Sheep Research

Sheep research is a major program at the Spooner Ag Research Station. Current research is focused on dairy sheep, especially the genetic improvement of dairy sheep and production of sheep milk for processing into cheese. Other research examines the impact of grain supplementation level on milk production while summer grazing and the effect of ewe lamb feeding level on future milk production. Visit the website of the Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative for more information on sheep dairying. Additional resources include UW-Madison Animal Science Sheep Program, the Dairy Sheep Association of North America, and UW-Extension's Publications on Dairy Sheep.

Animal research resources include:

• 350 ewes of various ages; East Friesian crossbreds and Lacaune crossbreds.
• 14 rams
• Sheep barn (50' x 168'), eight individual pasture fields of approximately five acres each, ram barn, and dairy sheep milking parlor (12 x 12, indexing stanchion, high-line pipe line).

© 2000 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System doing business as the division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX requirements. UW-Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnic background, or economic circumstances.