CANADIANS sheep notes and news ISSUE U$ VOLUME 16, NOVEMBER 1983 Tfibbl© Offr" ^ LETTER TO THE EDITOR 1 COIXbS^tjGi^ SHEEP FOOTROT ERADICATED AT MEDICINE LAKE PR0VINCIA1 y RESERVE 2 ROMANOV RAMS REDUCE LAMB MORTALITY 3 CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE WOOL GROWERS REPORT 4 - 5 FROM THE RESEAPvCH BENCH MINERAL OIL PRODUCES MORE LAMBS 6 EFFECTS OF FEEDING EWE COLOSTRUM, COW COLOSTRUM OR EWE MILK REPLACER ON PLASMA GLUCOSE IN NEWBORN LAMBS 6 - 7 NEWS FROM LAMBCO 8 NEW SHEEP GROUP FORMED 9 Editor: Don Scheer Head, Sheep and Goat Section Alberta Agriculture 7000 - 113 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 Phone: (403) 427-5077 alberta AGRICULTURE Animal Industry Division Beef and Sheep Branch 0 910217 - 1 - LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir: I am pleased to inform you that, as of June 15, 1983, the Canadian Scrapie Control Program was modified. The new program features the sacrificing of only animals related by female bloodline to scrapie-af f ected animals, with compensation to be paid at full market value and permanent marking of animals exposed to a clinical case, in order to prevent their export . We are confident these measures will adequately control the spread of the disease and provide excellent protection to owners of infected flocks, while saving some valuable genetic material as well as compensation funds . Canada's export market will not be affected by the change since the U.S. are adopting a similar program modification. T feel that Canada's sheep and goat industries will greatly benefit from this improvement which reflects the most recent findings of scientific reserach on Scrapie. J.E. McGowan Assistant Deputy Minister Food Production and Inspection Branch Agriculture Canada SHEEP FOOTROT ERADICATED AT MEDICINE LAKE PROVINCIAL GRAZING RESERVE Dr. Ralph Shute, of the Livestock Inspection Section of the Animal Health Division, wishes to announce the successful eradication of sheep footrot from the Medicine Lake Provincial Grazing Reserve. An intensive eradication program has been in place for the last three years because sheep footrot has been a major problem at this grazing reserve. A rigid inspection program was established whereby a veterinarian first inspected the sheep flocks destined for the pasture at the home farms. Patrons were informed of the measures necessary for footrot eradication, that is, trimming the sheeps hooves, foot bathing, and moving the sheep to a clean area to prevent recontaminat ion . The fact that the causitive organism does not survive in the environment for more than two weeks is the key factor in eliminating sheep footrot. Periodic inspections and foot bathing during the pasture season were important steps in eliminating this disease. Success is attributed to the cooperation and efforts of the pasture patrons, the grazing reserve management and personnel, local inspecting veterinarians and Alberta Agriculture . In the future, a similar program will be in effect to maintain the health s:atus of sheep on this grazing reserve. The continued availability of this grazing reserve to sheep producers depends upon sufficient numbers of healthy sheep to form an economically viable operation. With the successful eradication of sheep footrot, it is expected that the numbers of sheep entered onto the pasture in 1984 will be significantly increased. The cost of grazing a ewe for the 1983 pasture season was approximately $7.30. For further information regarding the pasturing of sheep in 1984 contact: Morris Seiferling, Regional Manager of Grazing Reserves, Box All, Drayton Valley, Alberta, TOE 0M0. Phone: 542-3537. - 3 - ROMANOV RAMS REDUCE LAMB MORTALITY J. A. Vesely, Animal Geneticist Recently, Agriculture Canada imported Romanov sheep, an exotic breed that originated in Russia, because of their reputation for twinning rates and hardiness. In crossbreeding trials at the Lethbridge Research Station, Romanov lambs showed much vigor immediately after birth, resultin; in reduced lamb mortality. These experiments are part of an evaluation of the Romanov, now underway, to determine what contribution, if any, this exotic breed can make to the Canadian sheep industry. Last year, the Lethbridge Research Station obtained eight Romanov rams for crossbreeding with the common breeds of sheep in Western Canada. The results of these studies will help producers decide if the Romanov breed can improve their sheep operation The Romanov rams were exposed to 108 ewes of three different genetic types: 3/4 Finnish Landrace, 3/4 Dorset Horn, and full-blooded range ewes of Rambouillet and Romnelet breeding. For comparison, 106 ewes of the same genetic types and in the same proportions were exposed to Finnish Landrace, Dorset Horn, Rambouillet, and Romnelet rams. Although results could change as the experiment progresses, the results from this first lamb crop are encouraging. For simplicication , we have grouped the results into Romanov and non-Romanov matings to see what the Romanov breed has to offer . A striking characteristic of the Romanov breed was evident at lambing time. The Romanov lambs exhibited strong vigor immediately after birth by getting up on their feet and nursing without assistance. Their vigor was later confirmed by the mortality rates of the lambs from birth to weaning. The mortality of Romanov lambs averaged five percent; for the non-Romanov lambs, it averaged 13 percent. Weaning weights were similar, 15.8 kilograms versus 15.4 kilograms, and feedlot daily gains, 0.28 kilograms, were the same for both groups. On average, each ewe raising half-Romanov lambs produced six kilograms more finished lamb than those raising non-Rcmanov lambs (89 kilograms versus 83 kilograms). This difference was primarily due to the different lamb mortality rates. Our previous research showed that the Finnish-Landrace breed