Many producers may manage for one lamb crop a year, but with proper timing and management, two crops can be achieved
  • Reproductive Metrics
    • Typically single to multiple births; 150% lamb crop common (e.g., if there are 100 ewes, expect about 150 lambs)
    • Genetic selection can influence breeding rates for twins/triplets
    • Prolificacy is a critical genetic trait for sheep, with breeds varying in twinning rates

Types of Sheep Farms

  • Range Production
    • Represents 1% of producers but holds 44% of the sheep population in the U.S.
    • Large operations, often utilize government land for grazing
    • Limited management due to scale, high reliance on natural resources and conditions
  • Farm Flock Production
    • Makes up 94% of sheep operations and accounts for 36% of sheep
    • Typically smaller-scale operations often seen in the East
    • Can be commercial (more professionally managed) or backyard (less emphasis on profit)

Categories of Sheep

  • Types of Sheep
    • Wool: Soft and fine wool breeds, including Rambouillet, Merino, and Hampshire
    • Hair: Coarse wool breeds such as Dorper and Katahdin
    • Dairy: Primarily East Friesian, known for high milk production

Examined Breeds of Sheep

  • Wool Sheep

    • Merino:
    • Recognized globally for fine wool, historically reserved for royalty
    • Hampshire:
    • Dual-purpose breed, valued for its meat and wool

  • Hair Sheep

    • Dorper:
    • Known for hardiness and good meat production; valuable skin
    • Katahdin:
    • Notable for prolificacy and adaptability in warmer climates

  • Dairy Sheep

    • East Friesian:
    • Easiest to milk, producing the most milk among sheep breeds
    • Lacaune:
    • Rich milk, used for cheese production

Practical Implications of Sheep Production

  • Market Trends and Challenges
    • Sheep production is a small segment overall with limited profitability due to few producers and market players
    • Wool production is in decline due to fewer consumers preferring synthetic fibers
    • Vertical integration of niche markets is encouraged to improve profit margins, such as specialized dairies for sheep or wool products.

General Characteristics

  • Longevity

    • Sheep have a lifespan of 7 to 8 years

  • Behavior and Management

    • Generally considered easier to manage than cattle

  • Facilities

    • Adequate facility planning is crucial to handle sheep during feeding and health management

  • Broader Importance

    • Important for agricultural diversity and as a resilient livestock option for small or multifunctional farms.

Closing Remarks

  • Sheep are essential in various global contexts for their contributions to food, fiber, and economic health, despite limited attention in U.S. agriculture compared to other livestock and the challenges facing the industry as a whole.