Untitled Notes

General Tail Position:
- Tail Up: Generally indicates a goat.
- Tail Down: Generally indicates a sheep.
Importance of Recognition:
- Identifying whether an animal is a sheep or goat is essential in determining the species being dealt with.

Meat vs. Wool vs. Milk Breeds:
- Meat Breeds: Appear more muscular when viewed from the side, similar to beef cattle.
- Example: Comparison of dairy cows (low muscle score) and beef cows (high muscle score).
- Wool Breeds: Merino, for instance, typically has a lower muscle score. Strains may exist that are selected for meat.
- Milk Breeds: If not lactating, the udder size can help distinguish them:
- Lactating breeds generally have a larger udder size compared to meat breeds.
- Some meat breeds, like old ores, may still produce large quantities of milk.

Fiber Types: Sheep and goats have differing types of fiber (e.g., wool vs. hair) which are important for the fiber industry.
- Example Breeds: Merino, Angora, and Cashmere goats.
Coat thickness is notable between breeds:
- Thick wool vs. finer micron coats like those of Inguinal goats.

Diversity: A vast range of small ruminant breeds exists globally; focus will be on the major Australian breeds of sheep and goats.
- Importance of local knowledge about breeds: Understand regional breeds and their characteristics, as some breeds are predisposed to specific diseases (e.g., chobatoxicity in certain sheep breeds).

Most Common Breed: Merino is the predominant sheep breed in Australia.
Genetic Diversity: Contains a wide variety of strains and types due to historical breeding practices over 100-200 years.
Adaptability: Varied environments suit different strains of Merino.
Cultural Significance: Wool production from Merinos has been historically vital in Australia.

Wool Micron: The diameter of the wool fiber.
- Ultrafine Merino: Micron < 17.5, with ultra-ultramar fine at < 16.
- Finer Fibers: Competitions exist for the finest fibers below 10 microns.
Average Adult Weight: Merinos are small framed, averaging about 40 kg.
Wool Management: Some Merinos may be coated to protect valuable wool from sunlight and contamination (dust, burs).
Fleece Weight: Measured as greasy or clean, with greasy weight being heavier due to impurities.

Superfine Merino Wool: Micron range 17.6 - 18.5.
- Generally located in high rainfall areas; shows selection over time for finer wool.
Fine Wool Merino: Micron range 18.6 - 19.5, often associated with Saxon type structures.
Fine Medium Wool Merino: Micron range 19.6 – 20.5 microns.
- Main breed historically in Australia; breeders seek to reduce micron while maintaining fleece weight.
Medium Wool Merino: Micron range 20.6 - 22.5; larger frame and less wrinkled body type evolved.
Strong Wool Merino: Micron 22.6 or greater; primarily in dry, hot areas like pastoral zones.

Greasy Fleece Weights by Category:
- Fine Wool: 3-5 kg
- Medium Wool: 4-6 kg
- Broad Wool: 5-7 kg
Body Weights of Breeds:
- Superfine: 30-50 kg
- Medium: Up to 80 kg
- Broad: 60 kg and above.

Moving breeds: Not all breeds can thrive in all environments, as health issues may arise when relocated improperly (e.g., moisture affecting wool quality).
Dynamic Nature of Breeds: Breeds are not static and evolve over time based on selection practices. Each strain of Merino has its development path (e.g., Fairmont Merino).
Health Concerns: An increase in wrinkles can lead to health issues like flystrike - hence, breeding practices are moving towards reducing wrinkles over time.

Fine Wool Schemes: Often refer to Saxon sheep.
Medium Wool: Peppermint types.
Strong Wool: South Australian types.
Importance of knowing sheep categories and their appropriate regional habitats to optimize production and health outcomes.