Practical Lambing and Lamb Care E-Book

Neil Sargison

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 283

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

The Fourth Edition of Practical Lambing and Lamb Care offers a complete revision and update to this comprehensive and practical resource to all aspects of lambing and lamb care. 

• Offers a thoroughly revised edition of this practical guide to all aspects of lambing and lamb care
• Presents an authoritative resource for anyone involved in the care of pregnant ewes and newborn lambs, especially sheep farmers and veterinarians 

• Written by leading authors in the field
• Includes information on health problems, abortion, lambing management, obstetrics and much more

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Preface to the Fourth Edition

1 General Lambing Management

Preparation for Lambing

Normal Lambing

When to Intervene

Hygiene

Lubrication

Gentle Manipulation

Obstetrical Techniques

Correct Placement of Lambing Ropes or Snares

Ringwomb

Uterine Torsion

Rupture of the Uterus

Dead Lambs

Caesarean Section

Resuscitation of Newborn Lambs and Kids

Retained Placenta

Care of the Dam After Assisted Lambing

Technique for Drug Injection of Ewes

Care and Management of Newborn Lambs

Management to Enhance Lamb Survival

Lamb Fostering

Lamb Castration

Application of Rubber Rings for Tail Docking

2 Specific Causes of Lamb and Kid Mortality

Hypothermia (low body temperature)

Intraperitoneal Glucose Injection

Feeding Lambs by Stomach Tube

Watery Mouth

Lamb Dysentery

Enterotoxigenic

Escherichia coli

Cryptosporidiosis

Neonatal Salmonellosis

Enteric Viruses

Hepatic Necrobacillosis

Neonatal Bacteraemias (joint ill, navel ill, endocarditis and meningitis)

Navel Dipping of Lambs

Floppy Kid and Drunken Lamb Syndromes

Trace Element and Mineral Deficiencies Affecting Newborn Lambs

Congenital Malformations of Newborn Lambs

Lamb Losses Subsequent to the Neonatal Period

Limb Fractures

3 Husbandry and Health Planning to Prepare for Lambing or Kidding: Ensuring Pregnancy in Ewes and Does

Reproductive Management

Nutrition with Reference to Reproduction

Disease Control with Reference to the Mating Period

Mating Management

Manipulation of Reproduction

4 Husbandry and Health Planning to Prepare for Lambing: Nutritional Management of Pregnant Ewes and Does

Early and Mid‐pregnancy

Late Pregnancy Energy Nutrition

Protein Intakes in Late Pregnancy

Mineral and Trace Element Nutrition

Measuring Nutritional Adequacy in Late Pregnancy

Inspection of Foodstuffs and Feeding

Toxic Plants

Feeding Ewes in Extensive Systems

Ultrasound Scanning

5 Husbandry and Health Planning to Prepare for Lambing: Health Management of Pregnant Ewes and Does

Control of Endemic Diseases

Abortion

Diseases of Pregnant Ewes and Does

Problems Associated With Pregnancy Occurring After Lambing

Induction of Abortion and Parturition

6 Identifying Unwell Ewes and Lambs, Does and Kids

Ewes and Does

Lambs and Kids

7 Legislation

Welfare Legislation

Codes of Recommendations

Acts of Veterinary Surgery

Mutilations

Illegal Procedures

Transport

Euthanasia

Record Keeping

Traceability

Protection of Human Health

Medicines Usage

Disposal of Waste

Fallen Stock

Notifiable Diseases

Index

End User License Agreement

List of Tables

Chapter 01

Table 1.1 Equipment list for lambing sheep.

Table 1.2 Indications of the need to assist lambing.

Table 1.3 Rules for lambing ewes.

Chapter 02

Table 2.1 Specific management to minimise the impact of joint ill, navel ill, and meningitis in lambs.

Chapter 03

Table 3.1 Breed selection criteria with reference to lambing management.

Table 3.2 Common periparturient problems for consideration as reasons for culling ewes.

Table 3.3 Additional considerations for culling ewes at weaning.

Table 3.4 Steps in the genetic selection process for production traits.

