WIXLIB

Improving output potentialThere are non-infectious issues to considerbefore lambing which can improve ewe andlamb survival.Body conditionA – TransverseprocessesB–S pinousprocessesBUse BCS and the results of scanning ataround 70 days to group ewes into similarbatches. Pay special attention to ewes withtriplets, which require supplementaryfeeding sooner than those carrying twinsor singles.It is essential to analyse winter forages andensure rations are balanced to stopproblems arising. Aim for a tight lambingperiod so more ewes will have a similarfeed requirement at the same time.AOverfeeding concentrates adds cost,reduces forage intake and can causeacidosis, which damages the rumen lining.Table 4. Body condition score (BCS) targetsHillewesUplandewesLowlandewesAt weaning222.5At tupping2.533.5Mid-pregnancy2.533.522.53At lambingproblem can be reduced through carefulfeeding pre-lambing.Management of body condition is the driverfor every sheep enterprise. Ensuring ewes areon target at various stages of the productionyear makes certain they are fit and robust,which will help reduce lamb losses.Stress can increase losses, especiallyduring early and mid-pregnancy, so handleewes quietly. Prolonged cold weather orlimited grazing can also stress ewes at thiscritical time and cause embryo death.NutritionThe size of the lamb, either too big or toosmall, can be the reason for a loss. ThisUnderfeeding pregnant ewes can lead tothem giving birth to light or sickly lambs. Itcan also reduce their milk yield, reducinglamb growth rates and increasing the riskof mastitis, as hungry lambs can cause teatand udder damage.It may be worth asking the vet to blood testa group of 10–12 ewes, three to four weeksbefore lambing and ideally, four hours afterthe last supplementary feed. The vet willlook for levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate(BOHB) and urea.BOHB is produced when ewesmobilise body reserves in the absenceof sufficient dietary energy. The MoredunResearch Institute regards BOHB levelsof 1.1 mmol/litre or higher, as a sign thatadditional feed energy may be needed toguard against twin lamb disease.Blood urea is a by-product of dietaryprotein broken down in the liver. Levels ofless than 2–3 mmol/litre suggests the dietis lacking in protein.For more information, see Managing ewesfor Better Returns and Improving ewenutrition for Better Returns, available inhard copy to order or online at ahdb.org.uk9

Other ewe issuesHypocalcaemiaA metabolic disorder that normally occursin the last four weeks of pregnancy due tothe lamb’s demand for calcium beinggreater than the diet is providing. Affectedewes are unsteady, lie down, graduallybecome comatose and die.Treat by giving a calcium injection (50–80ml) under the skin. Within an hour, the eweshould look brighter. Check the diet if anumber of ewes are affected.Feeding ewes lambing outdoorsProlapseProlapse occurs in late pregnancy and isa major cause of ewe deaths at lambing.It results in mild to extreme damage tothe cervix.Close observation of ewes is essential tointervene at the earliest opportunity.Affected ewes need a restraining harnessor possibly veterinary treatment. Thosecarrying multiple litters are more prone toprolapse but overfeeding in late pregnancywill also increase the incidence.For outdoor lambing flocks, aim to maintainewes at BCS 3 and match lambing date toa time when pasture growth picks up inspring. Ensure there is 6 cm of swardheight when the ewes have startedlambing. Do not feed concentrates introughs, as this disturbs grazing andlambing behaviour. However,supplementary feeds provided in bucketsor blocks can improve colostrum qualityand lamb survival.Mark and cull any ewes that prolapse.Pregnancy toxaemia (Twin lambdisease)A metabolic disorder that occurs in the lastfour to six weeks of pregnancy. Twin lambdisease can affect any ewe, but those withlow or high BCS or carrying multiples aremost at risk. It occurs due to a lack ofenergy intake and decreased bloodglucose levels.The ewe isolates herself, looks dull, willnot eat, might appear blind and lies down.She will require glucose treatment as soonas she goes off her food, to give the bestchance of survival for both the ewe andthe lambs.10Problems such as parasitic gastroenteritis(internal worms) and liver fluke will lower thebody condition of ewes. This will be madeworse for ewes with large litter sizes. If notcorrected, they are likely to give birth to smalllambs and have poor colostrum supply.For more information, see The sheepdiseases directory, available to order inhard copy or online at ahdb.org.uk

