tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-888519491565348702024-02-18T18:29:18.972-08:00Karras Farm - East Friesian Sheep BreederKarras Farm specializes in breeding East Friesian Dairy Sheep. We have been in the dairy sheep business since the late 1800's starting in Greece. Four generations later we are still commited to breeding the highest quality and genetically pure East Friesian Sheep in the world. In 1994 we moved our operation to North Carolina with the same focus of excellence to our animals and customers.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-65731030083011532272014-02-27T07:21:00.000-08:002014-02-27T07:22:38.067-08:00Preparation for Lambing <u>Preparation for Lambing</u><br />
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It is probably erroneous to suggest that one period of the sheep year is more important than another. There is no doubt that lambing time should be the climax of the years' work. </div>
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Unfortunately, in many flocks, this isn't always the case; often because of inadequate preparation and lack of attention to detail throughout the year.</div>
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Birth is the most hazardous period in any animal's life. Since the sheep is a seasonal breeder, a large number of births take place over a relatively short time, putting extreme pressure on both the shepherd and the sheep. It is the shepherd's responsibility to minimize losses of both lambs and ewes and to ensure that neither are subjected to any unnecessary stress or hazard Apart from welfare considerations, it makes economic sense to rear as many fit and healthy lambs as possible. </div>
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At Karras Farms, we put extreme infuses in keeping our East Friesian dairy sheep and our Awassi dairy sheep in tip top shape year round! </div>
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HAPPY LAMBING FROM THE KARRAS FARM FAMILY! </div>
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http://karrasfarm.com</div>
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http://eastfriesiansheep.com</div>
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http://awassisheep.com</div>
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email @ karrasfarm@gmail.com</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-77695980737792410782014-01-17T11:32:00.000-08:002014-01-17T11:32:26.171-08:00Thought for the DayIt is the duty of the shepherd or anyone who is in charge of sheep to identify sick or injured animals promptly and to give appropriate treatment immediately or obtain veterinary advice as soon as possible.<br />
It is a simple matter to spot a sheep or to decide that a sheep which is not eating or that constantly walks around in circles is unwell, but it takes considerable skill, experience and massive commitment to detect animals in the early stages of many diseases.<br />
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http://karrasfarm.com</div>
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http://eastfriesiansheep.com</div>
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http://awassisheep.com</div>
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karrasfarm@gmail.com</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-49386519949116260562013-12-18T14:46:00.000-08:002013-12-18T14:46:52.794-08:00Fullblood Awassi .... Or Not? MythBuster Andy Karras Here With Another Stop The Naysayers Video :-)Okay... Okay....<br />
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We know there are people in the USA and overseas who are, well... not real happy that Karras Farm took a huge leap forward and decided to be the first farm in the United States to import fullblood Awassi dairy sheep.<br />
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It's often out of jealousy, intimidation or fear of loss that people result to spreading false information or simply speculate without researching facts. This Awassi importation and breeding program is the result of a vision to enhance the dairy industry in the United States and quite frankly it's a massive undertaking mentally, physically and financially. I love being a shepherd, I love these animals and I will go to my grave knowing these animals are of the very best quality available for importation to the US. Karras Farm has built a highly recognized and trusted name in the dairy sheep community and I personally value everyone involved with advancing the cause of dairy sheep in the United States.<br />
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Here is a quick video that should give some insight to our New And Improved Awassi Dairy Sheep bloodline and some other fun facts along the way. The video is not the best quality and all of our original documentation can be viewed on our website or we are happy to pass along copies upon request.<br />
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Needless to say, Karras Farm has the highest quality pedigreed Awassi dairy sheep in the USA. It's unfortunate that even after sharing all the official documents and importation paperwork there will be some people who will question the heritage of these amazing sheep. We can't stop that and really feel sorry for those who have nothing better to do. But, if misery loves company you will have to look elsewhere for your company because Andy Karras is not interested in your invitation. This will be the only video I ever make to this effect and I will leave it up to the rest of you to make your own logical conclusions. So with out any additional delay lets get on to the low budget Karras Farm movie..... 3....beep....2....beep....1.... beep!!<br />
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We encourage any healthy discussion about dairy sheep or Awassi and encourage you to post comments, send emails or call Karras Farm. </center>
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We will post all comments on the blog ..good .. bad or indifferent. It's helpful to have a fourm where everyone is invited and can feel free to express their opinions.</center>
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Have a Very Merry Christmas</center>
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The Karras Family</center>
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<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://karrasfarm.com</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://awassisheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://awassisheep.com</span></a></div>
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<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">karrasfarm@gmail.com</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-12572329946305665632013-10-29T07:49:00.000-07:002013-10-29T07:49:29.298-07:00Magazine article on Karras Farm - Awassi, East Friesian and Assaf daiy sheepBelow is an article published in Sheep Magazine July / August 2013 issue. I would like to personally thank Mr Nathan Griffin from sheep magazine for all of his hard work and dedication to the dairy sheep industry in the United States. I would also like to thank Alan Harman for his valued efforts in writing / editing the article. To link directly to the Sheep Magazine on their website please click <a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/articles/karras-farm/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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Andy Karras -Owner Karrars Farm<br />
http://www.karrasfarm.com<br />
http://eastfriesiansheep.com<br />
http://awassisheep.com<br />
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<h1>
Karras Farm</h1>
<h3>
Breeding Top Dairy Sheep For America</h3>
Alan Harman<br />
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<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3434" class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_3434" style="width: 251px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1-205.jpg"><img alt="Andy Karras qualified as a veterinarian in his ancestral homeland of Greece, but now runs a South Carolina sheep breeding operation producing top quality East Friesian, Awassi and Assaf dairy sheep." class="size-medium wp-image-3434 " height="300" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1-205-241x300.jpg" width="241" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3434">Andy Karras qualified as a veterinarian in his ancestral
homeland of Greece, but now runs a South Carolina sheep breeding operation
producing top quality East Friesian, Awassi and Assaf dairy sheep.<em id="__mceDel" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></em></figcaption></figure><div align="left">
A generations-long trek from the romantic sun-baked mountains of
northern Greece to the New World has led to a pioneering American dairy sheep
business that is creating a new frontier for cheese and yogurt makers. </div>
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300x250 ad goes here.]]
