PREPARING FOR LAMBING

Dr. Sherry Smith

Dunnville Veterinary Clinic

Lambing-Most Important Event of the Year

LAMBING TIME

Most important time of year Stressing due to increase demand in time

and resources PREPARATION IS KEY

OBJECTIVES

A. Getting Prepared

1. Managing Ewes

2. Preparing Facilities

3. Preparing Supplies

OBJECTIVES

B. Lambing

1. Signs of Lambing

2. Stages of Lambing

3. Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

4. Assisted Lambing

OBJECTIVES

C. Aftercare

1. Lambs

2. Ewe

A. Getting Prepared

1. Managing the Ewe

a. Nutrition

b. Vaccination and Deworming

c. Shearing

d. Lambing Records

Nutrition is Key!!!

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Nutrition is the key to healthy ewes and healthy lambs

Three periods of gestation

-first two-three weeks of gestation

-following 12 weeks-maintenance period

-last 4-6 weeks of gestation

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

First 2-3 Weeks of Gestation

Slight weight gains after conception Good quality roughage and feedstuffs to

reduce embryo mortality

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Next 12 Weeks of Gestation

Maintenance of pregnancy Body condition score ewes Use good quality roughages and feedstuffs AVOID MOLDY FEED Save highest quality feed for late gestation

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Body Condition Scoring

Estimates condition of muscling and fat development

Based on feeling of level of muscle and fat deposited over and around vertebrae in loin region

Central spine, Spinous process and Transverse process

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Body Condition Score-3-3.5

Average Weight Spinous Processes-smooth and less

prominent; moderate pressure required to feel between them

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Body Condition Score-3-3.5

Loin muscle is full with moderate fat cover Transverse process smooth with firm

pressure needed to push fingers under edge

Body Condition Scoring in Sheep

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Last 4-6 Weeks of Gestation

Critical period Period of largest weight gain Period of greatest fetal growth

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Last 4-6 Weeks of Gestation

Start feeding grain May need to add concentrates Provide mineral-salt mixture free choice Provide sufficient feeder space

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Inadequate Nutrition during Gestation

Metabolic Dx (ex. Pregnancy Toxemia) Weak lambs at birth Increased lamb mortality

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Inadequate Nutrition during Gestation

Decreased birth weight Decreased milk production Slower lamb gains

Poor Nutrition during Gestation= Weak Lambs

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Ewe

Transition period-4 wks pre-lambing to 2-3 weeks post-lambing

Short period of time-radical metabolic changes in ewe

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Ewe

Ewes are facing-final stages of gestation-onset of lactation-intake and appetite fluctuations-diet transitions-fluctuations in hormone levels

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Ewes

Pregnancy Toxemia Milk Fever

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia

low glucose concentration in the blood excessive breakdown of body fat primary cause-inadequate nutrition during

the last 1/3 of pregnancy

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia

At Risk

Overconditioned ewes Underconditioned ewes Ewes with multiple fetus

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia-Clinical Signs

Off-feed Lethargic Lagging behind rest of flock Poor muscle control Walking aimlessly

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia-Clinical Signs

Teeth grinding Twitching Eventually unable to rise If untreated-DEATH

Pregnancy Toxemia in a Ewe

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia-Treatment Early Stages

Propylene Glycol Yogourt and Water Force Feeding Vitamin B12

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia-Treatment Later Stages

IV glucose Ewe may require a C-section

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia-Prevention

Adequate energy in ration Exercise Avoid abrupt feed changes

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Pregnancy Toxemia-Prevention

Prevent stress Adequate feeder space Ensure moderate body condition Prevent ewes from becoming obese Separate timid/thin ewes

Ensure adequate feeder space

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Milk Fever

Acute hypocalcemia Occurs in late pregnancy to early lactation Cause-increase demand for calcium

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Milk Fever-Clinical Signs

Weakness Ataxia Muscle trembling

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Milk Fever-Clinical Signs

Decreased appetite Progresses to inability to stand If untreated-DEATH

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Milk Fever

At Risk: Old Ewes Ewes with multiple fetus

Milk Fever in a Ewe

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Milk Fever-Treatment

IV, PO, or SQ Calcium

1. Managing the Ewe-Nutrition

Milk Fever-Prevention

Exercise and proper nutrition Good loose mineral mix Calcium supplementation

1. Managing the Ewe- Vaccination and Deworming

Vaccination for Clostridium Late pregnancy risk of high levels of

parasites

Deworming in a ewe

1. Managing the Ewe-Shearing

Dependent on time of year and availability of shelter

2-3 weeks prior to lambing If don’t shear-Crutch

Shearing a ewe

Crutching a ewe

Record Keeping is Important!!!