Reducing the risk of abortionThree types of infectious abortion areresponsible for 86% of all sheep abortions.Transmission: Sheep to sheep, butinfection can be carried by birds.Enzootic abortion (EAE) (52%)Action: Isolate aborted sheep frompregnant ewes, but they can be kept withlambed sheep. This deliberate spread ofinfection will raise the immunity, as novaccine is available.Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia abortus.Results in full-term stillborn or weak lambs.It can affect litter mates to different degrees,e.g. one lamb can be dead and one alive.Transmission: From sheep to sheep, onlyat lambing time, as pasture/bedding iscontaminated by aborted/infected lambs.Infected sheep and lambs will be carriers.Standard procedure foraborted sheep.1. Isolate and permanently markaffected ewes.Action: Do not keep infected sheep or theirlambs for replacements. Isolate abortedsheep for at least three to four weeks.Vaccinate all sheep at least four weeksbefore tupping. Have a vaccinationprogramme for all replacements as part ofthe flock health plan.2. Adhere to strict biosecurityprocedures including disinfectionwhen inspecting aborted ewes ordealing with infected materials.3. Collect samples of the foetus/lamb andafterbirth. Arrange test with the vet.Toxoplasmosis (25%)4. Dispose of bedding and otherinfected materials carefully.Caused by a protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii. If infection occurs inearly pregnancy, the embryo dies and isreabsorbed. In mid-pregnancy, the foetusdies and is mummified. Infection in latepregnancy produces full-term stillborn orweak lambs.Transmission: Cats to sheep, perhapsthrough feed, water or pasturecontaminated with cat faeces. Young catsbecome infected when they start to hunt.Older cats have immunity.Action: Isolate aborted sheep frompregnant ewes, but they can be kept withsheep that have lambed. Keep cats awayfrom feed. Vaccinate all sheep at least fourweeks before tupping. Have a vaccinationprogramme for all replacements as part ofthe flock health plan.Campylobacter (9%)Caused by the bacteria Campylobacter fetus.Results in full-term stillborn or weak lambs.5. Reduce stocking rate to lower therisk of infection.6. Once cause is identified, consult withthe vet for best treatment and control.7. Vaccinate flock, if vaccine is available.Actions to prevent future infections Determine prevalence and cause oflamb lossesAim to reduce abortions to less than 2%and barren rate to less than 5%Establish a health plan with the vet,which may include a vaccinationprogrammeFollow a strict biosecurity protocol fordealing with aborted ewesCheck health status when purchasingreplacement ewes11

Give lambs the best start in lifeNormal lambing behaviourAssistance at lambingEwes exhibit certain types of behaviourwhen they are about to lamb, including:Most ewes will lamb without difficulty, but itis important to observe the ewes quietly todetect any problems that arise. If a eweneeds assistance, always have thefollowing to hand: Pawing at the groundAlternate standing and lyingWalking in circlesVocalisation/bleatingLabour is usually short but varies with littersize. The time between lambs arriving isnormally about 20 minutes. Assistanceshould be given if labour for one lamb haslasted longer than one hour in experiencedewes, and over two hours in ewe lambs. Disposable gloves (to reduce picking upany diseases and prevent spreadinginfections between ewes)DisinfectantLubricantAntibiotic treatment (as prescribed bythe vet)Pain relief/anti-inflammatory medication(as prescribed by the vet)Hygiene A long labour is associated with a largelamb, incorrect positioning, e.g. legs orhead back, breach, or under-nutritionduring pregnancy.Table 5. Labour times for ewes with differentlitter sizesLitter sizeTime taken (minutes) fromthe start of intense strainingto birth of all lambsSingle65Twins90Triplets120Quads160Source: Lynch, Hinch and Adams, 199212Keep all lambing equipment as clean aspossible, disinfecting between birthsWash hands before touching anothersheepWear disposable gloves to assist ewesBed lambing areas well with clean strawTreat the lambs’ navels with strongiodine solution, preferably alcohol-based,within 15 minutes of birth. Repeat atleast once, two to four hours later

Poor hygiene standards can increase therisk of infections in lambs, such as waterymouth, joint ill, navel ill, and mastitis andmetritis (uterus infection) in ewes. Strategicuse of disinfectants can help reduce theincidence of these diseases.Lamb survivalIt is important to have all the equipmentready that might be required to optimiselamb survival.The lambing kit should contain:Lambing snare or lambing ropes Prolapse harnessesStrong iodine solutionSterile needles and syringesThermometerStomach tubes and syringesMichel’s entropion clips to uncurl rolledup eyelids40% glucose (dextrose) solutionfor injection Calcium borogluconate solutionTwin lamb oral supplement for ewesColostrum supply – ideally, ewecolostrum, artificial ewe colostrumsubstitute, or pooled colostrum fromClostridial-vaccinated cowsElectrolyte sachetsSterilising solution for feeding bottlesand stomach tubesMedicines as directed by the vet:anti-inflammatory drugs (reduceinflammation and pain) and antibioticsDisinfectant for floors and surfacesReliable and readily available source ofhot waterWarming boxNotebook, chart or other recording systemfor recording lamb and ewe losses,medication given and notes about ewesPhone number of the vetThere should be facilities on the farmwhere sick lambs or ewes can be isolatedand treated.13