of sheep, imported 20 years ago, made its unique contribution only when used in special breeding progrnms. The Romanov breed mav prove to have a similar kind of usefulness. Ref: Weekly Letter No. 2593 Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Lethbridge. (Eanailtan (Eo-npwattup fflnnl firnute limited BOX 1530 branches and associations Stony Plain, Alberta telephone: ACROSS CANADA (403) 963 4343 TOE 2G0 October, 1983. To: Northern Alberta Wool Shippers and C.C.W.G. Shareholders, BRANCH REPORT FROM MANAGER WILL VERBOVEN As most of you are now aware, the Edmonton wool collection and sheep supply facility has been relocated to Stony Plain. The move was forced upon your co-op by economic factors. High rents and an excessive city business tax made our relocation to a more reasonable facility and locale imperative. Also, in order to offset the losses incurred by the Edmonton Branch over the past few years, your co-op is expanding into the retailing of processed woollen products and spinning supplies. This necessitated a more visible storefront location. In our opinion, we have found the desired location in Stony Plain. You will also note that the name of the new facility has been changed from the Alberta Provincial Sheep Breeders Co-op to Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Ltd. A number of factors were involved with this change . Basically , in order for the Alberta Provincial Sheep Breeders Co-op to remain a legal co-operative, the Alberta Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs has over the past year insisted that the required rules and regulations be met. Because the assets and liabilities of the co-op were taken over many years ago by the C.C.W.G., the co-op existed essentially in name only. In order for the co-op to meet the required rules and regulations, costly legal and administrative procedures would have to be carried out, which would result in no particular benefit to the producer. Therefore, the directors decided to dissolve the co-op and change the name to the Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers, Stony Plain Branch. >>>>>>>>>>> - 5 - The Stony Plain branch will continue to receive and ship wool year round. Also, the sheep supply line will be expanded to include other lines of livestock supplies. An election will be held in 1984 for a Northern Alberta Director of the C.C.W.G. The election will be held by means of a mail ballot. Shareholders will be receiving information on voting in the near future. WOOL REPORT BY GENERAL MANAGER ERIC BJERGSO, CCWG, CARLETON PLACE Market conditions in the first half of 1983 have been stable, but prices have been an average of 8C lower than they were over the same period last year. However, we have subsidized this reduction by about 3C from revenue from other sources within the company. There are definate signs that the wool market will improve and we are certain that producer returns next year will be better. We realize that this years prices are discouraging, and let us assure you we are doing our best to improve the situation. We are enthusiastic with the response we have recently received from some Canadian Manufacturers who are presently importing wool and are interested in using Canadian Wool if it can meet their specifications. We therefore encourage producers to keep their fleece as free of vegetable matter as possible so that we may obtain the maximum market value for your product. The federal government is now paying its stabilization payment for the 1982 wool season. We are working closely with the federal government to make sure all shippers get their stabilization payment (38.8C per kg.), if they haven't already. If you have not received the stabilization form, please contact us for a copy. - 6 - From The J I Research Bene] MINERAL OIL PRODUCES MORE LAMBS A daily oral dose of slightly less than two ounces of mineral oil for 10 days before mating apparently increases the number of eggs ovulated and the number of lambs born, the Amercian Society of Animal Science was told during its 75th annual conference on the Washington State University campus. The research was reported by three animal scientists from the University of Illinois - Urbana. They reported the mineral oil had no influence on the digestive system or health of the ewes, but did increase the ovulation rate. It is presumed that the mineral oil increases the rate of excretion of steriods, which normally restrict the number of ovulations. Steriods are the normal ingredients of birth control pills, which inhibit ovulation. The mineral oil acts as a fertility treatment by increasing the ovulation rate. Previous research showed that the number of ovulations also could be increased by increasing the amount of grain fed to ewes, or by feeding barbiturate drugs. The scientists report that after further research, lamb producers may be able to choose from several methods of increasing the number of lambs produced each year by their ewes. Ref: Hoofbeats No. 446 North Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, Fargo, North Dakota 58105. EFFECTS OF FEEDING EWE COLOSTRUM, COW COLOSTRUM OR EWE MILK REPLACER ON PLASMA GLUCOSE IN NEWBORN LAMBS Ewe colostrum contains two components which increase the survival potential of the newborn lamb: immunoglobulins (gammaglobulin), which increases the resistance of the lamb to disease; and energy in the forms of carbohydrates and lipid (fats) which is essential for the maintenance of heat production. During lambing there is often a need for a substitute for ewe colostrum and two substitutes are in common use, cow colostrum and commercially produced milk replacer. These substitutes cannot be expected to be equal to ewe colostrum in terms of disease protection. However, it does seem likely that they could have similar effects on energy metabolism and heat production. Researchers at