Why do sheep need shearing?
Since the domestication of sheep - wool has played a vital role in supporting human life. Sheep grow wool year round, so shearing it an annual event at most farms. It is NOT a painful process, just imagine getting a haircut yourself. We try to shear the sheep approximately 4 - 6 weeks before they are due to lamb for the following reasons.
- Creating a clean and dry environment for newborn lambs -
- Wool holds moisture - when in a humid barn this can create a small environment around the lamb allowing for bacteria and pathogens to develop. This also keeps mud, manure, and fluids from lambing to stick to and allow pathogens to develop as well.
- Improved fleece quality -
- Often times late in gestation and early lactation sheep tend to get a weakness to the wool fibers called "wool break". When we shear 4 - 6 weeks before lambing, that wool break happens at the tip of the fleece, therefore not effecting the quality of the fleece throughout the next year.
- Better feeder access -
- Once shorn, the ewes take 15-20% less space at the feeder.
- Lambs can access the teat easier -
- Wool tags & a full fleece make it hard for young lambs to navigate their way around. The cleaner it is, the easier a newborn lamb can get colostrum and have better survival rates.
- Ewes are easier to observe for health & nutritional status -
- You will be able to watch for condition, udder size, and signs of lambing.
Once the wool is removed it is referred to as a fleece. Fleeces are washed, and lanolin is extracted. The clean wool fibers can be used for a vast array of things. Clothing, carpets, furniture, bedding, and insulation just to name a few. The lanolin that was extracted is anti fungal and has anti bacterial properties. It can be used to soothe and treat dry cracked skin, and is also used in many beauty products, sunscreens, etc.
Blog about our favorite wool products coming soon!
Photography by: Sarah Lee Photography
