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Sheep Update
Livestock Update, March 2007
Dr. Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, VA Tech
Entries Available for 2007 Virginia Ram Lamb Performance Test
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2007 Virginia Ram Lamb Performance Test to be conducted at the Virginia Sheep Evaluation Station located at the Shenandoah Valley Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Steeles Tavern. The test is open to sheep breeders in Virginia, and both registered and crossbred rams may be tested. Rams will be delivered to the test station May 1, and after a two week adjustment period, will be placed on gain test for 63 days. In addition to measurement of growth performance, rams will be evaluated for carcass traits with ultrasound during the test, and DNA genotyping will be conducted for spider syndrome and scrapie resistance. Eligible rams will sell on August 25, 2007. Rams born September 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007 are eligible. For rules and regulations, as well as entry forms contact Scott Greiner at 540-231-9163.
Virginia Performance Ram Lamb Test and Sale Expense Summary 2004-06
|
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
Test Costs |
|
|
|
Consignment Fee |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Feed |
$53.11 |
$42.96 |
$59.86 |
Yardage |
$8.00 |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
Codon 171/Spider Genotyping |
$22.00 |
$22.80 |
$16.00 |
Vet/Medical |
$0.51 |
$9.12 |
$0.57 |
Misc. |
$4.16 |
$6.13 |
$2.60 |
Total Test Costs |
$87.78 |
$86.01 |
$84.03 |
Sale Costs |
|
|
|
Shearing |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
Advertising,auctioneer, mailings, etc. |
$10.16 |
$16.44 |
$16.51 |
Registration Transfer |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
VA Check-off |
$0.50 |
$0.50 |
$0.50 |
Total Sale Expenses |
$20.66 |
$26.94 |
$27.01 |
Average Sale Price |
$323.82 |
$324.78 |
$415.11 |
Total Test & Sale Expenses |
$108.44 |
$112.95 |
$111.04 |
Average Net to Consignor |
$215.38 |
$211.83 |
$304.07 |
Beginners Sheep Shearing School April 12-13
The 2007 Beginner's Sheep Shearing School will be held April 12-13 at the Copenhaver Sheep Center on the campus of Virginia Tech. The two-day school is designed to help beginning shearers learn correct shearing technique and the proper maintenance and care of shearing equipment. In addition to shearing, the school will include demonstrations on proper sheep handling, shearing equipment set-up and care, and blade sharpening. The two day school is limited to the first 30 participants to register. Registration deadline is March 30. For more information, contact Scott Greiner at 540-231-9163.