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Andy Karras, 39, can trace his ancestry back to nomadic Greek
farmers who prided themselves on the quality of their Chios and East Friesian
milk sheep and the iconic cheeses they produced. </div>
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Andy’s great-grandfather started the first Karras Farm in Greece
in the late 1800s. </div>
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“At that time the main focus was to produce the highest quality
line of East Friesian sheep in the world,” Andy says. “He was breeding only the
very best genetically pure sheep for superior blood line, milk production, wool
and meat.” </div>
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Three generations later this same focus on breeding the perfect
East Friesian sheep bloodline made its way to the United States. </div>
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His parents moved to the U.S. in 1962, settling in South Carolina
because that’s where other family members, aunts and uncles, had preceded them.
</div>
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“My family did not bring their sheep genetics with them from
Greece,” Andy says. “Our original sheep genetics were bought in 1996.” </div>
<h4 align="left">
Start-Up Challenges</h4>
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There were special problems when Andy founded his farm in the
humid heat of the southeastern U.S. </div>
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“When we first got the sheep, we had some losses due to the
humidity,” Andy says. “Since then, we have not had any losses or conditioning
impact from the heat. The sheep now are well adapted.” </div>
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Coming from a family of nomadic shepherds, the interest in sheep
has always been in Andy’s blood, but it never crossed his mind to go into
mainstream meat and wool production in the U.S. </div>
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“My ancestors raised their family from sheep for many, many years,
with the milk and meat,” he says. “They made clothing from the sheep’s wool to
clothe the family. </div>
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“Those are our roots, and it’s what kept us focused on pursuing
the dairy sheep industry.” </div>
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He started his 417-acre farm from scratch. </div>
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“I do believe that when Karras Farm got started in 1996, neighbors
saw it as ‘Mission Impossible,’” Andy says. “The reasons being: (1) At the time
dairy sheep farming in the U.S. was rare. (2) A lot of people knew little about
sheep, even the fact that there are different types—dairy, meat, wool. </div>
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“Our family’s experience is in dairy sheep and we consume the milk
products in our own home. We make yogurts, cheeses, and ice cream, all with
sheep’s milk that is the healthiest you can consume, has no chemicals, and is
made from old family recipes. </div>
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“Dairy sheep genetics are in demand in this country and it has
been profitable for our family—and that’s why we stayed in the dairy sheep
industry.” </div>
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Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Andy’s first memories of dairy
sheep farming are from when he first obtained embryos of East Friesian ewes and
rams. </div>
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“I was very excited in having this type of breed here in the U.S.,
because this was the breed my family had in their country of Greece,” he says.
“I felt a sense of accomplishment and was very eager with the knowledge I’d
learned from my father and grandfathers, to get started in raising this
beautiful breed of dairy sheep.” </div>
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Andy says there are several hundred dairy sheep farmers in the
U.S. and the number is increasing each year due to the popularity of sheep milk.
</div>
<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3435" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_3435" style="width: 248px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2-064.jpg"><img alt="The Awassi breed inherits considerable resistance to parasites, and is very hardy." class="size-medium wp-image-3435 " height="300" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2-064-238x300.jpg" width="238" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3435">The Awassi breed inherits considerable resistance to
parasites, and is very hardy.</figcaption></figure><div align="left">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div>
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The prized Karras East Friesian dairy sheep first entered the U.S.
in 1996 through Canada.</div>
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Mary and Rusty Jarvis of Groveland Farm Wisconsin partnered with
Peter Welkerling, an investor from Canada, to import full-blood East Friesian
embryos from Europe.</div>
<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3436" class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_3436" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/3-318.jpg"><img alt="Awassi sheep, an ancient Israeli breed, have large ears that help dissipate heat." class="size-full wp-image-3436 " height="200" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/3-318.jpg" width="300" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3436">Awassi sheep, an ancient Israeli breed, have large ears
that help dissipate heat.</figcaption></figure><div align="left">
The prized Karras East Friesian dairy sheep first entered the U.S.
in 1996 through Canada.</div>
<div align="left">
Mary and Rusty Jarvis of Groveland Farm Wisconsin partnered with
Peter Welkerling, an investor from Canada, to import full-blood East Friesian
embryos from Europe.</div>
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The embryos entered Canada in 1995 and were implanted in ewes and
the first North American East Friesian sheep were born. The full-blood lambs
were then imported into the U.S.</div>
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Andy purchased his original East Friesian stock directly from
Groveland Farm and since then, using a selective breeding process, has developed
some of the highest quality East Friesian dairy sheep available in the U.S.</div>
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In the process, he has become a leader in dairy sheep genetics,
focusing on physical characteristics, milk production, wool and overall animal
health.</div>
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His purebred East Friesian ewes and rams can sell for up to $1,000
a head with an average price of about $800.</div>
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“Our genetics from Karras Farm are now in 38 different states
known to us,” he says. “But I’m certain there is at least one sheep farmer in
every state across North America with our sheep genetics.</div>
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“We have more than 200 clients on our mailing list who have
purchased from us.”</div>
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When Karras Farm started, there was no dairy sheep farming in his
region.</div>
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“We started with only our knowledge from our ancestry and practice
of every-day dairy sheep farming, along with my education—I am a qualified vet
in Greece and that is where I received my education.”</div>
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He obtained his degree from the Karpenisi Veterinary School in the
region where his parents once lived.</div>
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“I feel the lack of knowledge on husbandry of the dairy sheep
itself has affected the dairy sheep industry, causing the sector to slowly
increase or sometimes decrease. Also, the importation of dairy sheep products
such as cheeses and milk products is affecting the growth.”</div>
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There are two main groups of buyers for Andy’s sheep.</div>
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“We have a lot of customers at Karras Farm that purchase animals
for homestead farms, using the dairy sheep for the milk, meat, and wool for
private use by their family,” he says.</div>
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“We also have had a number of dairy companies purchasing large
numbers of dairy sheep for the production of milk to make cheeses, yogurts, and
ice cream.”</div>
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Karras Farm may have started out specializing in breeding the
highest quality East Friesian dairy sheep in the world, but now Andy had taken
the business even further, producing the first Israeli Awassi sheep in the U.S.
