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BIGHORN SHEEP FARM
Hello Roland and Dr. Kiriac: Well finally had a chance to get this together. A brief testimonial on the effects of BAC on my bighorn sheep.
First, I want you to know that I have not had a symptomatic sheep in 9 months.
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The two rams that were born with symptoms although undersized appear to be fine. Both of their mothers died from the disease.
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Now we know that the symptoms of the disease usually shows up at or just after age two, so we will have to wait on these rams awhile. BUT I have quite a few sheep that have passed their two year birthdays that did not get the algae until they were over a year that seem symptom free. I have my fingers crossed on this, as two of my very best rams are coming two soon. They look great, but I know they can go down quickly so this is no indication they are not affected. One of these rams father died of the disease, and the other lost both parents, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Another interesting factor is that I have two sheep from the original herd that are at least 4 years old, and appear symptom free. Many of the sheep from that herd died from the disease. It seems that there are so many factors to consider with Johne's. Some are symptomatic, some carriers with no symptoms, etc. I believe the best test will be the two young rams that were born with symptoms, and now appear symptom free. We will know closest to the truth when they are two.
I think this is a good place to start, because the rams who started on your product a year ago are starting to turn two years.
So far all are healthy, but the most amazing thing is their horns.
(Ramsey's above). |
I have enclosed a few photos of examples of rams who have the horn growth of three to four year old rams at barely two years. (Gunner's above).
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These rams and the crop behind them also have larger body mass than previous crops with the same bloodline. All of the sheep coats are thick and colors are intensified. I have also noticed a calmer nature and ease of handling with these normally difficult to handle breeds. During gestation the ewes seem to gain weight almost too rapidly. I often have to cut back on the dosage during this time and lactation or the ewes get too fat and produce too much milk. I no longer have the problem of a ewe's drastic weight loss due to feeding twins over a three month period. I have also reduced the amount of grain I feed with the same results as the former amount.
See the photos of Humpfrey and Jackson, two rams born sick out of the sick ewes that died within weeks of delivering. Jackson the black one was bottle fed with algae added to milk. His mother had algae from start of the program, but I believe was sick but not symptomatic for two years prior. Humpfrey the brown one nursed from his mother who ate algae, but died after two months; she was also sick but not symptomatic for two years prior. Both rams are undersized for their age, but symptom free at this time. They will be a year old in November. They both got bad starts because they were undernourished during development, and the brown one had poor quality milk from the ewe.
Humpfrey (brown) is a real stinker, hates to be caught, and gets out of everything true to his Mouflon nature.
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Jackson (black) is totally tame much like a cat. He also like to ram the cats and steal their food.
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I feel totally blessed that you both have given me the opportunity to save my herd and demonstrate the benefits of your product. I have actually started thinking that I could sell some of my sheep again without wondering if I am causing grief in someone else's herd. The frustration I have experienced with turning buyers and breeders away after working on the breeding aspects of this herd for 4 years is difficult to describe. You and the Doctor have given me some hope that at least I can keep my beautiful animals and not have to helplessly watch them die.
Merri,
Owner, Bighorn Sheep Farm,
USA - October 2008
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