the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland monitored the plasma concentration of glucose for six hours in lambs fed either ewe colostrum, cow colostrum or milk replacer by stomach tube at one hour of age. The feeding of ewe colostrum resulted in a two-fold increase in plasma glucose concentration three hours after feeding and this was maintained. A similar rise was observed in the lambs fed cow colostrum but this was of shorter duration. A marked increased (9 times greater) in plasma glucose was observed after the feeding of milk replacer with a maximum value obtained 3 hours after feeding. Gammaglobulin was detected in the plasma of lambs fed ewe colostrum two hours after feeding and a progressive rise in the concentration was observed for the next four hours. In the lambs fed cow colostrum, gammaglobulin was detected three hours after feeding but there was no increase in the plasma concentration after this time. No gammaglobulin was detected in lambs fed milk replacer. Feed analysis showed that the ewe colostrum contained more gammaglobulin than the cow colostrum and was richer in both lipid and protein than either cow colostrum or milk, replacer. The concentration of carbohydrate was approximately double that in either of the colostra. Both substitute feeds resulted in significant elevations of the plasma levels of glucose and it would seem likely that either substitute would have a similar benefit as a source energy and to increase body heat production (thermogenic effect) , but cow colostrum would likely result in effects of a shorter duration. The marked and prolonged elevation observed after feeding milk replacer was likely due to its high carbohydrate content. The results the researchers obtained in this study suggest that the rate of passage of the ewe colostrum through the gut was slower than that of the cow colostrum. The major site for absorption of gammaglobulin is the small intestine. The progressive increase in the plasma concentraion of gammaglobulins observed in the lambs fed ewe colostrum indicates that some feed was present in the small intestine six hours after feeding. No such increase was observed in the lambs fed cow colostrum suggesting that most of this feed had passed to lower parts of the gut within four hours of feeding. The cow colostrum contained less fat than the ewe colostrum and this may have resulted in a faster rate of stomach emptying and passage through the small intestine. No gammaglobulin was detected until two hours after feeding. During natural sucking, gammaglobulius appear in substantial amounts in the plasma after one hour. Stomach tube feeding results in a delayed passage of the feed to the small intestine probably because the feed was deposited in the immature rumen. From a practical point of view cow colostrum is a preferable substitute for use in the newborn lamb. When using cow colostrum the feeding interval should be less than six hours. Feeding milk replacer to newborn lambs can cause dehydration and salt depletion. It should be fed cautiously. Ref: Eales, F.A., L. Murray and J. Small. 1982. Effects of Feeding Ewe Colostrum, Cow Colostrum or Ewe Milk Replacer on Plasma Glucose in Newborn Lambs. Veterinary Record 111, 451-452. - 8 - NEWS FROM LAMBCO By: Ruth Salmon Me?t and Dairy Consultant Alberta Agriculture As the only lamb processing plant in Western Canada, Lambco plays an important role in the operations of all Alberta sheep producers. As a consequence of this role, all sectors of the industry should be informed of the continual developments and innovations which are occurring at the plant. General Sales Manager Recently, I.ambco announced the appointment of James W. Coutts to the newly created position of General Sales Manager. Having spend many years with a major Canadian packer, Mr. Coutts has considerable experience in the meat industry. This experience will allow him to work closely with the retail and wholesale trade to both maintain our existing market share as well as to seek out new market opportunities . Packaging Equipment Purchase As an innovative step in lamb processing, Lambco is currently preparing to install a "Cryovac" packaging system. This system will not only give Lambco products a neater, more attractive appearance, but it will also significantly increase product shelf life. With the new equipment, Lambco1 s capacity to further process lamb cuts into boxed form will be greatly increased. The increased processing capacity, together with the superior quality of the new packaged cuts, will give Lambco the flexibility to enter new markets. Retail operations, not equipped to handle whole carcasses, will, now have the opportunity to carry the Lambco product. Market News Slaughter levels at Lambco are up 25% over last years. In fact, during one week in October Lambco slaughtered over 3,000 lambs - an all time record high. The peak killing period for the plant occurred between late May and early August. Interestingly, this peak period was both shorter and earlier than in past years. Associated with this peak killing period, lamb prices reached their lowest point in early August. However, an upward trend in prices can now be expected into the first quarter of 1984. - 9 - NEW SHEEP GROUP FORMED A group of sheep producers in the central Alberta area has formed THE BLINDMAN VALLEY SHEEP PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION to promote the sale of lamb and wool in Alberta. The group holds several meetings a year and discusses topics such as lambing techniques, cross-breeding, wool dyeing, pasture development and, recently, has placed strong emphasis on lamb marketing and a realistic assessment of cost of production. It is hoped that with a formal association the group will be able to make a usefu] contribution to the sheep industry without losing the informality, good fun and mutual