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Project Number: WVA00140 INCREASING FARM INCOME BY A STRATEGIC SHIFT IN BREEDING TIME FOR EWE FLOCKS Investigators: P.E. Lewis,
E.K. Inskeep, D.K.
Smith, E. Rayburn, T.R.
McConnell, L.S. Barringer Start Date: 10/01/1998 OBJECTIVES: The long-term goal of this project is to utilize a systems-based approach to revitalize and expand the sheep industry in the Appalachian region, thereby improving the competitive position and income of independent, small livestock producers and enhancing growth and development of rural communities. Specific objectives are: 1) to shift lambing date in test flocks from the current pattern of March and April to November and December, 2) to implement specific changes in production of pasture and harvested feed, reproductive management, breeding and selection, flock health programs, predator control measures and utilization of marketing alternatives to enable efficiency and profitability from the shift in lambing date, 3) to increase utilization of sheep as an enterprise, with attendant increases in (a) quality and productivity of pastures currently used mainly for cattle, (b) diversity and amount of farm income, and (c) contribution of small, independent livestock producers to the rural community, and 4) to evaluate the economic effects of the altered season of lambing compared to spring lambing. APPROACH: A seasonal shift in lamb production will be implemented to take advantage of seasonally high demand and prices, while reducing losses to, or cost of control of, both internal parasites and predators. Hormonal treatments, use of breeds with greater genetic potential to lamb out of season, performance and progeny testing, and adjustments in management of animals, pastures and harvested forages will be introduced to maximize income from early lambing. The project will be initiated by introduction of November-December lambing in ewe flocks on a minimum of 20 cooperating farms in six counties in West Virginia. Data will be collected simultaneously on a minimum of 20 control flocks throughout the same geographic area, lambing in February to April. Data will include production variables, input costs and income. New marketing systems and approaches will be developed to improve income from both new and conventional lambing systems. As the project progresses, new cooperators and new flocks will be added, with the objective of maximizing the impact of the project.
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