Introduction

Small ruminants are grazing mammals, such as sheep and

goats. The advantage of these animals, compared to large
ruminants (cattle), is their low cost, small size, and
marginal land use, which convert into high-quality animal
products.
Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, students are expected to :

• Explain and identify what is small ruminants
• Enumerate the different breeds of small ruminants
• Appreciate the importance of small Ruminants
Content:
In the Philippines, two of most popular small ruminants are goats and
sheep. Both are part of farming in the country.

Common breeds of goat

1. Alpine
This dairy breed originated in the French Alps, and can thrive in nearly
any climate. They are the highest producing milkers, with top goats
producing up to two gallons per day.
2.La Mancha
La Mancha goats are born with very tiny ears. They are good milkers,
3. Nubian
Nubian goats are easily recognizable due to their long, floppy ears, and
convex “Roman nose” muzzle.
4. Saanen
Saanen goats are the largest breed of dairy goat, and are second in milk
production only to Alpine goats. These popular goats have short, white
hair and upright ears, and are known for their easy-going temperament.
5. Boer
If you’re looking for an economical meat animal or are interested in
making a little extra money, consider raising Boer goats.
6. Philippine Native goat
Common breeds of sheep
1. Hampshire sheep – primarily raised for meat production.
2. Shropshire sheep – a Tri-purpose breed (meat, wool and tree-friendly)
3. Suffolks - are prolific, early maturing sheep with excellent mutton
carcasses. They are energetic, and the whole carriage is alert, showing
stamina and quality.
4. The Barbados Blackbelly sheep breed is native to Barbados, one of
the Caribbean Islands.
5. Merino – mainly bred for their wool, although they are sometimes
used for meat production.
6. Dorper – One of the most fertile of sheep breeds that is hornless with
good body length and a short light covering of hair and wool.
ACTIVITY 1
BREEDS OF GOAT DISTINCT IDENTIFY THE
CHARACTERISTICS PURPOSE
(MEAT,MILK OR
DUAL)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
BREEDS OF SHEEP DISTINCT IDENTIFY THE
CHARACTERISTICS PURPOSE ( MEAT,MILK
OR DUAL)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Assessment
IDENTIFICATION:

1. A prolific, early maturing sheep with excellent mutton carcasses. They are
energetic, and the whole carriage is alert, showing stamina and quality.
2. It is mainly bred for their wool, although they are sometimes used for
meat production.
3. Small and for meat purposes only.
4. It is easily recognizable due to their long, floppy ears, and convex
“Roman nose” muzzle.
5. The producing milkers, with top goats producing up to two gallons per
day.
SUMMARY

Owing to their small stature and versatility, small

ruminants were, and still are, an important food source in
dry, remote regions of the world that lack electricity and have
limited grain or roughage. Small ruminants are also efficient
convertors of low-quality feed materials to high-quality
protein.Ruminants provide a diverse range of products, such
as meat, milk, hides, wool, heat and energy, and play an
important role in animal-powered mechanisation on farms.