help that have characterized its operation so far. Membership ranges from Breton to Innisfail and new members are welcome. For information regarding membership (which includes the newsletter) contact Lyn Ings at 843-6820; for subscription only to the association's newsletter contact Jennifer Oak (682-2490) or other matters, lan Clark (748-2624) President . sheep notes and news TSSUE #5, VOLUME 16, DECEMBER 1983 TELt)l© Of/T" 4 " ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION NOTICE 1 - 7 Q0Ht6HtS COMPUTER GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO TEST PROCEDURE AT RAM TEST STAT I ON 8 -10 A DOZEN WAYS TO SAVE LAMBS 11-13 FROM THE RESEARCH BENCH NEWLY IMPORTED SHEEP GIVE MULTIPLE BIRTHS AT RESEARCH CENTRE 14 HOW CAN PRODUCTION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES BE COMBINED 15-17 LAMBING SITES ARE IMPORTANT 18-21 NEWS FROM THE CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE WOOL GROWERS 21 Editor: Don Scheer Head, Sheep and Goat Section Alberta Agriculture 7000 - 113 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 Phone: (403) 427-5077 /dlbcrra AGRICULTURE Animal Industry Division Beef and Sheep Branch 0 910217 - 1 - ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION NOT I ( K 1984 RAM TFST STATION OLDS COLLEGE ENTRY DATES: February 24 March 9 & 23 April 6 You are invited to enter ram lambs into this year's station test. See attached regulations for details. VETERINARY INPSECTTON: Please as soon as you have decided to enter rams into this year's station test, contact Station Manager, John Knapp (948-5101) so the pre-entry veterinary inspection can be arranged where required. PLEASE FILL IN AND MAIL THE ATTACHED ENTRY FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE REGULATIONS 1984 ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION A. ELIGIBILITY 1) Any sheep breeder may enter purebred ram lambs which are registered or eligible for registration. Ewe lambs will not be accepted on test. 2) All ram lambs born in the fall of 1983 or later will be eligible for test. 3) All out-of-province contrib- utors will be required to submit a flock health certificate signed by a qualified veterinarian. This certificate must be obtained from: Dr. Ralph Shute, Alberta Agriculture 7000 - 113 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 Phone: (403) 436-9343 B. HEALTH REGULATIONS 1) Sheep which come from a blue tongue area as defined by Agriculture Canada will not be accepted. 2) Prior to accepting lambs on test, all new contributors' flocks must be inspected and found free of communicable disease or condition potentially dangerous to the health of other animals at the station. The inspection will be made by a veterinarian named by the Veterinary Services Division, Alberta Agriculture. (NOTE: In 1984, rams with clinical evidence of soremouth will not be accepted.) 4) Any contributor may be subject to a flock health inspection at the discretion of the station management. 5) AH rams will be carefully inspected on arrival at the station and may be refused entry for health reasons. 6) All rams must have their feet trimmed prior to delivery . 7) It is recommended that all lambs be vaccinated for enterotoxemia at least two weeks prior to delivery. 8) Rams which pass the veter- inary inspection on arrival will immediately be: a) weighed b) ear tagged with a test station identification number c) fecal sampled. d) administered a broad spectrum anthelmentic & antibiotic. e) vaccinated with an 8-way clostridial booster and soremouth vaccine f) footbathed. 9) During the early stages of the test all rams will be a) blood-sampled for brucella ovis. b) vaccinated again, with an 8-way booster where appropriate . 10) All Jambs will be sheared after the last group is off test and before the cull for physical defects. 11) Following the completion of test, a performance report will be issued which will include: a) actual on-test weight of each lamb . b) actual off-test weight of each lamb . c) average daily gain on test of each lamb (indexed) . d) ultrasonic back fat measurement of each lamb. e) wool quality f) overall within-breed performance evaluation . 1?) Lambs will be ranked on the basis of A.D.G. index and the sale catalogue will be published on this basis. 13) Visitors to the test station while lambs are on test, are encouraged, but interested persons are advised to contact the test station manager prior to their arrival . 14) No animal will be released from the station prior to the end-of- test without permission of the station manager. The manager reserves the right to reject any animal during the test and request the owner to remove it from the station . C. TEST CONDITIONS 1) Lambs are to be delivered to the test station by the breeder or his representative on either February 24, March 9, 23, April 6, 1984, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. At delivery, live weight of each lamb must be between 22.7 kg (50 lbs) and 31.8 kg (70 lbs) for Suffolk and Hampshire breeds and 20.5 kg (45 lbs) and 29.5 kg (65 lbs) for other breeds. NOTE: There are no limitations on the number of lambs a breeder may enter on test. However, if pen space becomes a problem, those breeders entering more than 10 rams may be required to limit their entries. 2) At the time lambs are delivered to the station, contributors must submit completed application for registration and completed transfer forms for each lamb. If these are not received before the end of test, the animal will not be eligible for entry into the test station sale. 3) All lambs must be tatooed prior to arrival . - 3 - 4) All lambs entered will be fed in groups governed by f.he following: a) lambs from each entry date will be kept separate. b) large and small breeds will be kept separate where possible . 