Sheep Research

Sheep Program

High-Quality Dorset Sheep and Blood Products

Archer Farms produces high-quality Dorset sheep and blood for the medical research industry. Our flock consists of approximately 225 ewes. We raise our own replacement females and introduce new bloodlines by purchasing rams every two to three years.

Health Status

We've tested our sheep for Q-fever since 1985, with testing conducted at the University of Maryland, UC Davis, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab. New arrivals are quarantined for 60 days on a separate farm before joining our closed flock, which has remained Q-fever negative throughout our testing history.

Sheep are vaccinated annually for ORF, Clostridium Perfringens Types C and D, and Tetanus. Our worming program runs three times per year (Ivomec, Tramisol, and Valbazen), supported by a rotational grazing program to help control parasites.

Lambing & Care

Archer Farms is structured for year-round lambing, made possible by our exclusive use of Dorset sheep. Most lambing happens outdoors and unassisted, with barns available for late-gestating ewes and newborns during severe weather.

Lambs are tagged, docked, and castrated at 3–5 days old, vaccinated for Clostridium Perfringens Types C and D and Tetanus, and weaned at 50–60 days — receiving a second round of vaccinations at weaning. Sheep are shorn once yearly in early spring, with feet trimmed twice a year.

All deliveries are made by Archer Farms–approved drivers in our climate-controlled vehicles, ensuring quality and consistency from farm to facility.