Tiffi is reminded about a nursery rhyme

_Elsa_

“And here are the sheep,” says Farmer Joe.

“Baa baa black sheep have you any wool,” sings Tiffi. “Yes sir, yes sir three bags full.”

‘One of the first farmed animals, reared for thousands of years for meat and milk. Read about how sheep and lambs are farmed today.

There are over 1 billion sheep worldwide. The greatest numbers are farmed in Asia and Africa. Sheep are kept for meat (lamb and mutton) and for milk.

Sheep are prey animals, largely defenceless against predators and naturally nervous and easily frightened. They flock together for safety. Sheep have a ‘flight zone’ – the distance they keep from a potential threat such as a person or sheepdog - which varies depending how wild the sheep are.

Lambs are very independent at birth and form strong bonds with their mothers, recognising each other by their bleats.

Where do sheep come from?

Sheep originate from wild sheep. They were one of the first domesticated animals, farmed since about 9,000 BC. Over the years of domestication, sheep have been bred to have more wool and developed black, white and spotted varieties. 

Sheep farming today - Most sheep are farmed outdoors in extensive systems, with less than 1% kept in intensive systems (although this is still several million animals). Some sheep may be housed over winter but otherwise housing is generally reserved for lambing, fattening of some lambs and for milking sheep.‘ (Source)

“According to FACT, Food Animals Concern Trust, they believe food-producing animals should be raised in a humane and healthy manner, and everyone will have access to safe and humanely-produced food,” Farmer Joe says. “This is what they have to say about sheep.”

‘Sheep - FACT believes that sheep should be raised in conditions that allow the animals and their lambs to have freedom of movement and the ability to engage in natural behaviors, such as socializing with flock mates, exercising, and grazing. Living conditions should allow sheep to live and feed without aggression from other animals, including predators and other sheep. Sheep should not be kept in confinement feeding operations but rather should have continuous access to well managed pasture during the pasture season. Rotational grazing is encouraged. Lambs should be reared with their mothers and the other sheep and lambs in their flock. Lambing should be performed in a safe, clean area (inside or outside) with a competent person available to assist with delivery. Weaning should be determined by the health condition of the ewe and her lamb, with preference given to longer weaning times (12 weeks). FACT believes that sheep should receive antibiotics only for treatment of disease or illness, as prescribed by a veterinarian. Any sick or injured animals must be treated immediately with antibiotics or other effective treatments to minimize pain and distress. Antibiotics, hormones, implants, or other substances should not be used for purposes other than disease treatment. ‘ (Source) 

“Moving right along,” Farmer Joe says. “Let’s go look at the turkeys.”

Let’s continue - Time to learn about turkeys

Start at the beginning – Tiffi and Elsa take a trip to Dairy District