5) Following an 11-day adjustment period, all lambs will commence an official 56-day performance test. They will be weighed on- test and every two weeks there- after. All test weights will be an average weight of two consecutive days. 6) All lambs will be fed a pelleted complete ration, free choice, and hay. 7) Salt & mineral will be available free choice. 8) Each pen shall have individual feeders and automatic waterers. 9) All lambs will have their feet trimmed as required. D. GENERAL 1) The Alberta R.O.P. Sheep Advisory Committee reserve the right to make all decisions regarding the ram test station. 2) The Committee consists of the following : Dr. John Vesely - Agriculture Canada Representative Mr. Stu Eagles - Agriculture Canada Representative Mr. Will Verboven - Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission Representative Mr. Ian Clark - Buyer Representative Ms. Sue Hosford - Contributor Representative Mr. Clarence Jones - Contributor Representative Mr. Don Scheer - (Chairman) Alberta Agriculture Representnt i ve Dr. Ralph Shute - Veterinary Services Division Representative, Alberta Agriculture Mr. John Knapp - Secretary & Test Station Manager Alberta Agriculture E. TEST FEES 1) Alberta Agriculture will provide the test station, the required manpower, facilities, inspection, technical assistance and super- vision. Breeders entering rams on test shall pay for the feed and extra veterinary expenses only. 2) There shall be a $40.00 fee per lamb entered on test; half will by payable upon reservation of pen space, and the remainder payable upon delivery to the station. If the feed and veter- inary expenses exceed $40.00 per lamb, an additional charge will by by made upon completion of test. If the expenses per lamb are less than $40.00 the difference will be refunded . 0UT-0F-PR0VINCE BREEDERS Since Alberta Agriuclture is subsidizing the test station and sale to the level of approximately $40.00 per animal, contributors from outside the province will be required to pav an additional $40.00 per animal above the afore- mentioned fee. 3) Cheques or money orders for fees should be made payable to Olds College . 4) All fees connected with the ram test station must be paid before any animal is released. - 4 - RULES AND RECTI. ATIONS GOVERNING SALE OF SHEEP CONTRIBUTORS RESPONSIBILITY It is important that contributors have all animals entered by them ready at the door of the Sale Ring when called by the Auctioneer. After the animals are sold, they are responsible for seeing that they are placed back in their individual pens. Entries for the ram sale will be received only from persons who have entered sheep in the Ram Test Station at Olds College in 1984. The cost of transferring the animal when sold to the purchaser must be paid by the seller and the actual transfer paperwork is also the responsibility of the seller. All rams entered for sale shall be docked. All rams will be shorn prior to sale . All animals offered for sale must have been owned by the contributor at least 60 days prior to the sale. Every animal offered for sale must be in sound health and free from physical defects. All animals entered for sale shall be inspected by a Culling Committee and shall be subject to rejection if found unsatisfactory in any way. Animals may not be clipped or trimmed after they have been graded and entered in the sale. BREEDING GUARANTEE Contributors to this sale guarantee that, subject to proper treatment, with care and exercise, all animals are warranted to be breeders. In case an animal proves to be a non-breeder, and providing the purchaser notifies the contri- butor within 90 days and proves his case, the contributor shall make adjustment and shall have the opportunity of selecting one of the following options: 1) refund one-half the purchase price. 2) take the animal back and supply one of equal value contributor paying the transporation charges on the animal returned and the purchaser paying transportation charges on the replacement animal . 3) Take the animal back, paying transportation charges on same and refunding total purchase price . The seller shall have the right, if he so desires, to try a ram for 30 days before making final adjust- ments to determine the ram's usefulness or lack of usefulness as a breeder. - 5 - Any contributor refusing to make adjustments of claims approved by the Advisory Committee may be refused the privilege of future sales held by the R.O.P. Committee . The Station Manager shall have the power to reject any entry. All animals entered for the sale must be identified in accord- ance with the requirements of the Canadian National Livestock Records. Tattoo and tags must correspond with the pedigree. ORDER OF SALK FOR SHEEP Sheep will be sold on the gaining animal of the station will basis of individual average be sold first, regardless of breed, daily gain index. The top CONDITIONS TO PURCHASERS Every care will be exercised by the Station Management to prevent injury to or loss of property, and to ensure the prompt collection and delivery of animals to the proper destination, but the Station Management, acting only as a medium between buyer and seller, will not be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever that may occur. All purchases must be settled for during or immediately after the close of the sale. Buyers are particularly requested to note this rule. At every sale, each bid shall be an offer by the person making the same to purchase the animal put for sale, and such offer shall be deemed accepted by the fall of the hammer of the Auctioneer, and there upon a contract of sale shall be created. No purchaser shall retract a bid after the hammer falls. The purchaser must file with the Station Management and the contributor within 90 days of the date of sale, a protest or affidavit that the animal is a non-breeder. The Station Management will act as Agent only. Immediately after each purchase is declared and