Exercising lambs is a necessity. One of the best ways to exercise lambs is with the assistance of a dog. If a dog is used to run lambs, a circular or oval shaped track or a square track with rounded corners should be used. The track path should be 5 to 7 feet wide. If the path is any wider,lambs have a tendency to stop or turn back on the dog. The outside fence should be at least 4 feet tall and constructed of heavy, tightly stretched net wire. The inside fence should be 4 feet tall and made of netwire that has some elasticity and is not tightly stretched. It is important to remove all rocks or obstacles from the path. Sand, cedar shavings or fresh dirt should be kept in the path to provide a softer running surface.Overall measurements should be no larger than 100 feet by 100 feet and no smaller than 40 feet by 40 feet. The ideal is approximately 70 feet by70 feet. This is large enough for lambs to get a good workout, but small enough that you can control or stop your dog in case of an emergency.If you do not have a dog, you may exercise your lambs using a bicycle or four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle. You may also chase the lambs yourself, however, this is very tiring for you and the lambs probably will not get enough exercise. Walking lambs with a halter does not give them enough exercise, but it is better than no exercise at all.
To monitor your results, weigh lambs on a regular basis. Know whether your lambs are gaining or losing weight and know how much. Feeding and exercise go hand in hand. Exercise is an excellent way to condition and tone your lambs, and help control fat deposition. Lambs should be exercised extremely hard and fast for short distances of 350 to 450 yards. In an exercise program, your goal is to run the lambs just long enough to get adrenalin running through their bodies. This helps develop muscle. If you exercise the lambs too long, you will pass this point and start to tear down muscle rather than develop it.Exercise programs should begin 2 to 3 months before the show, depending upon the ration fed and the condition of the lambs. Do not make the mistake of exercising lambs before they are properly conditioned.
EXERCISE LINKS
By Lyndsey McClintic
By Lyndsey McClintic
By: Scott Stebner - Stebner Club Lambs
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