ASC-223: Inbreeding in Sheep

Debra Aaron | December 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 | December 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-219: An Introduction to Sheep

Debra Aaron, Don Ely | December 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 | December 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.

PR-685: 2014 Cool-Season Grass Horse Grazing Tolerance Report

Garry Lacefield, Laurie Lawrence, Gene Olson, Tim Phillips, Ray Smith | December 4, 2014 (New)

Cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, tall fescue, and orchardgrass are dominant pasture grasses for horses in Kentucky. Variety evaluations for yield have been carried out for many years, but little work has been done to establish the effect of variety on persistence when subjected to close, continuous grazing by horses. The purpose of this report is to summarize current research on the grazing tolerance of varieties of tall fescue, orchardgrass, and other species when subjected to continuous heavy grazing pressure by horses within the grazing season. The main focus will be on stand survival.

ASC-216: Reading a Feed Tag

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | December 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 | December 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.

PR-684: 2014 Cool-Season Grass Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Tim Phillips, Ray Smith | December 4, 2014 (New)

Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and orchardgrass are the primary pasture grasses in Kentucky. Other species such as perennial ryegrass, festulolium, and prairie brome can be used in pasture systems. Little is known about the effect of variety on the grazing tolerance of these cool-season grass species. The purpose of this report is to summarize current research on the grazing tolerance of varieties of tall fescue, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, and other species when they are subjected to continuous, heavy grazing pressure by cattle within the grazing season. The main focus will be on plant stand survival.

ASC-217: So You Want to Produce Your Own Eggs?

Jacquie Jacob, Tony Pescatore | December 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.

PR-682: 2014 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Garry Lacefield, Gene Olson, Ray Smith | December 2, 2014 (New)

This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure.