This is an interesting topic. Natural selection is a genetic issue, and one that occurs in nature. Is it natural for BB's to be found in semi-arid Southern Colorado or in the desert outside Phoenix? As Lynn pointed out, you've removed them from nature already. Forgetting that, midwifery has nothing to do with natural selection or improving your flock. Letting a lamb or ewe die because of the mechanics of birth isn't genetic. I think it's a fair statement that if you are breeding sheep, you can expect to intervene in birthing at least some of the time. We had friends who had about 150 head of pretty sturdy wool sheep, and during lambing season the friends looked like wrecks most of the time. Even if they didn't have to assist, they were always prepared to do so. Of course as farmers and not biologists, the loss of a sheep also meant the loss of income to them. Although worming and medications probably don't have a lot to do with genetics either, I doubt you should just routinely medicate an animal because someone thinks it's the right thing to do. If they have worms treat them, if they have an infection treat it as well. The parasites or bacteria probably weren't naturally introduced so why would we think that genetics should take care of them? So if you want to be a farmer, have your flashlight, bucket, and gloves ready. If you want to have pets, keep the rams away from the ewes.
Mike > From: "John DAHL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [blackbelly] Re: Blackbelly digest, Vol 1 #556 - 1 msg > Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2003 08:02:26 -0700 > Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > "Sounds to me that if you don't want to be a part of the midwifery you > shouldn't be into sheep. They do need attention." .....I have a different > opinion > > Many of you on this list have heard me get on my soap box about leaving the > breed alone. It is my belief that the more we interfere with them the weaker > their natural defenses to sickness and parasites becomes. I have a small, > closed flock. I have 1 ram and 6 ewes. they were all born here and when they > leave my property they are on the way to the butcher. > > Lisa, I am with you I don't do midwifery, I don't medicate, I have only > treated for worms once in the 12 years that I have had my sheep. It was > right after I got them. I tested for worms and found them. I have not had a > problem since. I test every 6 months or so but have been clean since I am > in the desert also, so they are fed year around. Maybe I am simply lucky but > these are the easiest animals I have ever raised. My pigeons require more > work than my flock does. > > > If you always do what you have always done; > You will always get what you have always got > > John Dahl > Buckeye, AZ > > =============================================== This message is from the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep mailing list. To respond to this message, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe or change your membership options, go to http://lists.coyotenet.net/mailman/listinfo/blackbelly