as well as the Assaf, another Israeli breed created by crossing the Awassi with
East Friesians.</div>
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Andy now has dairy sheep bloodlines originating from Australia,
New Zealand and Europe.</div>
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The process leading to the birth of the first Awassi lambs in the
U.S. took two years.</div>
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Andy spent a year in Australia searching for the best Awassi sheep
dairy genetics, an odyssey that could be likened to hunting for a needle in a
haystack in a country that focuses on meat genetics.</div>
<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3438" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_3438" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5-415.jpg"><img alt="Awassi sheep, being from hot, desert regions, accumulate fat in their tails for survival during dearths, a delicacy to people of Mideast descent." class="size-full wp-image-3438" height="226" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5-415.jpg" width="300" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3438">Awassi sheep, being from hot, desert regions, accumulate
fat in their tails for survival during dearths, a delicacy to people of Mideast
descent.</figcaption></figure><div align="left">
Australia was selected because its strict quarantine laws lessen
the chances of foreign sheep disease being found in their sheep.</div>
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“We had to specifically find a dairy farmer that was producing
dairy products,” Andy says. “Then we had to trace through the records of these
particular Awassi to confirm their purity. Once we found our breeder of Awassi
genetics, we had to follow all guidelines and protocols of each Department of
Agriculture.”</div>
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The work paid off.</div>
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The first full-blood Awassi sheep were born in March 2012, and
Andy now is in his second year with the breed. He is accepting orders for
Awassis and expects the live sheep and semen will be available within two
years.</div>
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“It was difficult waiting a whole year to announce the birth of
Awassi sheep in the U.S,” he says. “Our Awassi USA dairy sheep program will be a
welcome enhancement to the dairy sheep industry in the U.S.”</div>
<div align="left">
The Awassi is a fat-tail dairy sheep that is very hardy by nature,
fully adapted to arid environments and widely considered the highest milk
producing breed in the Middle East.</div>
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The sheep have beautiful wool coats and are known for being
resistant to many diseases and parasites that can badly affect other breeds.</div>
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The first F1 Assaf was born Jan. 3, 2013 to a purebred East
Friesian ewe. The sire is a full-blood Awassi ram born at Karras Farm in March
2012 via an imported embryo from Australia.</div>
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“We have noticed the F1 Assaf dairy sheep have rapid weight gain,
durability, and high parasite resistance,” Andy says.</div>
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The first of his Assaf lambs—costing $2,500 apiece—went out to
sheep farms across the country in May.</div>
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The USDA has set requirements for the importation of new genetics
into the U.S. The country of origin of the embryos also has its own Dept. of
Agriculture guidelines that have to be met.</div>
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University of Wisconsin-Madison sheep researcher Yves M. Berger
(now retired) said in a report for the Spooner Agricultural Research Station
that the East Friesian is considered to be the world’s best milk-producing dairy
sheep.</div>
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He says it averages 2.25 lambs a litter with milk yield of 1,100
to 1,540 pounds. (500 kg to 700 kg) per lactation of 240 to 260 days, testing
six to seven percent milk fat, the highest average dairy milk yield recorded for
any breed of sheep.</div>
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The lactation of the average U.S. sheep breed is about 100 to 200
pounds per lactation.</div>
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“They are highly specialized animals and do poorly under extensive
and large flock husbandry conditions,” Berger wrote. “An example of the dramatic
effect the East Friesian milk sheep can have on breeds adapted to environments
too severe for the purebred East Friesian is from the development of the
composite Assaf breed in Israel from crossing East Friesian with the Awassi, a
breed adapted to the arid Middle East. Lamb and milk production among yearling
Assaf is double that of the Awassi.”</div>
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Karras Farm now has 63 Awassis, 92 F1 Assafs, and more than 300
East Friesians.</div>
<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3439" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_3439" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/6-258.jpg"><img alt="The F1 Assaf retains traits of the Awassi, like its large ears, but is white like the Friesian." class="size-full wp-image-3439" height="200" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/6-258.jpg" width="300" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3439">The F1 Assaf retains traits of the Awassi, like its large
ears, but is white like the Friesian.</figcaption></figure><div align="left">
“We try to keep 10 to 15 rams of each breed depending on demand,”
he says.</div>
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Until recently, Andy says, the U.S. dairy sheep industry was
growing only slowly.</div>
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Not any more.</div>
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“I have seen in the past few years a rapid increase in the demand
and interest, both from commercial operators and homesteaders,” he says. “I feel
in the next five to 10 years, the sheep industry will double due to people
realizing the sheeps milk is very good for their health.”</div>
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He recommends a stocking rate of five dairy sheep to the acre, but
says a knowledge of the sheep helps determine the size of flock, along with the
farm help available, the size of the barn and the availability of a food
supply.</div>
<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3440" class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_3440" style="width: 206px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/7-184.jpg"><img alt="The dairy build is evident in the red-headed breeds of sheep." class="size-medium wp-image-3440 " height="300" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/7-184-196x300.jpg" width="196" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3440">The dairy build is evident in the red-headed breeds of
sheep.</figcaption></figure><div align="left">
Regular wool and meat producers could also run a dairy flock as
the milk will increase a farm’s revenue, along with the wool and meat from the
dairy sheep flock.</div>
<div align="left">
“We don’t recommend having sheep and goats in the same living
quarters,” he says, “but combining sheeps milk and goats milk does make a blend
of excellent artisan cheese that is very popular in Europe.”</div>
<div align="left">
The dairy sheep have to be milked every 12 hours and they have to
be shorn once a year. The animals are easily trained in the use of a milking
stall.</div>
<div align="left">
“We like the sheep to be heavily grazed and at times we feed a 22%
protein feed,” Andy says.</div>
<div align="left">
The Karras Farm sheep average seven to eight pounds of milk a day
during the prime milking season and have an average 10-month lactation period.
