The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: waterbuffalofarmer on February 10, 2016, 07:03:38 pm
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I have been really thinking quite hard on this and wanted to ask everyone else's opinion on the matter. I have had my buffalo AI'd for a few years now and the price has been rather costly, due to their size. I have been told that the sheep reproductive system isn't too dissimilar from a buffalo, in that they come into season as the days get shorter than being able to reproduce all year around; however this excludes the breeds which can breed up to twice a year (Dorset's etc, etc). What I would like to know is how many ewes would it take to be a worthwhile process? What does the process involve? and lastly, but certainly not least, could you have it done on farm (making it less stressful to the animals concerned) or do you have to have it done in a specialist facility? and do they charge extra for on farm or for the special facility? Would love to know what everyone thinks
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http://www.abreeds.co.uk/index.php/services/breeding-sheep/ (http://www.abreeds.co.uk/index.php/services/breeding-sheep/)
The only place you need to check out. They do goats as well...
For a few sheep/goats - bring animals to the facility, above a certain number they come to you.
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AB europe are good, Dan Fawcett is another one who does sheep AI.
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2 options
laproscopic AI with vet or specialist
Cervical AI done yourself on farm ---get frozen semen of suitable quality, identify heat with raddled teaser ram, inseminate ewe yourself
(you can go on a course to do this ---it is not difficult)