Babydoll Southdown Sheep

30/07/2024

If you've been told Babydoll Southdown wool is crap, you've been told wrong. Some photos I took while I was processing Babydoll Southdown from raw wool to yarn and links to my projects from 2013 through 2020 (working on 2021 through current).
2020 - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4899415720161401&type=3
2019 - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4392200024216309&type=3
2018 - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4235710039865309&type=3
2017 - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
2013 to 2016 - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4125737084195939&type=3

09/05/2024

https://www.facebook.com/michelle.schubert.nabssar/posts/pfbid0WaiY6xDMqPVSnk5yBfGfZpSdBsi89gPHniMjRk37RfP5F8B88eshzdTwXadVsvijl

My latest 100% Babydoll Southdown sweater is finished.

Send a message to learn more

04/04/2024

New and seasoned shepherds. A suggested reference book. I read my copy cover to cover a couple of times. Keep in mind, some adjustments may need to be made due to the smaller size of our Babydolls.

23/01/2024

They are looking for participants.
"....The primary objective of the NAHMS Sheep 2024 Study is to capture a snapshot of the current health and management practices on U.S. sheep operations...."

Focused on the value of the biological testing that will be included in the Sheep 2024 study and includes industry representatives and a laboratory collabora...

21/12/2023

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/381306f?reqfrom=share

THIS JUST IN: USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 12/21/2023 01:00 PM EST THIS JUST IN: USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S. (Washington, D.C., December 21, 2023) – The U.S. Departm...

20/11/2023

50% off

Have you ordered your 2024 NABSSAR calendar featuring members' Babydoll Southdown sheep? Save 50% by using the code 23BLACKFRIWK valid until 11/20/2023 at 11:59:59 PM PT.

Babydoll Southdown Sheep 2024 NABSSAR Calendar. Throughout the year, the NABSSAR's (North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association & Registry) members submit photos of their Babydoll Southdown sheep to be judged by independent judges to be included in our annual calendar. Proceeds from the cale...

06/11/2023

Have you ordered your 2024 NABSSAR calendar? Save 20% by using the code SHOPNOVEMBER

Babydoll Southdown Sheep 2024 NABSSAR Calendar. Throughout the year, the NABSSAR's (North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association & Registry) members submit photos of their Babydoll Southdown sheep to be judged by independent judges to be included in our annual calendar. Proceeds from the cale...

27/10/2023

Over the years, there's been a lot of sheep hugging going on by me and Farmboy (Tom). Did you know (Inter)National Hug A Sheep Day is observed tomorrow, Saturday, October 28th, 2023? It has been observed the last Saturday in October since 2010 and was made official in 2015. Founded by The Crazy Sheep Lady.

07/10/2023

It's that time of year again. I'm looking for folks who would like to volunteer to judge photos submitted for a calendar contest held by my sheep association, the NABSSAR. If you like to look at adorable sheep, have a few hours of spare time over one or two days, and would like to be a judge, let me know via FB message. You'll receive the info you need to view the pictures and vote on your favorite 13 on Monday, October 16, 2023. You may need to also judge some tie breakers. You cannot be a judge if you are a member of any of the Babydoll Southdown sheep associations.

05/10/2023

Just a few days left to enter your Babydolls to be exhibited at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE). On, or before, October 10, 2023. Late entries through October 17, 2023.

Junior Breeding Sheep Show
is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2023.
South Wing A, Ring 3

Babydoll Open Sheep Show, Sunday, November 12, 2023
Scheduled to follow the selection of the Junior Supreme Champions at 9:00 p.m.
South Wing A, Ring 1

Reminder: Louisville is on Eastern Time (ET) on those dates.
Sponsored by the North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association and Registry (NABSSAR).

04/10/2023

Hey, Sheep and Goat Producers: incentives are available when you submit samples for scrapie testing from mature (>18 months) sheep and goats. Contact: 866-536-7593 for more information or visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/sa_animal_disease_information/sheep-goat/sample/sample

30/08/2023

Passing along for those that have goats.

FYI - Furst-McNess Company Recalls Goat Starter Because of Possible Monovet® 90 (Monensin) Health Risk



https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/furst-mcness-company-recalls-goat-starter-because-possible-monovetr-90-monensin-health-risk



Company Announcement

August 25, 2023 – Furst-McNess Company of Rockford, IL is recalling 18% Goat Starter feed due to an elevated level of Monovet® 90 (monensin).

