Genetics
This term refers to the physical appearance of an animal, such as coat color or horn shape, resulting from the interaction of its genotype and environment.
Phenotype
This is the typical gestation period for both sheep and goats, lasting approximately five months.
150 days
To prevent the spread of disease, this practice involves keeping new animals isolated from the rest of the herd for at least 30 days.
Quarantine
Unlike sheep, who are grazers, goats are primarily these, preferring to eat brush, woody plants, and leaves at head height.
Browsers
This natural oily substance is secreted by the skin of sheep and must be washed out of the wool during the scouring process.
Lanolin
In genetic notation, this type of allele is represented by a capital letter and will mask the expression of a recessive allele.
Dominant
Most sheep and goats are "short-day breeders," meaning their reproductive cycles are triggered by this environmental change.
Photoperiod
This fencing type, characterized by high-voltage pulses, is often used in rotational grazing to move livestock between "paddocks."
Electric Fencing
This popular meat breed, developed in South Africa, is easily identified by its white body and distinct red or brown head.
Boer
This breed of sheep is world-renowned for producing the finest quality wool and originating from Spain.
Merino
This breeding system involves mating unrelated individuals within the same breed to increase heterozygosity and mask harmful recessive traits.
Outcrossing
This term describes a female animal that is not pregnant during the breeding season.
Open
This five-point system is used to assess the fat cover and nutritional status of livestock on a scale of 1 to 5.
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
This is the specific term for a castrated male goat (or sheep).
Wether
This common management practice involves removing the tail of a lamb to prevent flystrike and improve hygiene.
Docking
Often used in sheep and goat selection, a prediction of an animal's genetic merit.
EBVs
This hormone, often administered via a CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release), is used to synchronize the estrus cycles of a flock or herd.
Progesterone
This logistics strategy involves calculating the "Carrying Capacity," which is the maximum number of animals a specific area of land can support without degradation.
Stocking Rate
This fiber, produced by the Angora goat, is known for its luster and ability to take up dyes brilliantly.
Mohair
Sheep have a very strong "gregarious" instinct, which is the scientific way of describing this specific social behavior.
Flocking
This specific genetic condition in sheep, often called "Spider Syndrome," is a recessive disorder that causes skeletal deformities.
Hereditary Chondrodysplasia
Known as "flushing," this management practice involves increasing this specific dietary component 2–3 weeks before breeding to increase ovulation rates.
Energy
In health management, this "Route of Administration" involves injecting medication directly into the space between the skin and the muscle.
Subcutaneous
This dairy goat breed is famous for its lack of visible external ears, which are described as "gopher" or "elf" ears.
LaMancha
This internal parasite, also known as the "Barber’s Pole Worm," is the leading cause of anemia and death in pastured sheep and goats.
Haemonchus contortus