Table 3.5 Body condition scoring for ewes. Half scores can be allocated, but are very subjective. A score of 0 is sometimes used to describe a state of total emaciation at the point of death.

Table 3.6 Ram : ewe ratios for different conditions.

Chapter 04

Table 4.1 Potentially embryotoxic plants (plants which are generally toxic to sheep are not included).

Chapter 05

Table 5.1 Abortion in UK sheep.

Table 5.2 Other diseases causing abortion around the world.

Table 5.3 Preventive measures for the common causes of abortion in ewes in the UK.

Table 5.4 Putative risk factors for vaginal prolapse in ewes.

Table 5.5 Induction of abortion or parturition in ewes.

Table 5.6 Induction of abortion or parturition in does.

Chapter 07

Table 7.1 Extracts from the Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Sheep (as summarised in the 3rd Edition of this book).

Table 7.2 Notifiable diseases of sheep and goats in the UK.

List of Illustrations

Chapter 01

Figure 1.1 Lambing fields should ideally be small and flat with easy access to food and water.

Figure 1.2 Lambing sheds need to be carefully organised to ensure ease of observation, precision nutritional management and minimal disturbance of lambing ewes.

Figure 1.3 Ewes in first stage labour initially separate themselves from the main group in a preferred lambing site before abdominal contractions begin.

Figure 1.4 The appearance of the placenta and foetus in the birth canal indicates second stage labour.

Figure 1.5 Normal unassisted delivery of a lamb in anterior presentation.

Figure 1.6 The placenta should be passed within about 3 hours of lambing.

Figure 1.7 Protracted lambing or unskilled intervention can seriously compromise the health, welfare and productivity of both the ewe and her lambs.

Figure 1.8 Assistance of lambing ewes requires good hygiene, lubrication and gentleness.

Figure 1.9 Normal presentation of a lamb or kid.

Figure 1.10 The lamb’s forelegs are extended in the correct position for assisted lambing.

Figure 1.11 Head back presentation of a lamb or kid.

Figure 1.12 Head only presentation with bilateral shoulder flexion of a lamb or kid.

Figure 1.13 Backwards (posterior) presentation of a lamb or kid.

Figure 1.14 Breech, or tail only presentation of a lamb or kid.

Figure 1.15 Two lambs or kids normally presented together in the birth canal.

Figure 1.16 Correct placement of a lambing rope above the carpus (wrist) of a lamb.

Figure 1.17 Correct placement of a lambing rope above the tarsus (ankle) of a lamb.

Figure 1.18 Correct placement of a lambing snare on the head of a lamb.

Figure 1.19 Delivery of a lamb by caesarean section. Thorough preparation and good aftercare of the ewe and lambs are critical to the success of the veterinary procedure.

Figure 1.20 Individual pens for ewes and their lambs following the need for assisted lambing must be clean, easily accessible, well lit to allow close monitoring, draught‐free and large enough to ensure that the lambs can escape being laid upon.

Figure 1.21 Lambing outdoors often provides a more hygienic environment than indoors. However, following assisted lambing, ewes and their lambs require shelter, easy access to food and water and routine health monitoring.

Figure 1.22 Normal, healthy, brown fat reserves over the kidneys and heart of a lamb born to a well‐fed ewe.

Figure 1.23 Yellow staining of the coat of a newborn lamb indicates birth stress due to dystocia, causing the meconium to be passed into the amniotic sac during parturition.

Figure 1.24 Purple colour and almost transparent brown fat over the kidneys and heart of a newborn lamb, indicating depletion of brown fat reserves and death due to starvation‐mismothering‐exposure.

Figure 1.25 Keel or raddle marks can be used to enable precise management of ewes during late pregnancy, depending on their expected lambing date.

Figure 1.26 Information collected during ultrasound scanning for pregnancy can be used to enable precise management of ewes during late pregnancy, depending on foetal numbers, thereby reducing perinatal lamb mortality.

Figure 1.27 Both pelvic size and conformation (the angle at which the pelvis sits) are important with reference to dystocia.

