Sheep and Goats

Featured Resources

Sheep Production Guide

Outlines management practices to help sheep producers achieve greater productivity. Includes a sheep management calendar. Discusses flock management, lamb management and nutrition, how to calculate adjusted weaning weight, how to address lambing difficulties, and artificial rearing of lambs. Covers health management practices related to parasites, diseases, and abortions.

Nov 2006 | OSU Extension Catalog

Good choices on rams now translates to good flock production later

This article has information on ram attributes and flock goals that help guide you in choosing the best flock sire for your farm.

James Thompson | Aug 2018 | Article

Understanding Sheep Reproduction Helps Ranch Productivity

Understanding reproduction in sheep helps us be good ranch managers, have highly productive flocks, and use resources wisely. One of the most important points to understand is that the number of lambs produced by the ewe flock differs depending on when you breed your sheep. Consider the following information in your flock management practices. The main determinant of sheep ...

Shelby Filley | Nov 2009 | Article

Latest News

OSU researchers propose CRISPR as influencer of low genetic diversity in deadly bacteria

Scientists at Oregon State University have shed light on the evolutionary history of a soil-borne bacteria that is so dangerous to grazing animals it is kept behind lock-and-key to prevent its spread.

Chris Branam | Oct 18, 2018 | News Story

Desert bighorn sheep are crossing Interstate 40 in California

Desert bighorn sheep are able to climb steep, rocky terrain with speed and agility. New research shows that they can cross a four-lane highway.

Chris Branam | Jun 5, 2018 | News Story

OSU bighorn sheep research sheds light on path of killer disease

Once a herd is infected, an all-age die-off can occur

Chris Branam | Apr 6, 2017 | News Story

All News

Upcoming Events

Using Livestock Guardian Dogs

569 Hanley Rd
Central Point, OR 97502
United States

Dec 9, 2019 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Event

Meet Our Experts

Shelby Filley

Regional Livestock & Forage

Have a Question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask Us a Question

To graze or not to graze that is my question.

Q: I have a small dairy goat farm, and at the moment have 5 adult does plus 2 donkeys. In the winter they are confined to the paddock around the barn, but in spring I begin rotating them between 3 small pastures, one to two acres in size. In July, after hay harvest I let them out onto the 7 acre cut hay field. They have access to this field the majority of ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions