In short: in sheep or goat farming, a herd management software helps track lambings and kiddings, prolificacy, and genealogy, while keeping traceability in order. It is the best way to select the right bloodlines without drowning in paper records.
In this article:
Why software for a sheep or goat flock?
Small ruminants are managed by batch and by lineage, with multiple lambings or kiddings and a prolificacy to be closely monitored. A herd management software replace the scattered records with a clear history: who descends from whom, which ewe or goat is the most productive, which ones to keep.
Key functions
Depending on the tools, you can:
- monitor lambings and kiddings: dates, litter sizes, mortality, and prolificacy; ;
- keep pedigree records to choose your breeding stock; in sheep farming, this data also feeds into the GenOvis genetic evaluation program; ;
- measure performance: weighing and growth of lambs and kids; ;
- assess health: treatments, vaccines, and parasitism; ;
- maintain traceability: IDs and movements.
Tools exist, mostly in English, such as ewePro for sheep, or EasyKeeper and FarmKeep for goats. Few are designed for the reality of Quebec.
Traceability in Quebec: sheep and goat
For sheep, identification is mandatory from birth (electronic tag and visual panel with the same ISO number), with declarations via SimpliTRACE of’Attestra. For goats, the site number remains voluntary for now. Software that keeps your IDs up to date simplifies these declarations.
The link with forage
As with any herd, nutrition dictates performance. Connecting animal monitoring to forage management provides a complete picture of your farm. This is the logic of My Forage System a herd management module is expected in 2026, also covering sheep and goats, to link animal monitoring to the forage system.
How to choose
Look for a tool suitable for small ruminants, in French, compliant with Quebec traceability, and that leaves you with ownership of your data. The complete method is in our guide how to choose farm management software, and the overview of animal tracking in the herd management pillar. For neutral technical references, the CRAAQ is a good reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sheep and goats be managed in the same tool?
Often yes: the needs (lambings/kidding, genealogy, traceability) are similar. The important thing is that the tool is designed for small ruminants.
Is traceability mandatory?
Yes for sheep (identification from birth, SimpliTRACE). For goats, the site number is voluntary for now.
Will MSF cover sheep and goats?
Yes: the herd management module expected in 2026 will cover beef cattle, sheep, and goats.
In summary
In sheep and goats, flock management software brings order to lambing, pedigree, and traceability, and facilitates the selection of the best bloodlines. Connected to feed management, it completes the farm's profile—this is what is being prepared by My Forage System with its herd module expected in 2026.