The average ewe produces milk for about eight years. After milk production
levels drop, the sheep is still good for eating.</div>
<div align="left">
About six pounds of sheep milk is needed to make one pound of
cheese. Sheep milk is fattier than that of cow or goat milk. There’s a higher
proportion of fatty, curd-producing solids in the milk and not as much is
required to make the same amount of cheese.</div>
<div align="left">
Another benefit of sheep milk is it is naturally homogenized,
meaning the fat globules are smaller and don’t separate from the less-dense,
water-based components in the milk.</div>
<div align="left">
An Oklahoma State University report says the Awassi evolved as a
nomadic sheep breed through centuries of natural and selective breeding to
become the highest milk producing breed in the Middle East. The breed is calm
around people, easy to work with and easily milked. When machine-milked, they
can be milked in four to six minutes.</div>
<div align="left">
Prices for dairy sheep milking stalls start at about $1,000.</div>
<div align="left">
“The stalls can range up to many thousands of dollars and I have
seen stalls holding up to 100 sheep,” Andy says.</div>
<div align="left">
U.S. sheep milk production is increasing annually to meet a demand
that constantly exceeds supply.</div>
<div align="left">
As a result, about 53 million pounds of expensive sheep-milk-based
cheese is imported annually.</div>
<div align="left">
The U.S. sheeps milk is being used to make sought-after yogurt and
milk products by people who are being told by their doctors that it is better
than cows milk for health benefits.</div>
<div align="left">
“People are really interested in the sheep milk cheeses,” Andy
says.</div>
<div align="left">
Also, soap made from the sheeps milk is becoming popular.</div>
<div align="left">
Karras farm is not in the dairy business itself, but sells live
sheep, semen and embryos.</div>
<figure aria-labelledby="figcaption_attachment_3441" class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_3441" style="width: 310px;"><a href="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/8-243.jpg"><img alt="East Friesian sheep have high milk yields and good size but aren’t considered as hardy." class="size-full wp-image-3441" height="247" src="http://www.sheepmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/8-243.jpg" width="300" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="figcaption_attachment_3441">East Friesian sheep have high milk yields and good size
but aren’t considered as hardy.</figcaption></figure><div align="left">
It has become a destination for everybody from church and school
groups to curious neighbors and farmers. Many of those farmers end up buying
dairy sheep, seeing an advantage in an animal that produces a new income source
in addition to wool and meat.</div>
<div align="left">
“We are constantly researching and studying for ways to produce
the highest milk producing sheep that’s hardy, parasite resistant, and that can
withstand varieties of climates,” Andy says.</div>
<div align="left">
“On record, our highest milk yield is 4,200 lbs. from one ewe
during a 10 month lactation period,” he says.</div>
<div align="left">
Overseas, the main countries that specialize in sheeps milk are
Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Russia and Libya, where the demand is high,
especially from countries around the Mediterranean.</div>
<div align="left">
There are hundreds of dairy sheep throughout the world; most of
them being in the countries of their origin, Andy says, indicating that he has
plans to introduce new breeds in the future.</div>
<div align="left">
Karras Farms runs courses for first-time buyers.</div>
<div align="left">
“We help clients get started on their farm by getting them set up
for their dairy sheep before the sheep make it to their new home,” he says. “We
also like to stay in contact with all of our customers to continue to help them
with different things.</div>
<div align="left">
“We have a true passion,” Andy says.</div>
<br />
<div align="left">
“My dream is of operating a nationally renowned sheep farm in the
U.S.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-89137677162253856302013-08-30T06:59:00.000-07:002013-08-30T06:59:32.870-07:00Karras Farm - Weak Lamb At Birth - Sheep CPR<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Weak Lamb at Birth</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lamb weakened by a by a protracted or difficult birth may be suffering from Anoxia (lack of oxygen) or have fluid in the lungs. The first few minutes are crucial to the lams survival. If the lamb gurgles with the first few breaths or has difficulty breathing, dry off the nose; grasp the lamb momentarily on the return end of the upswing with your free hand so the lamb is stopped abruptly in the vertical position. This accomplishes two things. The centrifugal force aids the movement of fluid from the lungs and the weight of the Viscera presses on the diaphragm causing a forced expiration. When you catch the lamb on the upswing, the weight of the Viscera falls in the opposite direction causing a forced inspiration. Normally two or three swings will get the vitals performing normally. If the heart is beating and the lamb is still not breathing after this exercise, artificial respiration is mandatory. Grasp the lamb by the nose so your thumb and fingers are slightly above the nostrils and respirate until you see the chest expand. Repeat this procedure until the lamb begins breathing. Please be cautious not to blow too hard as the labs lungs are quite small and can be ruptured by excessive pressure. If your attempts are still unsuccessful sometimes a cold water shock treatment will do the trick. Dunk the lamb in cold water, such as a drinking trough. The shock may cause the lamb to gasp and start breathing. Sometimes a finger inserted gently down the throat will stimulate a coughing reflex and get things going. After the lamb starts to breath, be sure to keep it warm and have it checked by a livestock veterinarian asap. </div>
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Andy Karras<br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://karrasfarm.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://awassisheep.com</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">karrasfarm@gmail.com</span></a><br />
<img border="0" class="rg_i" height="41" name="xkeGG1QlCHkdAM:" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrh9KXyoUhg4d2-EeBNzdHcDSy9bmOBk6dTnjnMqsLwZLvh4w-cUSd22c" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJJqXgZbFm2lHID4x_0hgAzf9jcfbEaf5_fN4a8hpLbzUCWiQMxlXWUXTrD5qdDniWwLnQBbmazTl_8L3XtuLKfrhXKosJsFy_yzKThggA_GvxehaT4-bBdpQqyrixTKNT_5eFsFDU9hy/s1600/Assaf+Ram+Lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJJqXgZbFm2lHID4x_0hgAzf9jcfbEaf5_fN4a8hpLbzUCWiQMxlXWUXTrD5qdDniWwLnQBbmazTl_8L3XtuLKfrhXKosJsFy_yzKThggA_GvxehaT4-bBdpQqyrixTKNT_5eFsFDU9hy/s320/Assaf+Ram+Lamb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Assaf Ram - F1 50/50 cross </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsUnLNm_DqRVWwn9_Rfy-1Q5Gc9Mjz6L1xUoPPUuoa4415a1Z3_Owh6u93q1rneLM1W-r1oUnVUmFqjFYOovd1_Hov4BAYWCyOrGBrpuBhIW01Y6st0DxMb1tWfxpQcIEYJ9xUpOCt7SD/s1600/Assaf+Ram+Lamb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsUnLNm_DqRVWwn9_Rfy-1Q5Gc9Mjz6L1xUoPPUuoa4415a1Z3_Owh6u93q1rneLM1W-r1oUnVUmFqjFYOovd1_Hov4BAYWCyOrGBrpuBhIW01Y6st0DxMb1tWfxpQcIEYJ9xUpOCt7SD/s320/Assaf+Ram+Lamb2.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Assaf Ram - F1 50/50 cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/contact-us" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_565081739="74" height="250" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKkAJIQi0-GYPMnnP1DLKnFArqK_sFS8f3nf1YSK4xxyDAZbblyj4ds0M4kZD35BATOhFiDSTpqPKrd1dgDSJmcqAnpKX1C-qXVLrAH8RypBtq366y3R292mTih9PQyXceNG_cZU7aC9A/s400/east+friesian+deposits.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-60138410853340304292013-07-03T07:12:00.000-07:002013-07-03T07:12:29.234-07:00Ram Epididymitis - East Friesian Dairy Sheep - Karras FarmRecently, there has been heightened awareness of Ram Epididymitis, a disease caused by one of several different organisms which damage sperm producing tissue. The infection is well under way and contagious prior to external symptoms showing in physical examinations. Symptoms can include swelling of the Epididymitis, located at the base of the testacies, and the presence of hard lump tissue can indicate the disease is already in an advanced state. In some cases the ewe may become infected resulting in abortions, still births and weak lambs. It is more commonly contagious from ram to ram but can be transmitted through a ewe who has recently been serviced by a ram. Vaccination has not yet proved highly successful. Early extensive monitoring of your sheep and rapid isolation could save your valuable animals.<br />
