Small ruminants

Question 1

What are the two main types of goat fibre?

Answer 1

1. Cashmere

2. Mohair (Angora goats)

Question 2

What are some characteristics of the pastoral zone?

Answer 2

1. Low and unreliable rainfall
2. Low stocking rate
3. Predominantly wool enterprises

Question 3

What is the benefit of the sheep wheat zone

Answer 3

Sheep can eat wheat stubble over summer

Question 4

What is a disadvantage of farming sheep in the high rainfall zone?

Answer 4

Higher prevalence of ectoparasites and endoparasites

Question 5

Why aren’t merino lambs good for the meat market?

Answer 5

1. Slow growing
2. Poor carcase
3. Low fertility
4. Susceptible to parasites

Question 6

Describe the matings of a dual purpose enterprise

Answer 6

Merino ewes are mated with merino lamb, male progeny are castrated and kept for wool (weathers), Merino ewes are crossed with long wool meat ram, male progeny are sold, female progeny are mated to a short wool meat ram (terminal sire), all progeny are sold.