[Jacob-list] breeding ewe lambs

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

I've read the responses to the list thus far regarding the breeding of ewe  
lambs and everyone does have valid points.  Most have agreed each  individual 
shepherd must assess his/her own farm, flock and other conditions and  make the 
decision about ewe lamb breeding.
 
In our first 2 years of breeding Jacobs, the only problems we encountered  
were with ewe lambs in delivering.  I should point out, however, it was our  
overfeeding that was most likely the biggest contributing factor.  We have  done 
"experiments" with our ewes in breeding one ewe lamb and holding its twin  
back a year -- that way the conditions, size, genetics and even  nutrition, for 
the most part, were the same.  We have also held back  ewe lambs, both twins, 
triplets and singles of various bloodlines and also bred  same as ewe lambs.  
Our results, even in different years, in our location,  with our flock size, 
our pastures, grain feeding, etc. has been our bred ewe  lambs do not finish out 
the same size nor do they catch up later down the road  in overall size.  
This is, of course, based upon our conditions, flock  size, nutrition, etc.  
Those left "open" in their first year often  maintained a slightly larger frame 
size and seemed to "finish" (if you use that  term with Jacobs) out a bit better 
than ewes bred as lambs.  Even after the  lambing, the ewe lamb remained 
about the same size -- smaller in overall size  and condition.
 
We have elected to no longer breed our ewe lambs unless requested by a  buyer 
before pickup or delivery at time of sale.  Most often, the ones  we held 
until the yearling year to be bred will twin as first timers.  This  year, we did 
have a first time mother, bred as a yearling, that twinned but she  did not 
claim, clean or care for one of her lambs.  With 5 degree weather  and a wet 
lamb, the little guy froze in between 4 hour barn checks.  I mean  stiff as a 
board, no response to warm water thawing - nothing.  When we  went to feed that 
morning, the mother left the other lamb to eat as some sheep  often do.  We 
had a heck of a time catching her!  The lamb had nursed  but was always kept at 
a distance by his mother.  We penned them together  for a week and now they 
are inseparable.  This is the only Jacob ewe we've  had who seemed to have no 
interest in her lambs at first.  
 
In the years we did breed ewe lambs, we never had any rejection  issues.  
Aside from this episode this year, we've not had any other  rejections in 6 
years.  In fact, they are quite the opposite!  Last  spring, a yearling first timer 
actually charged me when I tried picking up her  lamb.  Getting her and the 
ewe lamb to the barn was certainly an  adventure!  If I had the choice, I'd 
pick an overly protective mother over  an air head type any day! 
 
Again, it seems like every shepherd must assess his/her own circumstances  
within the flock and make their own decisions.  Most commercial breeders I  know 
would not even think about keeping a ewe lamb unless it was in the breeding  
flock.  Production issues are always a factor and I certainly see that  angle 
as well.  I've not seen any difference in lifetime production by  breeding as 
a ewe lamb but again, we've only been doing this about 6 years  now.  I'm sure 
other breeders could offer their own experiences over   longer periods of 
time provided records like that had been kept.  
 
This topic has certainly sparked a number of responses, all of which are  
valuable to each of our conservation efforts for the Jacob sheep.  I  find it 
interesting indeed -- Cheryl
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 

Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV 26201-9205
(304)  457-6620 
paintedrockfarm at aol.com 
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