News

Careful preparation for lambing is paramount to maintain high levels of welfare for pregnant and lambing ewes as well as their newborn lambs.

Lambing is a critical time when you should see the benefits of good, yearlong preparations. The incidence and severity of a large number of problems at lambing can be avoided by planned nutritional management of the pregnant ewe and good yearlong healthcare.

Separation of ewes into groups based on the results of ultrasound scanning (singles, twins, triples), ram harness marks (time of lambing) and body condition score can provide methods of providing adequate nutrition and monitoring in the run up to parturition. Distinguishing between single or multiple lambs will allow preparations to be made for the possible assistance that may be required at lambing and also to plan for fostering lambs between ewes.

Lambing fields or paddocks should not be too large and have easy access to water. If undesirable fields must be used try to use these for single-bearing adult ewes. If possible bring lambed ewes into small pens to allow close monitoring as well as helping to establish a strong ewe-lamb bond.

No matter how much careful planning we make there will always be some ewes that require your, or our, assistance. You must plan for these eventualities and decide what you are and aren’t comfortable assisting with. This decision making process is very important as it will mean you have in mind at what stage you may require veterinary intervention and a set point at which to ask for it.

Bear in mind the economics of veterinary intervention at lambing time, however at all times the welfare of the ewes and lambs should be paramount.

It is important to be prepared to assist ewes with lambing; a good, well stocked lambing equipment box is a great tool in successful lambings.

A lambing box should include;

·         Disposable gloves

·         Obstetric lubricant

·         A head rope/noose

·         Lambing ropes

·         Veterinary antiseptic products eg Hibiscrub

·         Navel dressing (iodine tincture)

·         Clean towel

·         Oral antibiotics

·         Antibiotics, clean needles and syringes

You may also want to keep to hand;

·         Stomach tubes and colostrums (frozen or powdered substitute)

·         Thermometer

·         Heat lamp

·         Elastrator and rubber rings

·         Ear tags

The time around lambing is a period of major health risks for ewes and lambs. It is important to regularly monitor animals to identify diseases early so that interventions can be made. Hygiene of the lambing area is of utmost importance in preventing disease and its spread. Lambing areas should be kept as clean as possible with regular clean bedding, hay and water. The pens should be well lit and ventilated but breezes restricted. Consider dagging heavy fleeced sheep prior to lambing to prevent soiling of the fleece. All lambs should have their navels dipped in a strong iodine solution at birth, and again four hours later. Lambs should receive adequate colostrums within the first four hours of life – if you are concerned then 50ml/kg of colostrums or a colostrums substitute can be used. Ensure that all lambing equipment is thoroughly washed and disinfected between ewes.

Ewes

Lambs

The use of vaccinations is a good way of transferring immunity to common diseases from your ewes to lambs. It is recommended that breeding ewes are vaccinated annually with an anti-clostridial vaccine. There are many products available so please contact one of our vets for advice on the most suitable. These vaccines should ideally be administered 4-6 weeks prior to lambing to ensure the maximum transfer of immunity through the colostrums. In new or previously unvaccinated ewes two injections 4-6 weeks apart are required (first injection must be given a minimum of eight weeks prior to lambing).

Ewes are most susceptible to the effects of worms 2-4 weeks prior to lambing and up to eight weeks after. During this time they will be shedding large numbers of worm eggs. Treatment of ewes for worms just before or at lambing is advisable, however it is important to consider drug resistance issues. Please contact one of our vets to establish a sound worming strategy for your flock.

For further information please feel free to contact Westpoint, or alternatively, the following list are some informative books which cover managing lambing and sheep flocks.

‘The complete book of raising livestock & poultry’ Katie Thear and Alistair Fraser, Pan, ISBN0-330-30158-6
‘Practical lambing and Lamb Care’ FA Eales and J Small, Longman, ISBN 0-582-21004-6
‘A Manual of Lambing Techniques’ Agnes Winter and Cicely W. Hill, Crowood, ISBN 1-86126-574-3
‘The Veterinary book for Sheep Farmers’ David C. Henderson, Farming Press, ISBN 0-85236-189-0