Questions are organized according to topic. Send additional questions to Susan Schoenian at sschoen@umd.edu. Susan is the Sheep & Goat Specialist for University of Maryland Extension. All questions are answered by Susan unless otherwise noted.
Breeding and reproduction
- Should I breed my ewe lambs and doelings?
- What is the best breed of sheep to raise?
- What breed of goat should I get?
- Are there sheep/goat breeds that are more resistant to internal parasites?
- How do I select my sheep/goats to be more resistant to parasites (worms)?
- What are EBVs?
Drug use
- What are the withdrawal periods for the drugs given to sheep/goats?
- Are anthelmintics (dewormers) safe?
- Which dewormer(s) should I give to my sheep/goat(s)?
- What is a combination treatment (of dewormers)?
Facilities
- What's the best type of fencing for sheep/goats?
- Can sheep/goats be raised in total confinement (zero grazing)?
Feeding and nutrition
- Should I creep feed my lambs/kids?
- What should I feed my sheep/goats?
- What is flushing and should I do it?
- What minerals and vitamins do sheep/goats require in their diets?
- Can I feed grain to my sheep/goats?
Health
- What should I vaccinate my sheep/goats for?
- When should I give clostridial vaccinations?
- What diseases are common to older lambs/kids?
- What is urinary calculi and how do I prevent it?
- How often should I trim the hooves of my sheep/goats?
- What diseases can I get from sheep/goats?
- What is scrapie and why do I need to worry about it?
Internal Parasites
- Do I need to worry about tapeworms in my sheep/goats?
- How do I prevent and treat coccidiosis in my flock/herd?
- When should I deworm my sheep/goat(s)?
- What is the FAMACHA© system and how do I get a card?
- What is the Five Point Check©?
- Can copper be used as a dewormer?
- Can I learn to do my own fecals?
- What does a fecal egg count tell you?
- What's the best use(s) of fecal egg counts?
- What is BioWorma®?
- What is the periparturient egg rise?
- What is the meningeal worm and do I need to worry about it?
Lambing and Kidding
- When is the best time to lamb/kid?
- What can go wrong before lambing/kidding?
- What can go wrong at lambing/kidding?
- What can cause a ewe/doe to abort her offspring?
- What are some of the problems with newborns?
Management
- When should I wean my lambs/kids?
- How can I reduce weaning stress?
- At what age should ram lambs and buck kids be castrated?
- How and when should I dock my lambs?
- What is the short scrotum method and is it a viable option to castration?
- What is the best livestock guardian?
Marketing
- Why are there two dates for Easter and why does it matter to sheep/goat producers?
- What are the slaughter options for sheep/goats?
Pasture and forages
- How much land do I need to raise sheep/goats?
- What is the best hay to feed my sheep/goats?
- Is hydroponic fodder a good option for sheep/goats?