1. Managing the Ewe- Lambing Records

Important Cull ewes with lambing problems Do not keep offspring of ewes with lambing

problems

Lambing Pen

2. Preparing Facilities

Prepare 1 week prior to lambing Clean and fresh bedding Draft-free Lambing pens-1 per 10 ewes Lambing jugs-small ewe-4 ft by 4 ft

-large ewe/multiple births-5 ft by 5 ft

3. Preparing Supplies

Lambing Kit Colostrum and Milk Replacer

3. Preparing Supplies-Lambing Kit

Soap Disinfectant Obstetrical lubricant Syringes and needles Antibiotics

3. Preparing Supplies-Lambing Kit

Vitamin E and Se Lamb cords and lamb snare Navel disinfectant-iodine based Clean towels or cloths Clean pail for warm water

3. Preparing Supplies-Colostrum and Milk Replacer

Can be ewe or cow

3. Preparing Supplies-Colostrum

Very important Can be fresh or frozen (in 500 cc units)

3. Preparing Supplies-Colostrum

Three roles

Protective Laxative Nutritional

B. Lambing

Normal gestation period is from 140-150 days

1. Signs of Lambing

2. Stages of Lambing

3. Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

4. Assisted Lambing

B. Lambing-Signs of Lambing

Behavioral Changes

Separation and/or isolation Territorial Pawing at ground Restless, nervous or uncomfortable

B. Lambing-Signs of Lambing

Behavioral Changes

Up and down Tail switching Frequent urination Decreased appetite

B. Lambing-Signs of Lambing

Physiological Changes

Increase respiration Sides caving in Vulvar area swollen Mucous discharge Teats enlarged

B. Lambing-Stages of Lambing

a. Dilation of the cervix

b. Expulsion of the lamb

c. Expulsion of the afterbirth

B. Lambing-Stages of Lambing

a. Dilation of the cervix

-2 to 14 hours

-Uterine contractions

-White mucus plug is passed

-Cervix dilates

-Ewe is uneasy

Stage 1 Lambing

B. Lambing-Stages of Lambing

b. Expulsion of the Lamb

-Less than 2 hours

-Stronger and more frequent contractions

-Waterbags and lamb pushed through cervix

-1st waterbag ruptures

Stage 2 Lambing

B. Lambing-Stages of Lambing

b. Expulsion of the Lamb

-2nd waterbag pushes through vulva and ruptures

-Forefeet first, followed by head

-May take considerable effort to pass head

and shoulders

B. Lambing-Stages of Lambing

c. Expulsion of the afterbirth

-5-8 hours after lambing

-multiple births-separate afterbirths

Stage 3 Lambing

B. Lambing-Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

Normal Presentation

Two Forelimbs and a head between them

Normal Birthing Presentation

B. Lambing-Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

Normal Delivery

Five hours from start of cervical dilation to delivery of the lamb

B. Lambing-Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

Signs of Abnormal Deliveries

-straining and no signs of waterbag for 1 hour

-continues to strain an hour after rupture of waterbags and no signs of lambs

-lamb appears wedged in the birth canal

-abnormal presentation

B. Lambing-Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

To Determine If Normal Presentation:

-is fetus facing forward or backwards

-compare anatomy of fetus to ewe

-follow legs to body of the fetus

-determine normal posture of fetus

B. Lambing –Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

Abnormal Presentations

One or both forelimbs back Head back Hind legs instead of forelegs One or both hindlegs back

B. Lambing-Normal Versus Abnormal Presentation

REMEMBER

Assistance will be needed if you see the above signs of abnormal deliveries

ANY DELAY COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIVE AND DEAD LAMBS!