the animal removed from the sale ring to the pen by the seller, the risk thereof shall be exclusively with the purchaser, and until such settlement is made in terms of these conditions, the delivery of the animal or animals shall not be made . Before an animal can be removed from the building, the buyer must present to the pavilion doorman an order signed by the clerk and give a receipt for the animal. This order must be left with the pavilion door- man and will be evidence of the delivery of the stock. Owners of animals that have been passed through the ring or have not been sold should procure an order from cashier's office before taking them out of the grounds. Alberta Agriculture and/or Olds College shall have the power to give receipts in full, for all payments on stock and will remit the amount realized, less the proper charges for each animal, to the seller thereof, as quickly as possible after the sale. - 6 - STATION MANAGEMENT It is to be clearly understood that the Station Management is only acting as a medium between buyer and seller and is not in anv way responsible for any failure on the part of either party to live up to his obligations. Neither does the Station Management assume any financial obligation to collect or enforce collection of any monies between parties, and any legal action that may, in exceptional cases, be taken, Trust be between the buyer and seller themselves. In all cases however, the influence of the Station Management will be exerted, as far as possible, to hold all parties regulations. these The Station Management reserves the right to decide anv point not covered by the rules but necessary in the proper regulation and manage- ment of the sale. The Station Management acts as agent only, and is responsible to the seller only for the proceeds of the sale when received. All fees connected with the Ran Test Station must be paid before any animal is released. - 7 - ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION & SALE - 1984 (APPLICATION FORM) (Please Print) NAME: PHONE: ADDRESS : ANIMALS TO BE ENTERED: ENTRY DATE NUMBER OF RAMS BREED It is hereby understood that all lambs submitted by me to the Alberta Ram Test Station - 1984 and the Alberta Ram Test Station Sale - 1984 are at my risk, and that neither Alberta Agriculture, Olds College, nor anv persons employed by them will be liable in the event of death, sickness or injury to animals entered into the above programs. I have read and agree to abide by the regulations of the test station and sale . SIGNED: (Contributor) Please Return This Form Immediately VJith A $20.00 Deposit Per Ram To: John Knapp Sheep Specialist Alberta Agriculture Bag Service //l Airdrie, Alberta TOM 0B0 Phone: 948-5101 MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO OLDS COLLEGE - 8 - COMPUTER GIVES CREEN LIGHT TO TEST PROCEDURE AT RAM TEST STATION John Knapp, Albertn Ram Test Station Manager After the completion of the 1982 Ram Test we analysed results bv computer to determine whether we were performing the tests correctly and fairly. The computer gave us a green light, indicating we should continue with essentially the same testing procedure. We thought we should repeat the analysis with the 1983 Ram Test Station results so we asked Dr. John Basarab, research analyst with Alberta Agriculture, to answer a number of key questions. Here are those questions with the answers the computer gave us: 1. Does the entry date of rams affect their growth rate? (For example: a ram entered in the 1st entry date - February 25th - probably did more of his growing during cold weather than a ram entered on the last of the four entry dates - April 8th - who did more of his growing during warm weather. Does the average daily temperature during the test period for each of these four entry groups allow one group to grow faster than others?) The computer's answer: "There was no significant difference in growth rate among the four entry groups." Great news, and a repeat of the answer for the 1982 test! Although we will continue to analyse each year's test results, we now feel we can proceed with a great deal of confidence to enter rams in four groups from late February to early April, knowing that the different temperatures they are being tested under does not give any one group an advantage. 2. Does the entry weight of rams affect their growth rate? (For example: Suf folks and Hampshires are entered at 50 - 70 lbs. weight (22.7 - 31.8 Kg) one other breeds at 45 - 65 lbs. (20.5 - 29.5 Kg). Do the rams entered at the heavier end of this weight range grow slower or faster than those entered at the light end?) The computer's answer: "There is no significant difference in growth rate for rams anywhere within tie entry weight range". Great news again, and once more a repeat of the 1982 results. We can continue to enter rams within the prescribed weight ranges with the confidence that neither the heavier nor the lighter rams have any advantage. 3. What impact does a ram's index have on the price a buyer pays for him at the sale? (For example: if buyers bid strictly according to index you might expect the top indexing ram to sell for $1,000, the 2nd highest index for $975, the 3rd for $950 and so one. If, however, buyers bid strictly on the basis of conformation, you might expect no relationship whatever between index and price) . The computers answer: "For Suffolk rams, the only large group of rams in the sale, 72.25% of the variation in price is accounted for bv the variation in index". In other words, buyers are tending to pay higher prices for the higher indexing rams, but they are not buying exclusively on the basis of index. Conformation, wool traits and other factors do have some bearing on their decision. 