<br />
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Independance Day!<br />
<br />
God bless<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm Inc.<br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a> <br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/karrasfarm"><img border="0" class="rg_i" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrh9KXyoUhg4d2-EeBNzdHcDSy9bmOBk6dTnjnMqsLwZLvh4w-cUSd22c" height="41" name="xkeGG1QlCHkdAM:" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-88036668123112979782013-03-25T06:20:00.001-07:002013-03-25T06:20:15.461-07:00Mechanical Pneumonia in Sheep<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mechanical or “foreign body” pneumonia results when fluids or objects enter the lungs, such as excessive birth fluids or milk in the lungs of lambs. An abnormal birth position or any interruption of the umbilical blood supply to the lamb results in an oxygen deficiency. This in turn stimulates the respiratory reflex and causes the lamb to attempt breathing prior to birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The respiratory reflex causes inhalation of excessive fetal fluids resulting in mechanical pneumonia. Forced bottle feeding of as lamb with impaired sucking reflex, improper stomach tubing or oral medication may also allow fluid to enter the lungs. There is no cure for mechanical pneumonia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Sincerely,<br /><br />Andy Karras - Owner<br /><a href="http://karrasfarm.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://karrasfarm.com</span></a><br /><a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</span></a><br /><a href="http://awassisheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://awassisheep.com</span></a><br /><a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">karrasfarm@gmail.com</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/contact-us" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_565081739="74" height="250" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKkAJIQi0-GYPMnnP1DLKnFArqK_sFS8f3nf1YSK4xxyDAZbblyj4ds0M4kZD35BATOhFiDSTpqPKrd1dgDSJmcqAnpKX1C-qXVLrAH8RypBtq366y3R292mTih9PQyXceNG_cZU7aC9A/s400/east+friesian+deposits.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-37988713566853707412013-03-08T07:29:00.000-08:002013-03-08T07:31:50.289-08:00East Friesian Sheep For Sale - Assaf Sheep For SaleKarras Farm is now taking deposits for East Friesian Sheep and Assaf F1Sheep.<br />
<br />
Karras Farm offers some of the very best dairy sheep genetics available in the United States. Over many years of cultivating highly sought after dairy sheep characteristics, Karras Farm has become a leading provider of dairy sheep in the United States.<br />
<br />
Please take a moment to view our blogs and website. We are here to help with all your dairy sheep questions, so feel free to call or email us if we can assist you in any way.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Andy Karras - Owner<br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/contact-us" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_565081739="74" height="250" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKkAJIQi0-GYPMnnP1DLKnFArqK_sFS8f3nf1YSK4xxyDAZbblyj4ds0M4kZD35BATOhFiDSTpqPKrd1dgDSJmcqAnpKX1C-qXVLrAH8RypBtq366y3R292mTih9PQyXceNG_cZU7aC9A/s400/east+friesian+deposits.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-89076022959566085672013-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:002013-02-20T11:44:12.185-08:00East Friesian Sheep For Sale at Karras Farm<div style="text-align: center;">
Karras Farm is now taking deposits for East Friesian sheep and our Assaf F1 ram lambs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have posted some photos below of our prized East Friesian blood line. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<center style="text-align: left;">
Karras Farm Inc.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com" target="_blank">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a></center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-42531269592800752522013-01-08T03:27:00.001-08:002013-01-08T06:08:32.115-08:00Awassi Sheep Are Here In The USA!! Karras Farm has just announced our Awassi sheep program in the United States.<br />
Please visit the link below for details regarding the Awassi sheep announcement.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10278968.htm">http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10278968.htm</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-76617803012285822932012-12-29T11:04:00.000-08:002012-12-29T11:04:13.946-08:00Blackleg in Sheep<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blackleg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blackleg (c.chauvoie) and ,malignant edema (c.septicum) are other clostridial diseases that more frequently occur in cattle but can also affect sheep. Tetanus (c.tetani) is yet another clostridial disease that is always a threat during tail docking or when open wounds are present. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Excellent vaccines are available for these diseases if they are known to cause problems for sheep in your location. Clustridial vaccines with up to 7 or 8 antigens are available for use in sheep and can be used on the same schedule as described for enterotoxaemia.</span></div>
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Andy Karras - Karras Farm</div>
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-24302217817140504712012-12-28T14:07:00.001-08:002012-12-28T14:07:23.825-08:00Livestock Pinkeye (Keratoconjunctivitis)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinkeye is an inflammation of the surface of the eye and of the inner surfaces of the surrounding conjunctival tissue. This often produces redness in the tissue, hence the name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pinkeye may affect one or both eyes. Redness and swelling of the tissue surrounding the eye and excessive tears are noticeable side effects. Pinkeye is often caused by a Chlamydial agent, but may be caused by bacteria or mycoplasma organisms as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If left untreated, it may damage the cornea by ulceration; this can lead to permanent blindness. Pinkeye can spread by direct contact or via flies. Reported outbreaks have affected over 90% of the flock. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Treatment: Tetracycline antibiotic ointment is placed in the eye everyday for several days. The Chlamydial agent in pinkeye is especially sensitive to this drug. Sever outbreaks may require the subconjunctival injection of antibiotics by a veterinarian to provide more prolonged treatment. If the lower lid rolls in directly onto the eye, it must be corrected by a veterinarian before causing permanent damage to the cornea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Separate infected animals, reduce dust and control flies to reduce new cases.</span></div>