How to secure a lambing snare1. Ensure the ropes are over the joint2. Gently slide the snare over the head14

3. Place snare over the ears; then move it up into the mouth of the lamb4. The dotted line shows the position of the snare. It is now behind the ears and secure in the mouth toaid lambing15

Reducing very young lamb deathsBirth weightMis-motheringCareful feeding of ewes will ensureoptimum lamb birth weights, i.e. not toolight and not too heavy.Mothering ability varies, but ewes in goodcondition, that are well fed and notdisturbed in labour or just after giving birth,tend to be good mothers.Here are some example lamb birth weightsoptimum for ewes weighing 70–85 kgtupped with a terminal sire. Single 4.5–6.0 kgTwin 3.5–4.5 kgTriplet – greater than 3.5 kgIf ewes are disturbed, they may leave theirnewborn lambs. Young ewes especiallycan become alarmed and may need to bepenned to help them bond with theiroffspring. Helping their lambs to startsuckling may make them more accepting.Birth weights more than 1 kg lighter thanthese suggest undernutrition of the eweduring late pregnancy. If birth weights aremore than 1 kg higher, there is a risk oflambing problems, due to the large size ofthe lamb and risk of higher losses.Hill breeds will have lambs with birth weights1.0–1.5 kg lighter than the figures above.Small or weak lambs often fail to take insufficient colostrum and subsequently diefrom a variety of causes, includingstarvation, hypothermia, watery mouth andbeing laid on.Stillbirths are the biggest loss recorded atlambing. These can be due to infectiousdiseases but many occur from difficultlambings through injuries, trauma, or lackof oxygen.Ensure ewes are fed according to litter sizeand avoid underfeeding or overfeeding.For more information, see Managing ewesfor Better Returns.Lambing problemsPoorly presented lambs can become stuckinside the ewe and ‘drown’ before theymake it out. High birth weights anddisturbance levels increase the risk, as dohigh litter size and low supervision levels.16Colostrum intakeMake sure lambs receive 50 ml/kg ofcolostrum within the first four to six hoursof life and continue to consume it duringthe first 24 hours of life.In 24 hours, a newborn lamb must receivethe equivalent of 200 ml/kg bodyweight incolostrum. For example, a 5 kg lamb needs1 litre of colostrum in the first day of life.Taking in sufficient colostrum is vital toprovide the lamb with essentialimmunoglobulins and to protect againstclostridial and other diseases, dependingon the ewe’s vaccination status.Colostrum also provides energy, proteins,vitamins and minerals. It is nutritionallycomplete and a natural laxative.

Studies show that many lambs, particularlytriplets and small lambs, do not receivesufficient colostrum during the first hoursof life.If extra supplies are needed, colostrumfrom another ewe in the flock is ideal.Frozen cows’ colostrum can be used butdiscuss the risks of anaemia with the vet.Do not overheat when thawing out frozencolostrum, as this destroys the vitalantibodies.Turned out too quicklyLambs born indoors should only be turnedout if: DrySuckling wellWell-bonded to their mothersThe weather is not cold, wet or windyThe ewe has plenty of milkTurn out small groups at a time, allowingmothers and lambs to pair up.Turning out weak lambs and mis-motheringcan lead to high losses. Ensure fieldboundaries are secure so lambs cannot bemixed up. This will also prevent predatorssuch as foxes gaining access.Closely observe ewes and their lambs forthe first few days. Ensure there is shelterfrom the weather. Provide trailers or bales ifno hedges are available. Make sure theewes have plenty of feed to maintain milksupply. Supplement with conserved forageor concentrates if grass growth is poor.Exposure and starvationThe biggest causes of young lambs dyingare exposure and starvation.Exposure leads to hypothermia, which iscaused when the lamb cannot produceheat as quickly as it loses it, e.g. when anunlicked, abandoned, wet lamb is left toshiver in cold weather. Starvation alsoleads to hypothermia – in essence, ashortage of blood glucose in lambs over 12hours old, which have none of the brownfat they were born with remaining and nocolostrum in their stomach.This can often occur when lambs aremis-mothered, even if the weather is fine.Look out for lambs with dirty necks, as itcan indicate stealing milk from other ewes.Take a lamb’s temperature Insert thermometer into rectum to 4 cmRead temperature after 30 secondsMore than 40 C (104 F) – fever oroverheating due to too much warming39–40 C (102–104 F) – normal37–39 C (99–102 F) – moderatehypothermiaLess than 37 C (99 F) – severehypothermiaConsider the age of the lamb. If it is morethan five hours old, it is unlikely to havesignificant stores of brown fat left.Therefore, it is important not to warm itwithout providing glucose or milk first(see flow chart page 20).17

