This video is an answer to a question we got asking how we manage breeding at our operation. Hope you enjoy it. Our social links can be found here RebellionRanch.com
Do those sheep ever look happy! This was a great video, really found it informative. We have goats and sheep and have done controlled breeding, but what you were explaining on the fencing, separate paddocks and feeding, and then the males deciding it's time to get out, yes, it can really be a hassle! Thanks for sharing. Sure makes sense. The instincts that God has placed in His creation is awe-inspiring!
I like the view that letting nature happen in breeding as God intended in a natural setting is the best. The only effort I do, for now, is change the buck every 18 month to 24 months.
Do you have a weather that runs with your heard, like a friend for the buck. Just curious if there's any need. Thank you for sharing your experience and story with us.
We had most of our babies die a few winters ago last of December January with temps below 10 here in Kentucky. I pulled the bucks just didn't have the stomach for all the dying
Sorry this reply took so long, my first advice would be to really take your time. Absolutely want to stay away from any livestock auctions. Perhaps the best way I know to find a good starter herd is to find somebody that is getting out of the business within your region so those animals are already climatized to your environment. The other benefit to them coming from a single herd is they’ve already shared all of their diseases and have about the same resistance. Another key factor is to make sure that those animals are being raised the way you were going to raise yours, i.e. if they’re grain fed and you’re wanting to go to a strictly pasture Fed operation they may or may not be a fit.
I just found your channel, so I apologize for asking this three years late. Is there a minimum flock size you would recommend for breeding internally? So for instance, is there a point at which you would say you need to go externally to breed to keep at least some diversity in the gene pool?
With the males/females running with each other year round, do you find lamb crops concentrate together or do you have 5-10 females give birth with a sprinkling of females here and there? Also, I assume you employ same breeding method for sheep and goats?
It’s been spread out but this year isn’t a great example as we brought in yearlings late in the season. My guess from years past is they tend to concentrate pretty tight with outliers early and late. And yes, the same for sheep and goats. Thanks for watching!
We used to separate them and wait until they were about 18 months to breed them, after the first couple of years I no longer see an advantage in doing this so we let them run with the herd if they breed great in the first year if not let them try again on their second breeding cycle
Do those sheep ever look happy! This was a great video, really found it informative. We have goats and sheep and have done controlled breeding, but what you were explaining on the fencing, separate paddocks and feeding, and then the males deciding it's time to get out, yes, it can really be a hassle! Thanks for sharing. Sure makes sense. The instincts that God has placed in His creation is awe-inspiring!
i could sit and watch your goats and sheep, LGDs and herding dogs all day they are just BEAUTIFUL!
I like the view that letting nature happen in breeding as God intended in a natural setting is the best. The only effort I do, for now, is change the buck every 18 month to 24 months.
Genetic variety is a great idea.
Thank you for this video, very informative and relaxed.
Thanks for watching
Do you have a weather that runs with your heard, like a friend for the buck. Just curious if there's any need. Thank you for sharing your experience and story with us.
Thank you..
I like your aproche.
We had most of our babies die a few winters ago last of December January with temps below 10 here in Kentucky. I pulled the bucks just didn't have the stomach for all the dying
Could you share your strategies on finding good goats and sheep to start a herd with
Sorry this reply took so long, my first advice would be to really take your time. Absolutely want to stay away from any livestock auctions. Perhaps the best way I know to find a good starter herd is to find somebody that is getting out of the business within your region so those animals are already climatized to your environment. The other benefit to them coming from a single herd is they’ve already shared all of their diseases and have about the same resistance. Another key factor is to make sure that those animals are being raised the way you were going to raise yours, i.e. if they’re grain fed and you’re wanting to go to a strictly pasture Fed operation they may or may not be a fit.
very nice real world problem solving, anyone that doesn't understand that wastes too much time
Because you keep the rams with the ews do you lamb in winter months? If so, is that a problem?
I just found your channel, so I apologize for asking this three years late. Is there a minimum flock size you would recommend for breeding internally? So for instance, is there a point at which you would say you need to go externally to breed to keep at least some diversity in the gene pool?
Thanks again!
Thanks for this
With the males/females running with each other year round, do you find lamb crops concentrate together or do you have 5-10 females give birth with a sprinkling of females here and there? Also, I assume you employ same breeding method for sheep and goats?
It’s been spread out but this year isn’t a great example as we brought in yearlings late in the season. My guess from years past is they tend to concentrate pretty tight with outliers early and late. And yes, the same for sheep and goats.
Thanks for watching!
When retaining ewe lambs do you leave the lambs out in the flock or do you pen them up separately until there ready to breed?
We used to separate them and wait until they were about 18 months to breed them, after the first couple of years I no longer see an advantage in doing this so we let them run with the herd if they breed great in the first year if not let them try again on their second breeding cycle