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-73329688805290760342012-12-24T09:53:00.000-08:002012-12-24T09:58:20.848-08:00Health Benefits of Eating LambLamb is a good source of high quality protein with 60.3% of the daily protein requirement. The meat also provides Selenium, a mineral whose deficiency is associated with asthma attacks. Lamb is rich in Iron, an integral component of hemoglobin and aids formation of red blood cells. The Iron form in lamb meet is easily absorbed by the body. Zinc is found in lamb meat as well and promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin B12 is present in moderate levels and help to prevent a dangerous molecule called homo cysteine from harming the body. Vitamin B3 is known to protect against Alzheimer's disease, promote healthy skin and keeps age related cognitive decline at bay. More over, it retards the risk of developing osteoarthritis by as much as half. Lamb is an excellent alternate meat for health conscience people and is a great source for "good fat" with lower saturated fat than most other meats.<br />
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Karras Farm wishes you all a very Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
God bless<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm Inc.<br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a> <br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dairy sheep - East Friesian</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-44299645673674373692012-11-28T12:25:00.001-08:002012-11-28T12:25:54.351-08:00Dairy Sheep - Boils or Abscess<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A boil or abscess is a localized accumulation of infectious tissue and fluid in response to a bacterial infection. The most common infection in sheep is caseous lymphadenitis (CL), which localizes in the lymph nodes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A variety of bacteria may cause an abscess, but the cause (CL) is corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. It often causes multiple abscesses in the lymph nodes around the head, neck and shoulders. It may also affect internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys and lungs. It may result in chronic weight loss or death in extreme cases. Caseous lymphadenitis can spread between animals. When an external boil ruptures, the bacteria are dispersed. This can be a particular concern at shearing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may take several months for lesions to develop in newly infected animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individual abscesses can be lanced and drained or surgically removed. When Lancing or removing a lesion, you must exercise great caution to not further spread organisms to other sheep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may still be internal abscesses that cannot be seen or removed. Antibiotics are generally of little benefit as they struggle to penetrate the thick capsule of tissue that forms around the infected area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintain fences, feeders and corrals to minimize injuries. Shear the youngest sheep first and take great care to not rupture any abscesses. A vaccine is available but it must be administered when lambs are very young to promote immunity prior to exposure.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Karras Family</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karras Farm</span><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://karrasfarm.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://awassisheep.com</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">andy@karrasfarm.com</span></a><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3etiIBWBQlyEZbMqMfXC1UHsEmdUJ_03e7gstkK6IdzUIVub9k46SF-tLVvprKFy54EkYpF-MPjuttzBOC-7ZjpAaD1_yJK-9Izavl4ktmhiGAWaUY09lLLBGzz_oV0GLLLWC2dhuBP8/s1600/.facebook_1024673685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3etiIBWBQlyEZbMqMfXC1UHsEmdUJ_03e7gstkK6IdzUIVub9k46SF-tLVvprKFy54EkYpF-MPjuttzBOC-7ZjpAaD1_yJK-9Izavl4ktmhiGAWaUY09lLLBGzz_oV0GLLLWC2dhuBP8/s400/.facebook_1024673685.jpg" tea="true" title="dairy sheep" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dairy Sheep - Cute lambs</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-73416541482939197532012-11-21T10:24:00.000-08:002012-11-21T10:39:41.587-08:00Sheep Feed and DigestionTo understand how to properly feed your flock, you need to know a bit about ruminant digestion. Ruminants have a four chambered stomach as opposed to a single stomach like humans, dogs, horses, pigs and many other animals. When sheep eat grass or hay, the food slips down the esophagus into the largest chamber , a fermentation and storage organ called the Rumen. Sheep don't do much chewing as they forage, that activity comes later. When the sheep finds a quiet spot to rest and regurgitate the under-masticated vegetable matter, it will then do some real chewing or ruminating, before again swallowing its "cud" for final digestion. Even with all this rumination, the cellulose in fibrous plant feed is difficult to digest. Fortunately, ruminants have billions of helpful protozoa and bacteria residing in their Rumen that flourish on high fiber diets. These microbes produce protein as a by-product of the fermentation process, another perk for the sheep. Further digestions occurs in the Abomasun or true stomach, which secrets acids and enzymes similar to the human stomach. The basic components of a healthy sheep diet include water, forage, grain, vitamins and minerals.<br />
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<br />
Have a blessed Holiday ~ Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family<br />
<br />
The Karras Family<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-72653960040458385732012-10-29T06:29:00.000-07:002012-10-29T06:29:11.199-07:00East Friesian Sheep - Nasal Bots<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nasal Bots are the adult stage of the female fly. They lay tiny eggs on the nose of sheep, then the larvae crawl up the nose and into the sinuses where they mature into large larvae. Eight to ten months later the bots come out of the nose, drop to the ground and develop into flies. While in the sinus, the larvae may cause severe irritation. Ivermectin products are most effective against the larvae stage but sheep may be repeatedly affected as new larvae migrate to the sinuses. </span></div>
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Andy Karras - Karras Farm</div>
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlTNx12OY2TtnS5Rez2H24txjJRTEJ0F32xXdBfJzxdxXSm08AcGIGd5dOHqO26WyFB39HJpwapxnGVgWEhVQoj8O5D0OEhi_61AEUt_TgA53PBVyzV5h8wKwFjs24e5aaPLPEBBFo-RL/s1600/.facebook_-234473245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="East Friesian Dairy Sheep" border="0" height="240" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlTNx12OY2TtnS5Rez2H24txjJRTEJ0F32xXdBfJzxdxXSm08AcGIGd5dOHqO26WyFB39HJpwapxnGVgWEhVQoj8O5D0OEhi_61AEUt_TgA53PBVyzV5h8wKwFjs24e5aaPLPEBBFo-RL/s320/.facebook_-234473245.jpg" title="East Friesian Dairy Sheep" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Friesian Dairy Sheep Grazing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-83369229238769992342012-10-13T10:24:00.000-07:002012-10-13T10:24:25.429-07:00Liver Fluke in East Friesian Dairy Sheep<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The adult stage of this parasite lives in the bile ducts in the liver of sheep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A very small number can pose a detrimental effect on the host. Larvae hatch eggs passed in the feces, but they must be ingested by a snail to move to the next stage of development. Flukes are usually found in damp meadows or wetlands where snails are present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prevention can be directed at drying up wetlands or fencing sheep away from them. Two available medications, Clorsulon and Albendazole are effective if given after the first of January when the larvae have developed into adults in the liver. After 2-4 years of use the number of eggs and larvae on the pasture should be greatly reduced and pose little threat. Continued use of these medications is necessary to prevent resurgence.</span></div>
