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Description
The MSU sheep unit is an Innovation flock for the nationwide Sheep GEMS Project led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The overall goal of this project is to increase knowledge and improve traits in different breeds of sheep across the United States. Robustness and climatic resilience are vital factors to maintaining and further developing the industry. Unfortunately, these are not common characteristics of U.S. sheep breeds. The work of being an Innovation flock includes measuring how maternal traits of the ewes affect the survivability of the lambs. Taking consistent measurements will assist in determining what traits promote greater success in the flock which can then allow these traits to be selected for, leading to a more productive animal overall. At MSU, a flock of Katahdin ewes (n = 57; 1-6 years old were utilized from 2022 to 2025. Measurements taken included body condition scores (BCS), fecal egg counts (FEC), FAMACHA scores, teat/udder scores and teat length/width. An effect of both year (P < 0.0001) and origin (P < 0.02) was observed in FEC. A year effect was also observed on FAMACHA scores (P < 0.001). For BCS, both year (P < 0.0001) and origin (P < 0.01) caused differences, with year 3 being the lowest. Teat placement scores were affected by year (P < 0.0001) whereas udder depth was only impacted by ewe origin (P = 0.01). Effects of year were widely seen and speak to the impact of year-to-year changes in environment. IACUC #22-11-0
Publication Date
4-16-2025
Disciplines
Higher Education | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Recommended Citation
Bell, Rachel; Howard, Alyssa; Rayburn, Rickalyn; Verdecchia, Elena; Werner, Madison; Harrelson, Flint; and Harrelson, Patricia, "Impact of Year and Animal Origin on Key Factors of Ewe Longevity" (2025). 2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations. 62.
https://scholarworks.moreheadstate.edu/celebration_posters_2025/62