Sheep SAQ Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the main health benefits of dipping and foot bathing in sheep farming?

Dipping and foot bathing are primarily used to prevent and treat parasitic infections and hoof diseases in sheep.

How do SBLAS and ACRES contribute to sustainable practices in sheep farming?

SBLAS and ACRES promote responsible and eco-friendly farming practices, ensuring environmental sustainability.

Why are the four stomach chambers in a sheep vital for their digestive efficiency?

The four stomach chambers allow sheep to effectively digest cellulose found in plant cell walls.

In what way does the 17-day oestrous cycle impact the reproductive management of sheep?

The 17-day oestrous cycle provides frequent breeding opportunities, enabling controlled breeding and improved flock productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What role do SBLAS and ACRES play in enhancing the environmental sustainability of sheep farming?

They promote responsible land use, waste minimization, and reduction of the ecological footprint in sheep farming. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of the 17-day oestrous cycle for lamb production in sheep farming?

It enables farmers to maximize reproductive efficiency and optimize lamb production through frequent breeding events. Signup and view all the answers

How do sheep's unique digestive traits, such as the four stomach chambers, enhance nutrient extraction?

The four stomach chambers, combined with a specialized dental formula, allow sheep to break down and extract nutrients from fibrous plant-based foods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dagging and docking in sheep farming, and how does it affect animal welfare?

Dagging and docking reduce the risk of flystrike and promote cleanliness, ultimately enhancing animal health and welfare. Signup and view all the answers

How does scanning influence breeding and management decisions in sheep farming?

Scanning provides critical information on pregnancy status, which informs breeding and management strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average birth weight range of lambs?

3-5 kg Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight of lambs at slaughter?

30-40 kg Signup and view all the answers

How long is the gestation period of sheep?

149 days (5 months) Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the oestrous cycle in sheep?

17 days Signup and view all the answers

Describe the unique features of a sheep's digestive system.

A ruminant system with a 4-chambered stomach: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum, and Abomasum. Signup and view all the answers

What does the dental formula (0033/4033) x2 indicate about sheep?

It indicates their specific arrangement of incisors, canines, and molars. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of scanning in sheep farming?

To determine the reproductive status of ewes and detect pregnancy and fetal numbers. Signup and view all the answers

What role does SBLAS play in sheep farming?

It ensures sheep farms operate sustainably and environmentally friendly. Signup and view all the answers

What are some methods of fostering in sheep farming?

Using a fostering crate, a dog, or skinning a dead lamb. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does ACRES hold in sheep farming?

It promotes responsible and sustainable farming practices. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dipping and Foot Bathing

Dipping and foot bathing are crucial in preventing and treating parasitic infections and hoof diseases in sheep.

Environmental Sustainability Schemes

SBLAS (Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme) and ACRES promote responsible and eco-friendly farming practices.
They ensure sustainable land use, minimize waste, and reduce the ecological footprint of sheep farming.

Sheep Digestive System

Sheep possess a 4-chambered stomach: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum, and Abomasum, allowing efficient breakdown of cellulose from plant cell walls.
This ruminant digestive system enables sheep to thrive on fibrous plant material, making them adept at digesting grasses and forages.

Oestrous Cycle and Breeding

The 17-day oestrous cycle provides frequent breeding opportunities, optimizing flock productivity.
Ewes remain in oestrous for approximately 36 hours, allowing for careful timing in breeding programs.

Dagging and Docking

Dagging and docking practices enhance animal health by reducing flystrike risk and promoting cleanliness, thereby minimizing health issues.

Scanning in Sheep Farming

Scanning determines the reproductive status of ewes, helping to detect pregnancy and fetal numbers, which informs breeding and management decisions.

Birth and Slaughter Weights

Lambs average 3-5 kg at birth and reach 30-40 kg by the time of slaughter.

Gestation Period

The gestation period for sheep is approximately 149 days (5 months).

Sheep Dental Formula

The dental formula of sheep is (0033/4033) x2, indicating a specific arrangement of incisors, canines, and molars critical for their plant-based diet.

Definitions of Sheep Types

Rams are uncastrated males, weathers are castrated males, and ewes are female sheep, each serving different roles in sheep farming.

Fostering Methods

Fostering methods include using a fostering crate, employing a dog, or skinning a dead lamb to encourage ewe adoption of orphaned lambs.

Impact of the Unique Digestive System

The unique 4-chamber digestive system and specific dental formula enhance the ability of sheep to extract nutrients from their primarily plant-based diet.

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Description

This quiz explores essential practices in sheep farming, focusing on the importance of dipping and foot bathing for animal health. Additionally, it examines the role of SBLAS and ACRES in promoting environmental sustainability within the industry.