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Goats browse and sheep graze. If your acre has a good mix of both, they can share pasture. If there is mostly tall weedy and/or prickly stuff, bring in the goats first to get it down. Sheep prefer tender new growth low to the ground. Obviously mature animals eat more than babies, and pregnant and lactating females have bigger appetites. However, you don't want to put a pregnant female on too rich graze or give her feed, as this will cause the fetus to get too large and give her delivery problems. I experienced that sad situation in New Zealand. How many per acre depends on what's growing on that acre and the constitution of your herd. I recommend starting small to avoid overgrazing, because they will soon show you their capabilities and appetites. And the herd will increase anyway.
Good luck
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@csgray
If you would like me to come and visit your 1/2 acre pasture I could give you a more precise answer. email me at renesiracusa@hotmail.com
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There are milk sheep on the island so don't think you have to have goats if you want fresh milk to drink.
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
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All mammals lactate - that's the definition. So yes, there are milk sheep - all females who have lambed are milk sheep, but some give more milk than others. By the way the Italian cheese Pecorino is made from ewe's milk. Same condition holds about keeping the musky old males far far away from lactating females - does or ewes.
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yes, I have had both, Goat milk and sheep. It's the cheese I would be mostly making. I only drink a little milk. Mostly be making indian style "Paneer" cheese and some hard cheese for the hubsters.
AKpilot
We're all here, because we're not all there!
We're all here, because we're not all there!
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quote:
Originally posted by Rene Siracusa
All mammals lactate - that's the definition. So yes, there are milk sheep - all females who have lambed are milk sheep, but some give more milk than others. By the way the Italian cheese Pecorino is made from ewe's milk. Same condition holds about keeping the musky old males far far away from lactating females - does or ewes.
Just saying that some sheep have been bred to produce superior milk products. Two of these breeds, East Friesian and Lacaune, from what I hear, can be found on the island.
Most of the sheep milk produced in the world is made into cheese. Some of the most famous cheeses are made from sheep milk: Feta (Greece, Italy, and France), Ricotta and Pecorino Romano (Italy) and Roquefort (France). The U.S. is a large importer of sheep milk cheeses. Sheep milk is also made into yogurt and ice cream.
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
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Rene,
I am finishing out this semester and then heading to Mexico to visit my daughter and the Grandsons, I will get in touch when I get next semester humming along. Thank you so much for your kind offer.
Carol
Carol
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
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quote:
Originally posted by Cagary
quote:
Originally posted by Rene Siracusa
All mammals lactate - that's the definition. So yes, there are milk sheep - all females who have lambed are milk sheep, but some give more milk than others. By the way the Italian cheese Pecorino is made from ewe's milk. Same condition holds about keeping the musky old males far far away from lactating females - does or ewes.
Just saying that some sheep have been bred to produce superior milk products. Two of these breeds, East Friesian and Lacaune, from what I hear, can be found on the island.
Most of the sheep milk produced in the world is made into cheese. Some of the most famous cheeses are made from sheep milk: Feta (Greece, Italy, and France), Ricotta and Pecorino Romano (Italy) and Roquefort (France). The U.S. is a large importer of sheep milk cheeses. Sheep milk is also made into yogurt and ice cream.
-Veritas odium parit”(Terence 195–159 BC))-"Truth begets hatred".
There are also horse and donkey breeds that specific to milk production.
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@ Carol -
The offer is open-ended. Have a wonderful trip and get in touch when you return. Happy holidays!
Rene