4. Can the computer plot a growth curve for the various breeds during their test period at thte station? See graph. The results are amazing. We expected a classical "S" shaped curve where the rams' growth rate accelerates during the early phase of their test and then slows down as they become heavier. Instead, for all four breeds examined we found a perfectly straight line. Dr. Basarab tried to bend the line using a different equation but could not do so. A textbook exercise could not have produced a more perfect straight line! This means rams are growing at the same steadv and constant rate throughout the " test period and - 9 - through weight ranges of 45 - 13? lbs. Producers who lamb in the winter and feed lambs out on concentrates may begin to see in the test station results a reflection of the growth pattern of their own lambs. The fact that none of the four breeds show any indication of a tapering off in growth rate at the heavy end of the graph is strong support for the argument that the industry has the genetic capability :o produce lean heavy carcasses. Manv other aspects of the 1983 testing procedure were analysed bv computer. Anyone interested in a more in-depth report may contact me at: Bag Service No. 1 AIRDRTE, Alberta TOM 0B0 Phone: (403) 948-5101 - 10 - >- Q O m (0») 1H0GM AQOa A DOZEN WAYS TO SAVE LAMBS Adapted from Extension Bulletin E681 Farm Science Series Co-operative Extension Service Michigan State University i« Prevent Premature Births Weak or Stillborn Lambs a) Make certain the ewe flock is receiving sufficient iodine. A lack of iodine is one cause of premature, stillborn, or weak, wool less lambs. It may also result in goiters in young lambs. Usually iodine needs of a flock can be met by making loose trace mineralized salt available at all times. b) Prevent mechanical injury. Crowding, narrow doorways and high door sills may be a factor in abortions. Do not allow the ram to run with the ewes during the last half of pregnancy. Roughness may cause injury and possible lamb losses . c) Make certain cause of losses is not due to an infectious organisms. All sudden deaths and abortions should be subjected to a post-mortem examination by a veterinarian and supportive laboratory work to determine cause. Provincial diagnostic laboratories are located in Edmonton, Airdrie, Lethbridge and Fairview. 2. Prevent Losses From Pregnancy Disease Feed one to two pounds of grain (preferably whole barley) A to 6 weeks prior to lambing depending on feed quality, condition of the ewes and expected lambing percentage. All ration changes should be done slowly. It is often advisable to sort out older ewes and younger timid ewes from the main flock and feed (hem separately until they have 1 ambed . Feeding hay out-of-doors some distance from the barn or shed is one way of assuring ewes some exercise. It is poor practice to continually feed on the snow in the same area , which leads to manure accumulation and fecal contamination of the feed. Early symptoms of pregnancy disease are: ewes appear sluggish, fail to come to the feed rack, exhibit an unsteady gait, go down and into a coma. Once symptoms develop, treatment is difficult and not highly successful. Drenching twice daily with a cupful of molasses or corn syrup diluted with an equal amount of warm water may be helpful, if done at the first sign of the disease. Gylcerine, propylene gylcol, and other readily available sources of energy, are also beneficial. Consult your vet for recommended dosages. Prevention by proper feeding is much more effective. 3 . Shear Before Lambing Shearing ewes before lambing provides a much cleaner udder, saves space in the lambing barn, reduces sweating and moisture thus lessening the danger of pneumonia, results in more sanitary conditions and makes it easier for the lambs to nurse. Shearing also discourages the ewes from wandering away from the buildings to lamb. - 12 - 4 . Attend the Flock at Lambing No other time used to care for sheep will pay greater dividends than that spent with the flock at lambing. Check the flock at least every two hours - day and night!! 5 . Use Claiming Pens Pens should be 4 to 5 feet square depending on the size of the ewes. The ewe and her lambs should be placed in the claiming pen immediately after the birthing process. They should remain there for 1 to 3 days or until the ewe has accepted her lambs and a strong maternal bond has developed. The claiming pen should be constructed with a spacing between the lower boards of not more than 2 to 3 inches to prevent the baby lambs from crawling out. 6. Use Heat Lamp Safely and Sparingly In extremely cold weather, or if lambs are weak, a heat lamp should be hung over a corner of the claiming pen. The corner should be blocked off so the ewe cannot get under the lamp. Make sure the lamp is safely and securely fastened with a metal chain to prevent the danger of fire. Once the lamb is dried off and nursing, however, the lamp should no longer be used. 7 . Identify Ewes and Their Lambs Numbering the ewe and her lambs with scourable wool branding paint makes quick identification possible in case of disease and treatment. Identification is important and essential for very record system. 8. Apply Tincture of Iodine to the Navel. The SNIP, DIP and STRIP Method As soon as possible after birth the remaining attached portion of the lamb's umbilical cord should be trimmed to 1 - IV in length with a sharp pair of scissors (SNIP) and immersed thoroughly (DIP) in a 7% tincture of iodine solution. This disinfects and cauterizes the navel and reduces the possibility of navel ill, tetanus and infectious diseases that can develop later. Scissors tied with string to the neck of a beer bottle filled with tincture of iodine is a help. The final step, STRIP, involves milking a small amount of milk from each teat to ensure an unclogged flow. 10 Prevent White Muscle Disease Also known as "stiff lamb" disease is caused by a deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E. Affected lambs exhibit stiffness or lameness in one or more legs and are unable to suck. Sudden deaths may occur when heart or diaphragm muscles are affected. Selenium/Vitamin E premixes are available by prescription fror.i veterinarians (commercial trace mineral mixes with selenium are also available) and should be added to a salt mineral mix and fed year round. If not fed, ewes can be injected with a product containing selenium and vitamin E four to six weeks before lambing. If the ewes were neither fed nor received injectable selenium/vitamin E, newborn lambs may be treated with the injectable product 2 to 4 days after birth. Prevention is the best cure for white muscle disease. CAUTION Selenium is very toxic. It must be used according to directions. 