Monensin is an FDA-approved drug for use in certain animal feeds. However, if the feed contains excessive amounts of the drug, the feed can cause monensin toxicity in a number of animal species including goats. Goats ingesting excessive levels of monensin in feed are susceptible to injury and death. In goats, signs and symptoms can include bloated stomach, bloody urine, shortness of breath, muscle weakness or cramps, rapid breathing and death. People or animals who consume meat or milk from animals exposed to very high levels of monensin are at risk of indirect exposure, which could potentially lead to ingestion toxicity.

18% Goat Starter was distributed in Wisconsin and Indiana through direct to farm delivery and dealer retail stores.

This product is stored in 50-pound bags and can be identified as product number B9251 – 18% Goat Starter. Lot number 071423 can be located on the lower half of the bag on the backside.

To date: 24 goat deaths have been reported.

The recall is the result of a reported animal illness/death. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that an unintentionally toxic dose of Monovet® 90 was blended into the feed. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigation.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Customers should cease feeding the product and return it to the purchase location. For additional information, please contact Furst-McNess’ Director of Quality Assurance at 515-608-5595, available Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. CST.

Monensin is an FDA-approved drug for use in certain animal feeds. However, if the feed contains excessive amounts of the drug, the feed can cause monensin toxicity in a number of animal species including goats. Goats ingesting excessive levels of monensin in feed are susceptible to injury and death.

27/07/2023

The animals outside are going to feel it too. Make sure they have shade and water.

My station is showing a dewpoint temperature of 82°. I believe this is the highest dewpoint I've ever seen. Rare to get into the low 80s. As a result, the heat index (as calculated with the NWS formula) is 112° and the weather station proprietary formula which accounts for temperature, humidity, sun, and wind shows an equivalent to the human body of 125°. If working outside today, use extreme caution. Slow down, don't push it. Drink lots of electrolyte fluids.

21/07/2023

Well isn't this cool?

15/07/2023

My newest sweater just completed made with 100% Babydoll Southdown wool. More photos and info here - https://www.facebook.com/michelle.schubert.nabssar/posts/pfbid0UvmhwuZpTsdHNrKRu5WHU2aBGq1MXEqyNPrEjxHj3jPQqMu73pckUNAzjXoWJP5Vl

11/05/2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in June 2021 that all medically important antimicrobials for food-producing animals and pets will move from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription (Rx) effective June 2023.

This change impacts any product that contains the following:
Oxytetracycline
Penicillin
Sulfa-based antibiotics (sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine)
Tylosin
Cephapirin and Cephapirin Benzathine
Swine medications Lincomycin and Gentamicin

https://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/pages/antibiotics-moving-to-rx-in-2023

A printable list, as of 11/07/2022. https://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjIvMTEvMTEvMDgvNDgvNDAvM2ZkYzI4ZTgtNGNjYy00MzRhLWFjZmQtOTIxYjJlM2UzZTVjL1Byb2R1Y3RzTW92aW5nVG9SeDIwMjMucGRmIl1d/ProductsMovingToRx2023.pdf?sha=5eb27ad3ca1b7720

Learn about the FDA changes regarding popular OTC antibiotics going to RX and what you need to do to prepare now.

23/03/2023

An article on grafting lambs. Grafting: A Lamb Saving Management Tool by A. Richard Cobb.
The section on Stanchion Grafting can be used when a ewe is rejecting her own lamb or if you're trying to graft a lamb to a ewe not birthed by the ewe.
http://livestocktrail.illinois.edu/sheepnet/paperDisplay.cfm?ContentID=9831

Grafting (Fostering) is an alternative for producers who do not enjoy raising lambs on artificial milk. The ability to graft, or switch, a lamb from one ewe to another is a management tool that can save many lambs during a lambing season.

15/03/2023

Advantages of being a member of the NABSSAR.

28/12/2022

Some good info.

21/12/2022

I've seen a few posts asking about the Babydolls and cold. "Normal" cold is typically not a problem for them. The storm, named Elliot, is not bringing "normal" cold. Make sure your Babydolls have shelter and feed them extra food. Babydolls with less wool on their ears may wind up with frostbitten ears. If they've suffered frostbite on their ears previously, those are more prone to re-freezing.

