15 Questions
Which breed has a gestation period of 149 days (5 months)?
Border Leicester
Which breed is known for being a short day breeder?
Wicklow Cheviot
Which breed is ideal for the Easter market due to early maturing and reaching slaughter weight in 14 weeks?
Suffolk
Which breed has a wide white face and short ears with no wool on head or legs?
Texel
Which breed is known for having a high kill out percentage due to being a double muscle breed?
Beltex
Which breed is the largest flock in Ireland with around 488,143 in the flock?
Black face mountain
Which breed is known for being extremely hardy and having a black face?
Wicklow Cheviot
What is the purpose of flushing ewes?
To increase ovulation rate and litter size
What is the ratio of ram to ewe during synchronized mating?
1:10
When should weaning take place?
June/July
What is the target weight for adult ewes?
60 - 85 kg
What is the purpose of tail docking in lambs?
Prevent fly-strike
What is the recommended weight for lambs at birth?
3-5 kgs
What is the purpose of dipping sheep?
Prevent fly-strike and sheep scab
What is the purpose of sponging in sheep breeding?
Ensure synchronized breeding
Study Notes
Breeds and Characteristics
- Beltex breed has a gestation period of 149 days (5 months)
- Suffolk breed is known for being a short day breeder
- Texel breed is ideal for the Easter market due to early maturing and reaching slaughter weight in 14 weeks
- Hampshire breed has a wide white face and short ears with no wool on head or legs
- Pietrain breed is known for having a high kill out percentage due to being a double muscle breed
- Suffolk breed is the largest flock in Ireland with around 488,143 in the flock
- Blackface breed is known for being extremely hardy and having a black face
Breeding Management
- Flushing ewes is to improve fertility and increase conception rate
- The ratio of ram to ewe during synchronized mating is 1:20
- Weaning should take place at 6-8 weeks
- The target weight for adult ewes is 50-60 kg
Lamb Management
- The purpose of tail docking in lambs is to prevent flystrike
- The recommended weight for lambs at birth is 3-4 kg
- Dipping sheep is done to control external parasites
- Sponging in sheep breeding is used to identify and record breeding activity
Test your knowledge of sheep production and breeds with this quiz! Learn about the types of sheep production, major sheep meat exporting countries, and specific breeds like the Black Face Mountain. See how much you know about sheep farming and flock sizes in different regions.
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