10. Use Care and Cleanliness when Docking and Castrating If using elastrator rings, apply them while the lambs are in the claiming pens. Cutting off the tail or scrotum below the band 2 to - 13 - 3 days after it is applied and disinfecting the wound with tincture of iodine will reduce the risk of tetanus. When using the emasculator or burdizzo for docking and castrating disinfect all wounds with tincture of iodine. 1 1 . Watch-out for Booby Traps A careful check of the barn and yards will prevent many accidents. Cover the major area of large water tanks to prevent baby lambs from falling in and drowning. Keep gates in good repair so they do not fall and crush lambs. Baler twine , un-cut and dangled over a post is an excellent trap to hang lambs. 12. Vaccinate to Prevent Losses from hnterotoxemia A disease which affects fast growing lambs. A vaccination program for the ewe flock is the most effective way of preventing losses . Vaccinate mature ewes with a booster injection A - 6 weeks before lambing to give lambs passive immunity for about six weeks after birth. Vaccinate ewes lambing for the first time, twice: at four weeks and again at eight weeks before lambing. Vaccinate all lambs at six to eight weeks of age as well, especially those to be fee a high concentrate ration. - 14 - FROM THE RESEARCH BENCH NEWLY IMPORTED SHEEP GIVE MULTIPLE BIRTHS AT RESEARCH CENTER Fall is not a typical season for lambing, in the United States. But 29 purebred Booroola Merino Twin lambs have just been born to Coopworth ewes that cane to the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC), after exportation from New Zealand in the month of August. Twenty-one Coopworth ewes were impregnated by ova transfer and shipped to the United States with five one- and two-year old Booroola Merino rams. They arrived at MARC on September 17 after a quarantine of about 30 days in Honolulu, Hawaii . These are the first known Booroola Merino lambs born in the United States. Booroola Merinos are a strain of Australian Merino Sheep that are noted for high quality-long staple-fine wool and for high prolificacy. As they make their debut for research in this country scientists of USDA's Agricultural Research Service are studying the potential of the exotic breed in crossbreeding programs. "The litter size of Booroola Merinos is comparable to that of Finnsheep, which is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as a maternal breed in crossbreeding, "says animal geneticist Larry D. Young. "We plan to compare other reproductive traits of the two breeds and their survival, growth and carcass characteristics . " Australian research indicates that high prolificacy of the Booroola results from a single major gene affecting ovulation rate. This differs from the Finnsheep in which prolificacy appears to be controlled by a larger number of genes, each having relatively small effects. Booroolas with homozygous genes for high ovulation rates averaged about 2.3 lambs per ewe with a range from 1 to 6 in research in Australia and New Zealand. The ARS researchers, in cooperation with the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and with the University of Nebraska, will study the feasibility of introducing the prolificacy gene into other breeds of sheep. The cooperative studies should produce considerable benefit to New Zealand by providing experimental information or Finnsheep relative to Booroolas. For the United States, benefits may come from transfer of a major gene for multiple births into breeds that are already superior for growth and carcass characteristics or for wool and maternal characteristics. An animal with single gene control of ovulation, in addition to providing for genetic evaluation of the sheep, should provide an excellent model for studying mechanisms involved in the physiological control of ovulation and for future genetic engineering studies . Coopsworths, a prominent breed in New Zealand were developed from a cross of two British breeds, Border Leicester and Romney . Reference: Hoof Beats, North Dakota Co-operative Extension Service No. 465 - 15 - HOW CAN PRODUCTION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES BE COMBINED By: De':> Thorsen Market Analyst Alberta Agriculture Marketing is only one of the numberous aspects of production that influence the returns to a sheep enterprise. The lambing season, lambs weaned per ewe, the market price for slaughter lambs and cost of production all combine to determine profitability. The question is, how can production and marketing strategies be combined to increase the returns to an operation producing and marketing 100 pound fat lambs. At this time we will examine the effects of seasonality on the industry. The North Amercian Lamb industry exhibits definite cyclincial seasonal patterns. These patterns have moderated during the last five years hut still remain distinct. The six-year seasonal price pattern for Alberta lambs 80 lb+ (Lambco) is illustrated below. The typical price peaks are in May/June and the low prices in August / September . *H t C o r KICKS i * s o » a i r n i e t i * r i >