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

Secure ewe Wash hind end Scrub hands and arms WEAR GLOVES-REMEMBER

ZOONOTIC ORGANISMS! Lubricate

Assisted Lambing

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

Slide hand into vagina; assess situation Is cervix dilated?-IF NOT-DON’T PULL

LAMB Correct abnormal position Don’t convert posterior position to anterior

position

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

For Normal Delivery

Place noose of lambing cord over each leg Lubricate birth canal Apply steady pulls synchronized with ewe’s

contractions Once head and forelimbs out pull side to

side and downwards

Assisted Birth

Posterior Presentation

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

For Posterior Presentation

Pull lamb’s hind legs first-straight back Once hind legs and pelvis are out-change

pull downwards towards the ground

Twins

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

Twins

Reach in and feel which parts belong to which lamb

Try to straighten lamb’s positions Push one lamb back to allow other to come

first.

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

Abnormal Presentations

Positions-head back

Abnormal Presentation

Head Back

Correction-push lamb back and reach in and gently search for head and try to position face forward

Positions-one or both hindlegs back

Abnormal Presentations

One or both hind legs back

Correction-push lamb forward and gently grab one of the rear legs and place it in the birth canal. Repeat with the second leg.

Positions-breach and upside down

Abnormal Presentations

Breach and Upside Down

Correction-push lamb forward, turn lamb and repeat procedure for hind legs back.

Positions-one or both forelegs back

Abnormal Presentation

One or both front legs back

Correction-push body back, gently grabbing and repositioning the front leg. Repeat with other front leg.

B. Lambing-Assisted Lambing

Remember

Large lambs may require c-sections Deformed lambs-MAY REQUIRE

VETERINARY ASSISTANCE Multiple births are common; multiple

placentas Check ewe after birthing

C. Aftercare

Lamb Ewe

C. Aftercare-Lamb

Ensure it is breathing; clear nostrils Clip and dip umbilical cord Need to nurse or tube-feed colostrum within

6-8 hours after birth

C. Aftercare-Lamb

Colostrum

First milk produced by ewe Provides energy, protein, vitamins, minerals

and WBC Require 10% of BW within 24 hours

C. Aftercare-Lamb

Colostrum

Unable to absorb antibodies from colostrum after 36 hours

Do not heat up colostrum Do not dilute colostrum with water

C. Aftercare-Lamb

Weak Lamb

Help nurse Provide supplemental heat if cold If unable to suckle-tube-feed

Hotbox for lambs

Tube Feeding Lamb

C. Aftercare-Lamb

Tube-feeding

Warm colostrum Sanitize feeding tube and syringe Measure length of feeding-tube Restrain animal

C. Aftercare-Lamb

Tube-feeding

Hold head; Insert feeding-tube Check to see if in esophagus Allow colostrum to trickle down esophagus Needs 10% of BW of colostrum Crimp feeding-tube as you withdraw

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Ensure ewe and lamb bond Examine ewe internally for other fetus +/- oxytocin Antibiotics if you had to intervene Anti-inflammatories for pain

Ewe bonding with lamb

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Fresh hay and water Gradually re-introduce grain Complete lambing records and ID lambs Place in small groups of 6-10 ewes, 1-2

days after lambing

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Post-lambing problems

Mastitis Prolapsed Uterus

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Mastitis

Inflammation of the udder Caused by physical injury, stress or bacteria Production costs-Txt, premature culling and

decreased performance of lambs.

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Mastitis

Seen shortly after lambing until post-weaning period

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Mastitis Several Forms

Clinical Mastitis Severe Mastitis Subclinical Mastitis

Ewe with Mastitis

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Mastitis

Treatment Antibiotics Anti-inflammatories Stripping quarters Supplementing Lambs

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Mastitis

Prevention Good management and sanitation Good drainage Prevent overcrowding Prevent respiratory dx in lambs

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Prolapsed Uterus

Everted uterus Extends from vulva –can extend to below

hocks Prominent caruncles may be present Afterbirth may be present

Prolapsed uterus in a Ewe

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Prolapse Uterus

Results from powerful abdominal straining Immediately after birthing or after 12-48

hour interval

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Prolapse Uterus

Due to Prolonged labour Pain arising from infection or swelling of

posterior reproductive tract

C. Aftercare-Ewe

Prolapse Uterus CALL VET

Uterus is replaced correctly and fully inverted

Vulvar sutures Antibiotics

Questions????