MANAGING WORMS. Can you improve the overall health of the flock?

[Mike CHS]

We were helping some friends worm a few of their flock this past weekend where we train our dogs. They have been raising Katahdin sheep for over 20 years but just recently started having increased worm loads. They have always just estimated the sheeps weight to determine the dosage of the wormer but had just bought a scale to use on their platform. They were really surpised how far off they were on their lambs weight although close on the adults. The also had a lot less rain than normal and their pastures where way over grazed.

 

[norseofcourse]

NOC.It nothing to do with the size of your farm or flock,but its your dedication to producing better and healthier prodigy each year. Saving the weak is all well and good as long as it does not present a problem when you have to"eat it".

I did get somewhat attached to the one with the worm problem this year - and despite all the drenches he'd still come up to me and want petted. Loading him in the trailer was tough. Someone besides me is eating him, though...

Your main problem appears to be "blood sucking worms",Barbers pole being the main offender.In Aussie we can access a narrow spectrum drench which contains Closantel which also controls Live Fluke.

Correct, barberpole. I don't know how long before your wormers will be available in the US, but even once they are, people will have to use them wisely to delay resistance.

If your farm is an old hay paddock it is quite possible that it is low in minerals and trace elements,try to conserve any trees or brush that the sheep naturally select and let your pasture "run a bit wild" as when you slash you only bring the sheep's mouth closer to the waiting parasites.A "wild pasture" will always be more sps diversity than the neatly trimmed one.

From the growth that's here, it was likely 2 or 3 decades since the field was actually harvested. I don't mind a somewhat 'wild' pasture, I like the diversity too. It's been difficult deciding what to take out and what to leave. They like most of the stuff, so this year I tried to discover what they didn't eat as readily (autumn olive and sweet gum, so far), so I can take that out. My hope is to thin just to the point of a nice grass/brush/tree mix, then divide it enough to keep the pastures, and the sheep (and ponies), in good shape.

Also do you supply a mineral mix for the stock add lib? We have used a "home mix" for over 40 years to all classes of stock,I have posted it in the past ,but happy to post it again if requested.

Yes, they get minerals free choice. Right now it's Moorman's by ADM. With the ponies, I switch mineral brands every so often, on the personal theory that none are perfect. There are few sheep mineral brands available in my area, so I can't do that as easily. Thanks, I'd like to see your home mix.