Numbered Publications: ASC
ASC-219: An Introduction to Sheep
Debra Aaron, Don Ely | Dec. 16, 2014 (New)
The information in this fact sheet was developed to provide a quick reference to the most frequently asked questions about sheep and sheep production.
ASC-222: Sheep Breeding: Heritability, EBVs, EPDs, and the NSIP
Debra Aaron | Dec. 16, 2014 (New)
Genetic improvement in a flock depends on the producer's ability to select breeding sheep that are genetically superior for traits of economic importance. This is complicated by the fact that an animal's own performance is not always a true indicator of its genetic potential as a parent.
ASC-220: Basic Sheep Genetics
Debra Aaron | Dec. 16, 2014 (New)
Genetics is the science of heredity. It seeks to explain differences and similarities exhibited by related individuals. The application of genetics to livestock improvement is known as animal breeding. The objective of this fact sheet is to provide a refresher course on basic genetics and to show how knowledge of genetics can be used to improve sheep production.
ASC-223: Inbreeding in Sheep
Debra Aaron | Dec. 16, 2014 (New)
Inbreeding is broadly defined as the mating of individuals that are related. Strictly speaking, however, all animals within a breed are related. So, in a sense, every purebred sheep producer practices some degree of inbreeding. In most cases this relationship is very slight. Therefore, inbreeding is more practically defined as the mating of individuals more closely related than the average of the breed. This practice includes mating brother to sister, sire to daughter and son to dam.
ASC-224: Crossbreeding Considerations in Sheep
Debra Aaron | Dec. 16, 2014 (New)
Crossbreeding is the mating of individuals from different breeds. To a certain extent, it is a simple concept, but embarking upon a crossbreeding program, in sheep or any other livestock species, involves long-term decisions. The primary benefits of a crossbreeding program are heterosis and breed complementarity.
ASC-217: So You Want to Produce Your Own Eggs?
Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 4, 2014 (New)
Backyard chicken flocks are becoming popular throughout the country in urban, suburban and rural communities. Preparation is essential for a successful backyard flock. This publication will give you the information you need decide if producing your own eggs is right for you.
ASC-216: Reading a Feed Tag
Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 4, 2014 (New)
Feed stores carry a variety of feed types. How do you chose which to buy? You need to read the feed tag. A lot of information is on a feed tag that can help you make your selection and this publication breaks it down for you.
ASC-218: Proper Handling and Transportation of Eggs for Sale at Kentucky Farmer's Markets
Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | Dec. 4, 2014 (New)
Regardless of the number of eggs produced, and whether the eggs are for home use or sale, careful egg handling is very important. This publication will give you the information and guidelines in the proper handling and transportation of eggs for sale.
ASC-215: Mineral and Protein Blocks and Tubs for Cattle
Donna Amaral-Phillips, Roy Burris, Jeff Lehmkuhler | Nov. 3, 2014 (New)
Nutritional supplement blocks and tubs are convenient for beef producers, require no investment in feeding troughs and require a limited area for storing. One of the most attractive features is that they lower the labor needed to supplement livestock. Many producers use these products to provide supplemental nutrients to cattle consuming low-quality forages or as a mechanism to promote a more consistent intake of minerals. These products are also attractive to producers who have off-farm employment as they eliminate the need for daily feeding. Yet, they often come at a greater cost per unit of nutrient than more conventional feedstuffs. Since there are differences in the blocks and tubs being marketed today, familiarity with how to compare products and determine their differences will enable producers to decide which product best fits their needs.
ASC-214: Is Creep Feeding Lambs a Profitable Undertaking?
Don Ely, Endre Fink | Sep. 8, 2014 (New)
Creep feeding is a technique of providing feed to nursing lambs to supplement the milk they consume. Creep-fed lambs grow faster than noncreep-feds and are more aggressive in nursing ewes. This aggression stimulates greater ewe milk production which, in turn, increases creep feed intake because these lambs will be bigger at a given age. Typically, the creep diet is a grain-protein supplement mixture and is made available in an area constructed so lambs can enter, but ewes cannot. Some situations when it may be economical to creep feed are described in this document.