Where I'm located, in central Kentucky, weather reports are suggesting winds up to 50 MPH, wind chills of -25°, and some snow. This is a case where I would keep my sheep inside the barn and provide them extra hay. Even the barn would be cold, but they won't be near as cold if I allowed them to be outside. Make sure your shelters do still have ventilation. Closed shelters + sheep = a buildup of moisture and ammonia in the air which can lead to pneumonia. If you don't have a barn, construct shelters with whatever you can so they can get out of the wind but make sure they are sturdy so the wind will not knock them over and injure/kill your Babydolls.

In extreme temperatures, sheep require 15 to 20% more feed to help them maintain body temperature. The process of digestion raises their core temperature. If they do not receive the necessary protection and feed, they can suffer cold stress that causes wool slip. Wool slip is different than wool break. When an animal experiences cold stress, an increase in cortisol (natural steroids) occurs. The increased cortisol levels can cause the hair to fall out.

Shepherds need to be careful too. Wind chill temperatures near -25°F will freeze exposed skin in less than 30 minutes.

BE safe everyone, people and animals!

13/12/2022

HOTN! I just finished them this morning. I added leather on the soles for durability and to further insulate my feet from the cold. During the winter, it seems my feet stay cold. I may add some felted Babydoll insoles too for more cushion and more warmth. Another Babydoll Southdown fiber project completed.

09/12/2022

In 2014, after 5 years of piecing, I finally had all the parts ready for my first quilt and it was ready for my mom to do the stitching for me. It was finished October 2014. It would be MY first and last quilt. Piecing quilts is not something I enjoyed. The batting for this quilt was Babydoll Southdown, or so I thought. The first Babydoll fleeces I worked with I purchased from another person. I bought several years worth they had stored and drove them directly to the mill to be processed. This was before I processed all of my own fleeces. I had the mill make a couple of quilt batts for me. Fast forward to 2021. Because the batting was Babydoll and I've washed a ton of Babydoll without issues, I washed my quilt in my washing machine. Oh boy! Two strips turned out great and the rest was a mess. The batting had shrunk! What the heck? Turns out, there was some alpaca fleeces mixed in with the Babydoll fleeces I purchased. So, what did I do, I spent six months taking out all the quilting stitches. Not something I want to do again either. I made a new 100% Babydoll batt (Made from my Babydoll fleeces so I knew for sure it was indeed 100% Babydoll.) and my mom just finished the quilt for the second time last night. It has a different backing on it since it was scalloped on the edges and easier for my mom if we did a new backing. A totally different look for the back than previously. I bought the fabric online and didn't realize the flowers were so big. But, as it turns out, I like it. The original backing was used and combined with other fabric to make another whole cloth quilt.

Photos are of the original quilt, both the front and the back; two photos (not the greatest) showing the shrinkage of the alpaca after washing; and the new quilt backing. The front is the same as the original.

06/12/2022

I promised myself before I frogged my last sweater I made to re-knit it to fix a couple of issues, I would finish two other projects I had been working on. Today (12/06/2022) I finished one of my slippers. Knitted with 100% Babydoll Southdown - of course! I also added a leather sole for durability. On to slipper number two...

05/12/2022

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/33b91f1

Import Alert: Sheep and Goat Embryos/Oocytes Now Eligible for Import from the United Kingdom, for Transfer to Eligible Recipient Female Sheep and Goats in the United States. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 12/05/2022 09:26 AM EST Having trouble viewing this emai...

30/11/2022

New Zealand based company Wool Source has collaborated with Kiwi lipstick brand Karen Murrell to produce what it says is …

19/11/2022

Our short and stocky Babydolls are more prone to this. When the ewes are pregnant, especially if they are in full fleece, they tend to be even more prone to being cast (dorsel recumency). Something to be more watchful for. If you find one, roll them over and help them get upright. Depending upon how long they've been cast, they may need supported for a few minutes as they get steady.

The photo is from my former website and the link I referenced is this - http://kinne.net/dorsrec.htm

16/11/2022

The USDA/APHIS website has updated the approved labs for Ovine PrP Genotyping. This is the testing one does to find out if the sheep is RR, QR, or QQ (Codon 171). In addition, genotyping at Codon 136 (V/A) and 154 (H/R) can be tested and determined. Passing the information on as I always preferred to use approved labs. There are many other labs that also do these tests but are not approved labs.

01/11/2022

29/10/2022

Over the years, there's been a lot of sheep hugging going on. Did you know Hug A Sheep Day is today, Saturday, October 29th, 2022? It has been observed the last Saturday in October since 2010 and was made official in 2015. Founded by The Crazy Sheep Lady.