RESEARCH
EFFECTS OF CIDR/PMSG PROGRAMS ON LAMBING RATE
Recent Canadian research has confirmed that using CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) devices—progesterone implants designed to synchronize estrus—can significantly improve lambing rates and timing in ewes bred outside the normal season. In the 2025 study, ewes treated with CIDR lambed approximately 13 days earlier than untreated animals. When P.G. 600 (a combination of PMSG and hCG) was added, early lambing increased by an additional 12–17% within the first 10 days. While total lambing rates and lambs per ewe remained similar between CIDR-only and CIDR-plus-P.G. 600 groups, the protocols helped concentrate lambing into a shorter, more manageable window—especially valuable for fall and winter lambing programs. Administering P.G. 600 at the time of CIDR removal also minimized handling. These findings support wider adoption of hormonal breeding programs to boost efficiency and reproductive success in Canadian sheep flocks. Learn more at PubMed.
CACHE VALLEY VIRUS (CVV) IN LAMBS
In fall and winter 2024–2025, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) launched a targeted investigation into stillbirths, abortions, and deformities in lambs potentially caused by Cache Valley Virus (CVV). Funded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this project involved testing 29 lambs from 12 flocks—with results showing that 20 lambs (≈69%) were confirmed or suspected positive for CVV. Approximately 67% of the flocks were affected.
Common abnormalities included arthrogryposis (joint stiffness), spinal deformities, brain underdevelopment, and shortened jaws. Diagnostic testing was conducted using PCR at the University of Guelph and antibody assays in the U.S. For more details, visit WCVM Today, CAHSS, or the project summary on ResearchGate.
PARASITE SURVEILLANCE IN WESTERN CANADA
Since 2014, researchers from WCVM and the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) have conducted gastrointestinal (GI) parasite surveillance across sheep farms in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Using fecal egg counts and advanced Nemabiome molecular techniques, they identified Haemonchus contortus (Barber’s Pole Worm) as the most prevalent parasite, followed by Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis.
The research revealed high variability in parasite loads between farms and emphasized the need for tailored parasite control programs and sustainable deworming practices. Read more through UCVM, WCVM, or CAHSS.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF
ONTARIO'S SHEEP INDUSTRY
Between 2021 and 2022, the University of Guelph, in partnership with Ontario Sheep Farmers, conducted a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of sheep production systems. The study measured greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water usage, and environmental/economic indicators to help develop benchmarks for future eco-labelling programs in the industry. You can explore the results via Ontario Sheep Farmers and ResearchGate.
GENETICS & PARASITE RESISTANCE
A University of Guelph-led study focused on identifying genetic markers associated with resistance to GI nematodes, especially Haemonchus contortus. Researchers used transcriptomics and systems biology to better understand how certain sheep naturally resist parasite infections, with the goal of supporting improved genetic selection tools for producers. Learn more via Ontario Sheep Farmers or ResearchGate.
EMERGING RESEARCH IN WELFARE & TECHNOLOGY
In 2025, a Canadian research team developed a graph neural network (WGNN) to analyze sheep facial expressions for pain detection, achieving ~92.7% accuracy. This technology shows promise for automated, on-farm animal welfare monitoring. Details are available at arXiv.org.
Recent reviews on sheep welfare have identified key gaps in areas such as weaning methods, ventilation, housing, coccidiosis control, euthanasia techniques, and access to shade. These reviews are aligned with the national standards established by NFACC (National Farm Animal Care Council).