[Jacob-list] DE

[Dave & Katrina]

Thanks, Karen.  Again, these are words of encouragement to me.  

We have seen so many flocks that were thriving under low-care involvement
that
 is has made me wonder why I am so hesitant. We come from a mainstream 
commercial breed background but with a strong emphasis on the benefits of
the natural ways. I don't think most sheep breeds could thrive under this
type of care...but I am increasingly convinced a Jacob could/should under a
responsible shepherd's care. That is to say, truely understanding the
natural systems that these animals thrive under and trying to duplicate
them.  Sometimes it is more work than the traditional methods,but I do
believe the animals (and maybe the breed) are healthier in the long run.  

Karen, I agree that pasture rotation is the best approach to cutting back
on worms...preferably with chickens following after.  I trust this quite a
bit more than DE powder.  There is also some research that talks about the
pasture..specifially the weeds/herbs in the pasture.. that the mothers are
on helping with the worm immunity of lambs.  When I think about it, we have
relied on this for our lambs and have very few worm problems with them.  We
only worm them if we see a problem. We rarily worm lambs except a teenager
once in a while. we do still worm adults and I am not ready to go stictly
with herbal wormers or something...I would rather they eat the fresh thing
in the pasture. No sense not using commercial wormers if needed.
Thanks for all the info on this topic and also thanks to all you who are
bearing with the conversation.  I know it is not something everyone is
interested in.
Hope everyone is enjoying spring!
Katrina Lefever, Chicory Lane


> [Original Message]
> From: Karen <karen at benjaminfarms.com>
> To: <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>; Betty Berlenbach <lambfarm at sover.net>
 > Date: 4/29/03 12:04:06 PM
> Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] DE
>
> Betty Berlenbach wrote:
> 
> > If it cuts up worms, why wouldn't it also cut up intestines of sheep 
> > or stomachs or esophagui?
> 
>     This is a guess from me.... because I have wondered the same 
> question.  The DE powder is very fine,  almost giving it a liquid like 
> feeling,  so I would have to assume that the answer is on a cellar level 
> (soft bodied insectes), because when you put your hand in the powder it 
> does not cut you.  We mixed DE with our grain, last year in the fall for 
> the first time and fed it to our sheep during the month of Oct.  We had 
> no problems. There is also literture, stating there is no proof that DE 
> works. We also used injectable ivermection in the spring..... I am 
> starting to lean towards the more organic side of rearing my sheep.  I 
> have spent the morning researching organic raised lambs/sheep.  The 
> info.  I have found seems to be coming more extensively from the U.K. 
> than the U.S. and is quite interesting.  The biggest suggestion for 
> parisite control is pasture rotation, no. of sheep in pasture and the 
> dew point of the pasture when the sheep are grazing.   I am  really 
> interested in creating, as much as possible, the stress-free enviroments 
> these Organic farms are suggesting.  I just start imaginating my lazy 
> days of summer, watching my little herd of animals playing and laying in 
> the shade of my non-existent hedges and trees, on my almost non-existent 
> green pastures......
> Karen Sigler
> Benjamin Farms,  Utah
> 
> 
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--- Dave & Katrina O. Lefever
--- oberlef at supernet.com
--- Chicory Lane Farm
--- http://chicoryjacobs.com