Below are links to some of our favorite resources:
Katahdin Hair Sheep International:www.katahdins.org Membership in the Katahdin breed organization provides reduced prices for registry services, free quarterly subscription to the "Katahdin Hairald" magazine, free on-line classified advertising, and access to practical and educational resources. For new Shepherds, go to the Publications page on the KHSI website and download a copy of
Quick Reference Guide for Shepherds:This guide provides a wealth of information for all Shepherds, new and experienced. Topics include Goals, Management, Lambing, Nutrition, Parasites, Health and Common Sheep Illnesses. Also included are tables for quick reference and forms that can be copied and used for data collection and medication use. To order click on the following SheepThings link: Quick Reference Guide for Shepherds - SheepThings
Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins: www.easternalliancekatahdins.com A like minded group of Katahdin breeders interested in genetic selection of production traits using Estimated Breeding Values for the benefit of the U.S. sheep Industry. We are focused on providing a forum for the sharing of research and technology, training and education, as well as mentorship for those interested in data-driven genetics.
National Sheep Improvement Program:www.nsip.org A genetic performance evaluation program that provides objective measurements of economically important traits for use in identifying and selecting genetically superior sheep. Enrollment in the NSIP allows participants to enter flock data into a computerized database, Lambplan, which generates estimated breeding values (EBV's) for growth, milk, prolificacy, and parasite resistance.
Virginia Tech Forage-based Ram Test: Over 100 consigned ram lambs are evaluated over an 8 week period for parasite resistance and growth on pasture. The top performing rams are offered for sale at the end of the test in September. All qualifying sale animals will have been evaluated for growth, parasite resistance, loin eye muscling, codon status, muscling and breeding soundness. Contact Lee Wright for more information: lrite@VT.edu.
Maryland Small Ruminant Page:www.sheepandgoat.com Excellent source of health, maintence and production-related information for sheep and goat producers.
American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control: www.wormx.info Resource for shepherds searching for sustainable control of gastrointestinal worms including up-to-date methods and guidelines for management.