Have a wonderful weekend~<br />
<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com</a><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-40424187427654814822012-10-08T11:27:00.000-07:002012-10-13T10:19:23.666-07:00Coccidiosis - Parasitic disease of the intestinal tract<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coccidiosis is an acute contagious parasitic disease spread between sheep through fecal contamination of feed or water. Strict sanitation and proper arrangement of feed/water containers will greatly reduce the probability of contamination. Lambs must be prevented from tracking manure into feeding areas. Coccidiosis in lambs can be very deadly. This parasite causes severe diarrhea, sometimes bloody, usually dark in color resulting in extreme dehydration or death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We recommend frequent fecal checks to ensure healthy Coccidiosis free animals. At Karras Farm we feed our East Friesian dairy ewes and lambs pellet feed medicated with Deccox or Bovatec (lasolocid) continually to control Coccidiosis and improve feed efficiency. Ewes should receive this continually from thirty days prior to lambing through shortly after the lambs are weaned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a wonderful Columbus Day and Thanksgiving to all our friends in Canada~</span><br />
<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-12668333927686725772012-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:002012-09-15T07:56:05.511-07:00Sheep Stocking RateA number of factors are involved in deciding how many sheep can be kept per acre.<br />
<br />
These factors include:<br />
1. Soil type (rocky - sandy - clay)<br />
2. Species of plant (grass- weeds - clover)<br />
3. Rainfall or irrigation<br />
4. Climate<br />
5. Fertility of soil<br />
6. Topography (hill - slope - marsh)<br />
7. Pregnant Ewes - Ewes in lactation - Dry Ewes<br />
8. Can pasture be rotated?<br />
<br />
Sheep don't do as well when pasture is overstocked. Older ewes suffer most as their poor teeth make it harder for them to cut on overgrazed pasture. The short grass results in less feed per bite. Even teeth of younger ewes will suffer from having to cut short grass as more dirt and sand enters the mouth resulting in accelerated tooth ware. <br />
<br />
At Karras Fram we estimate four sheep per acre off good pasture, with grade A hay and some grain in the winter. Poor pasture would cut the stocking rate in half with roughly two sheep per acre and supplement feed in the winter. If you are new to sheep farming we would advocate keeping the stocking rate low the first year to determine how the pasture holds up?<br />
<br />
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend and good grazing!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="http://karrasfarm.com/">http://karrasfarm.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-44330809350756186902012-08-29T06:05:00.001-07:002012-08-29T06:05:53.795-07:00Ovine Progressive Pneumonia Ovine Progressive Pneumonia (OPP) is caused by a slow growing virus that infects lambs and manifests itself as a disease after the lamb has reached two years of age. It primarily affects the lungs and udder, but may also involve other tissues.<br />
<br />
OPP causes chronic weight loss despite a good appetite; labored breathing; and a well formed udder that produces little to no milk. Opp can spread from older animals to lambs through the ewes’ milk.<br />
<br />
Some producers have established OPP-free flocks, but this can be very difficult and expensive to accomplish. Don’t confine young sheep in close quarters with infected adult animals. Cull affected animals early in the course of the disease. A blood test can be used to determine if a sheep is infected, but may not be 100% reliable. A Necropsy is the only way to determine with certainty if an animal is infected with OPP. There is no known effective treatment for OPP and the disease slowly leads to death.<br />
<br />
At Karras Farm, all our East Friesian Dairy Sheep are OPP- free flocks. We strive to produce the healthiest dairy sheep in the world.<br />
<br />
Thank you,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Andy Karras</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Karras Farm</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="mailto:andy@karrasfarm.com">andy@karrasfarm.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-71363886511895340132012-07-18T08:44:00.000-07:002012-07-18T08:44:48.454-07:00How To Detect A Sick Sheep<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><u>How to detect a sick sheep:</u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Detecting a sick animal quickly can prevent loss of life and the potential spread of disease to the flock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You must become familiar with normal behavior of your sheep. You must also have quick and easy ways of catching sheep to access them if needed. Areas such as a feed corral work well. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signs of abnormality are loss of appetite or not coming to eat as usual, not ruminating and standing apart from the group when at rest. Be very concerned if a sheep is laying down most of the time when other sheep are not. Any weakness or staggering, unusual labored or fast breathing, change in bowel movement, wool discoloration or slipping, hanging their head over the water source or a temperature over 104 degrees can all be possible indications of illness.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The normal temperature of sheep ranges from 100.9 to 103 degrees (average 102.3 degrees). A veterinary rectal thermometer has a ring or hole at the outer end to tie a string for easy removal. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If it is necessary to catch a urine sample for use with the pregnancy toxemia (ketosis) strips or glucose strips for Enterotoxaemia, try holding the sheep nostrils closed for a moment. This "stress" sometimes triggers urination.</span></div>
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<strong><u>Areas where sheep are more likely to transmit germs:</u></strong></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Water or feed contaminated by feces from sheep or other animals can transmit intestinal diseases and parasites. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Respiratory disease may be spread by nasal discharge or feeding containers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dirty uncrotched wool on a ewe can infect the lamb. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Manure accumulated in a lambing shed or around a feeding trough can intensify exposure to disease germs and Coccidiosis, serve as breeding grounds for flies and other vermin. Another side affect can be the production of ammonia fumes which can inhibit respiratory function.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wet, muddy places can cause hoof disease in sheep</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feeding on bare ground should be avoided and can contribute to parasite exposure and disease.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Venereal transmission of disease at breeding time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dirty syringes and needles can cause injection site infections.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 50.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Insects, birds, snails, dogs, cats and other hosts can be carriers of parasites and disease.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Newly acquired sheep can be carriers of many serious diseases such as Brucellosis, Chlamydia, OPP, Foot Rot etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At Karris Farm we maintain a healthy and sanitary surrounding. Our East Friesian sheep are adequately fed a well balanced diet on a normal schedule which aids in the prevention of disease. We also deworm our east Friesian Dairy Sheep regularly preventing parasite build up which can weaken the sheep and leave the more susceptible to disease. Sound management dictates that sheep should be vaccinated against all ailments and diseases prevalent in your area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We wish all our friends, customer and sheep lovers a wonderful summer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Andy Karras</span><br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-85363311986818957552012-07-13T11:51:00.001-07:002012-07-13T11:51:27.542-07:00Dairy Sheep - Early Lambing or Late Lambing?There are some advantages / disadvantages for both early and late lambing so we thought we would share some of our experiences on both.<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Early Lambing</strong></u>:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>There are fewer parasites on the grass pasture due to the colder temperatures.</li>
<li>Ewe lambs born early are more apt to breed as lambs.</li>
<li>The earlier they are born the sooner you're able to place lambs at their new homes.</li>
<li>Lambs will be ready to graze the fresh spring grass.</li>
<li>Very few fly problems in the winter. </li>
</ol>
<strong><u>Late Lambing</u></strong>:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Ewe will require sheering prior to lambing which can be stressful.</li>
<li>Lambs tolerate the cool weather better. Typically lambs born in a hot environment will not develop as quickly.</li>
<li>Less grain is required for late lambing.</li>
<li>Ewe and Ram lambs will not reach breeding maturity until the following spring.</li>
</ol>
<br />
At Karras Farm, we have found that lambing in February has the best all around benefits. By May the lambs are at their new homes and we prevent some of the negative side effects that late lambing can promote. We believe that early maturity is key to prolific lambs.<br />
<br />
Please stay in touch and feel free to leave comments with your experiences.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Andy Karras<br />
<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a><br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-84057356926231392472012-05-23T10:14:00.000-07:002012-06-13T07:50:26.476-07:00Sheep Guardian DogsCoyotes and stray dogs are increasing in numbers and have become an extreme danger to lambs. Stray dogs can cause more trouble than Coyotes. One or two stray dogs have the ability to destroy and maim dozens of sheep in a single night. Coyotes primarily make one kill to feed while dogs find it to be more of a sporting event and thrill of the kill. Killings usually occur at night or very early morning. It's important to employ a sheep guard dog for protection of the herd. Guard dogs are on duty 24/7 and they are most alert during times of greatest danger. <br />
<br />
At Karras Farm we breed Anatolian Shepherds to protect our East Friesian dairy sheep. The Anatolian Shepherd is known for excellent sheep herd protection and they integrate well with new lambs during birthing season. Guard dogs are not family pets; they are working dogs and should be integrated with the herd at all times. Karras Farm offers a limited number of Anatolian Shepherd puppies to our existing customers. If you have an interest in learning more about guard dogs or future availability of our pups please feel free to contact us. <br />
<br />
Thank you and best wishes with keeping your animals safe from predators.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/karrasfarm"><img border="0" class="rg_i" height="41" name="xkeGG1QlCHkdAM:" onload="google.stb.csi.onTbn(0, this)" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrh9KXyoUhg4d2-EeBNzdHcDSy9bmOBk6dTnjnMqsLwZLvh4w-cUSd22c" width="200" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-57519118625792521322012-05-09T13:35:00.000-07:002012-05-09T13:35:48.397-07:00Life Expectancy of SheepThe life expectancy of sheep is similar to a large dog breed of about ten to twelve years. Some sheep breeds are known to have a longer life cycle such as the Merino. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest sheep lived to be 23yrs. She was a Merino however; the length of a sheeps productive cycle is much shorter. A ewes offspring production is highest between three and six years of age and usually starts to decline after age seven. As a result, most ewes are removed from our flock prior to reaching their natural life expectancy. It is necessary to remove the older ewes in order to make room for the younger animals. As we mature our genetic line of sheep we must provide an adequate environment for the younger sheep to thrive. In harder environments, where forage is sparse, ewes are usually culled at an even younger age due to tooth ware and break down. It can become difficult for sheep in these conditions to maintain proper body condition and consume enough forage to feed their lambs. It is possible for a ewe to be productive past ten years of age and stay healthy but this is typically the exception to a natural sheep life cycle.<br />
<br />
Hope all your lambs are happy and healthy!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/karrasfarm"><img border="0" class="rg_i" height="41" name="xkeGG1QlCHkdAM:" onload="google.stb.csi.onTbn(0, this)" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrh9KXyoUhg4d2-EeBNzdHcDSy9bmOBk6dTnjnMqsLwZLvh4w-cUSd22c" width="200" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88851949156534870.post-9807895151023952832012-04-10T08:37:00.000-07:002012-04-10T08:37:05.635-07:00Retained AfterbirthIn most cases the afterbirth comes out normally within a few hours after the lamb is born, depending somewhat on the activity of the ewe. Don't ever try to pull out the afterbirth. You may cut it inside the ewe or cause her to strain and prolase among other potential injuries. You can allow some time to pass without worrying about the afterbirth. If six hours have passed and the afterbirth is still retained, we recommend Penicillin G twice daily (every 12hrs) for five days and a good vaginal flush. This should be followed by Oxytocin in the muscle asap. This will help the ewe sterilize the area while the Oxytocin aids in helping the ewe push out any remaining afterbirth.<br />
<br />
Make it a super day!<br />
<br />
Andy Karras<br />
Karras Farm<br />
<a href="mailto:karrasfarm@gmail.com">karrasfarm@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://eastfriesiansheep.com/">http://eastfriesiansheep.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://awassisheep.com/">http://awassisheep.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa5nX2SbCqhOeJLHrO6p4yQwHUGf39lU3oQDMCxsDwjujlFFb5n8SQW55e0CYSU3m7CVv-NYVhAV6RCpf6e397VSg2P1gZuEiJGlnSJH644Qf5h1ROZQ14uF52UTHLW6R_jPAEEFn5nQ/s1600/eastfriesian6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa5nX2SbCqhOeJLHrO6p4yQwHUGf39lU3oQDMCxsDwjujlFFb5n8SQW55e0CYSU3m7CVv-NYVhAV6RCpf6e397VSg2P1gZuEiJGlnSJH644Qf5h1ROZQ14uF52UTHLW6R_jPAEEFn5nQ/s320/eastfriesian6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Friesian Lambs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03341684060728637572noreply@blogger.com0