Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
11/13/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Dan Morrical, Animal Science, (515) 294-2904, morrical@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Getting More from Your Ewe Lambs
The Winter Sheep Extension series over the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) kicks off Dec. 2, 2003. The focus of the evening's session is the management and care of ewe lambs from their selection as replacements through their second lactation. Ewe lambs compose 15 to 25 percent of the flock and are a high-management, high-labor portion of the ewe flock. Information provided will assist producers in better handling this challenging production group. Getting higher production or increased retention of these young females can improve a producer's bottom line. This is especially critical with the improved markets because flock replacements have record annual depreciation costs.
Presenters for the evening will be Jim Secor, McNay Research Farm superintendent and shepherd. Jim will discuss how the McNay research flock is managed and the successful output from its ewe lambs. This flock routinely has a 95 percent conception rate with more than 1.5 lambs dropped and reared by ewe lambs. Dan Morrical, ISU Extension sheep specialist will discuss critical phases that can improve the production from and ease of handling ewe lambs.
This extension program is supported by state check off dollars approved by the Iowa Sheep and Wool Check Board. Producers should contact their ISU Extension county offices for ICN locations in their area. No pre-registration is required, but there are minimal fees of $5 per person per session or $20 per family for all three sessions. For more information contact Dan Morrical at (515) 294-0847 or morrical@iastate.edu.
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