Warming a lamb Dry with a towel firstUse warming boxes (at least 1.5 m2 and1 m high) with warm air fans. Aim for35–37 C (95–99 F)Avoid infrared lamps as overheating caneasily occurRetake temperature every 30 minutes.When over 37 C (99 F), remove lambfrom box and give milk via stomach tube Feeding a lamb with a stomach tubeLambs should be given extra colostrum if theewe is lacking milk or it is of poor quality. 18Do not tube very weak orunconscious lambsFeed lambs with colostrum four to fivetimes in the first 24 hoursPrepare colostrum or, if the lamb is olderthan 24 hours, milk to blood temperature,but not in a microwave, as it destroysthe antibodiesSit on a bale with the lamb on your lapGently introduce a clean stomach tubevia the left side of the mouthDo not force the tube down. Softeningplastic tubes in warm water helpsThe tube should only reach to just belowthe lamb’s shoulder. In small lambs,measure the length of the tube from tipof nose to behind the shoulder beforeinserting, to check it does not go in toofar (see below)If the lamb shows signs of distress,remove and try againWhen the tube is in place, the lambshould show no sign of distressAttach syringe of colostrum/milk anddepress plunger slowly for 20 secondsLeave the tube in place and repeat untilall feed is givenRemove the tube and syringeWash and sterilise tube and syringesLeave in hypochlorite solution such as ababy bottle sterilising solution untilrequired again

Giving a glucose injectionAsk the vet for a demonstration.Use a sterile syringe and new needleeach time.Do not give to scouring lambs orthose with watery mouth.1. Prepare 10 ml of 20% glucose solutionper 1 kg of body weight immediatelybefore use. To make up a 20% solution,draw up 10 ml dextrose 40% or 40%glucose solution and add 10 ml recentlyboiled water – ensure this is at bloodtemperature, i.e. warm but not a veryhot solution.2. Hold the lamb by front legs and allowbody to hang down.4. Use a 19 gauge 2.5 cm (1 inch)long needle.5. Insert needle into the abdominal cavityat a 45 angle, so needle is aimedtowards the lamb’s rump. Insert needleto the hub.6. Draw back slightly with syringe to checkthat no blood, urine or milk appear insyringe. If this happens, detach needleand syringe and start again using afresh needle and fresh solution.7. Empty syringe and carefully withdraw.8. Dispose of needle and disinfect syringe.The vet may recommend a precautionaryinjection of long-acting antibiotic.After the lamb has receivedglucose, warm up first and then givecolostrum feed.3. Spray injection site – approximately2.5 cm (1 inch) to the side and 2.5 cm(1 inch) below the navel with iodinespray/antibacterial spray.19

Lamb survival flow chartTake temperatureBelow 37ºC(severe hypothermia)Under5 hours37ºC–39ºC(mild hypothermia)Assess ageMore than 5 hoursAble to hold headup and swallowUnable tohold head upDry lambFeed withstomach tubeGlucoseinjectionDry lambWarm inwarming box20Feed withstomach tubeIf lamb is sucking vigorously,return to ewe, if not keep inhospital area

Lamb post-mortem examinationLamb survival is key to maximising rearingpercentage, so it is worth spending timeinvestigating the cause of any lamb deaths.It is important to consult your veterinarysurgeon for post-mortem examinations andfurther investigations. However, learning toopen up young lambs three days old or less,to rule out common issues such as starvation,cold or difficult lambing is useful. It can helpidentify problems and inform changes inmanagement or possible solutions. This isparticularly useful for those lambs that mayhave been laid on and not been seensucking or standing.CautionDue to zoonotic risks (diseasestransmitted from sheep to humans),never open up lambs that aresuspected abortion cases or haveabnormalities – always consult the veton these cases.Look at the coat, feet, navel, head andbody for obvious signs of damage orabnormalities. Also look at the fat reservesand for any blood clots in the abdomen orchest. Check for milk clots in the stomachor intestines, then inspect the lungs andthyroid glands.Collect information on the age, sex andwhether there was any intervention at birthor treatments given, such as a stomachtube or antibiotics.Simply weighing the lamb can provideuseful information. Under 3 kg suggestsundernutrition and lack of body reserves.Heavier than 6 kg would have increasedthe risk of lambing problems. Meconiumstaining (when the coat is yellow), indicatesstress during delivery.21

Lamb post-mortem on-farm investigation exampleTable 6. Lamb post-mortem on-farm investigation exampleExample: Did the lamb die from starvation?Has the lamb been licked?YesHas the lamb walked?YesThe membranes (slippers) are no longer onits hoovesIs the navel normal?YesNo swelling. Starting to dryIs the head normal?YesNo swellingIs the body nor

Lambs that die in the neonatal period cost more than it may initially appear. It is calculated to be about 20-25 per lamb up to the point of lambing. This is based on a flock that scanned at 185%, with an annual replacement cost of 14 per ewe and a ram cost per lamb scanned of 1.35. The flock used abortion