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Small Ruminants

All Small Ruminants Content

Veterinarian using a digital tablet in a sheep barn.

Clostridial Disease Management and Vaccines for Sheep and Goats

Vaccination against clostridium perfringens is universally recommended for small ruminants. Learn some expert vaccine considerations for both sheep and goats.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

South Dakota Sheep and Goat Needs Assessment

A summary of South Dakota responses to guide on-going Extension efforts for South Dakota sheep and goat producers.

Fleece of sheep wool with visible plant matter throughout.

Wool Evaluation 101

Guide to evaluating wool.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

Managing Sheep Body Condition Score Throughout the Year

This fact sheet and barn reference are for sheep producers to implement body condition scoring in their management practices.

A pile of sheep fleeces ready for sorting.

Considerations for Increasing Wool Value

The wool market continually rewards those who emphasize high-quality production. Efforts to increase wool clip value can be made through regular management practices and proper wool clip preparation at shearing.

Three young trainees shadowing a veterinarian during a sheep examination.

Are Your Dewormers Effective For Your Sheep or Goat?

Using an effective dewormer properly can be part of a strategy in preventing internal parasites in sheep and goats. So how do you know if your dewormer is effective, and what does it mean to use it properly?

Small group of white sheep in a sheep shearing enclosure.

Economically Relevant Wool Traits and Wool Heritability

South Dakota is known for a high reputation wool clip. Emphasis on economically important wool traits coupled with careful genetic selection helps promote production, profitability and sustainability in an operation.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

National Sheep Improvement Program: Performance-based data you can rely on

Sheep producers continually look for opportunities to improve their flocks through the introduction of genetic traits that will contribute to both improve the performance and physical appearance of the offspring. For hundreds of years, producers used the phenotype or physical appearance traits to select replacement stock, followed by performance trials and wool testing to quantitatively define the traits a specific animal may possess.

Small group of black angus cattle grazing in a rolling, well-managed rangeland.

Impacts in Livestock Systems

South Dakota producers face new challenges each day. SDSU Extension is your partner, providing resources and expertise to help meet production goals in beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats.

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3 Master Lamb Producers recognized at 2023 SD Sheep Growers Association convention

October 17, 2023

The South Dakota Master Lamb Producers Association recognized three producers on Sept. 22-23, 2023, during the 86th annual South Dakota Sheep Growers Association convention in Rapid City, South Dakota.