Figure 1.28 Provision of shelter may be the most pragmatic means available to improve lamb survival in extensively managed production systems.

Figure 1.29 Use of ‘lamb adopter’ crates requires an extremely skilful level of care, to ensure adequate welfare of the ewe and lambs. Close monitoring is required after the ewe has been released.

Figure 1.30 Fostering by skinning the dam’s dead lamb and placing it over the surrogate lamb is not always successful. (The dead lamb is skinned by first incising the skin around each hock, and then making an incision extending from the inner aspect of one hock to that of the other. The skin is then forced away from the hindquarters, and is pulled forwards and inside‐out over the body of the lamb. Incisions are then made around the elbows and neck, allowing the skin to be removed. The skin can then be turned the correct way round and fitted over the neck and forelimbs of the surrogate lamb, as shown.)

Figure 1.31 Training lambs to feed from a bottle is rewarding, but requires patience.

Figure 1.32 A small group of young lambs being artificially reared using a bucket‐and‐teat setup.

Figure 1.33 A large group of older, artificially reared lambs, provided with sufficient space and distractions to allow individuals to display natural behaviour patterns.

Figure 1.34 Maintaining strict hygienic conditions in the area around automatic milk replacer feeding machines is essential.

Figure 1.35 There is a strong and important bond between young children and pet or orphan lambs. However, strict hygienic precautions such as hand washing must be taken, regardless of the hygienic conditions on the farm.

Figure 1.36 Diagram showing the male lamb scrotal anatomy, along with the correct position for placing a rubber ring.

Figure 1.37 Lamb castration by correct placement of a rubber ring.

Figure 1.38 Diagram showing the male lamb scrotal anatomy, along with the correct positions for bloodless castration. Bloodless castration equipment should never be placed across the entire width of the scrotal neck.

Figure 1.39 Use of a rubber ring for tail docking, showing the correct use of the applicator and placement of the ring.

Chapter 02

Figure 2.1 Severely hypothermic lambs may stay close to their dam’s udder, but are unable to suck and will die unless they are identified and treated. The lamb has been transferred to a warming box following treatment.

Figure 2.2 Flow chart for the correct treatment of moderately (rectal temperature between 39–37 °C) and extremely hypothermic (rectal temperature less than 37 °C).

Figure 2.3 Intraperitoneal glucose injection.

Figure 2.4 A commercially manufactured lamb warming box, providing all‐round heat and control of the temperature inside.

Figure 2.5 Plans for the construction of a wooden lamb warmer box. The box can be partitioned to allow several lambs to be warmed without risking cross contamination and spread of disease.

Figure 2.6 Diagram showing the construction of a straw bale warmer.

Figure 2.7 Placement of a lamb stomach tube for supplementary colostrum feeding.

Figure 2.8 Milk or colostrum should flow naturally through the stomach tube apparatus. A maximum of 50 ml per kg lamb weight can be fed at one time.

Figure 2.9 Distended abomasum and saliva under the chin in a typical clinical presentation of watery mouth in a lamb.

Figure 2.10 Prophylactic oral administration of antibiotic drugs can be helpful in reducing the incidence of watery mouth. However, this is not an alternative for good hygiene and colostrum management, and it may prove to be irresponsible in selecting for antimicrobial resistance.

Figure 2.11 Lamb dysentery usually presents as sudden death. The diagnosis is based on post‐mortem findings of localised areas of dark, red‐coloured intestinal distension, with blood‐stained peritoneal fluid.

Figure 2.12 Keeping young lambs in large groups in cold and damp pens increases the risk of cryptosporidiosis.

Figure 2.13 Post‐mortem image showing multiple abscesses in the liver and lungs caused by

Fusobacterium necrophorum

bacteria. The bacteria entered the body through the navel, then spread to the liver and then to the lungs, via the portal blood circulation. Identification of multiple cases of hepatic necrobacillosis generally indicates poor standards of hygiene in the lambing environment.

Figure 2.14 Joint ill is characterised by painful and sometimes swollen joints in the limbs or spinal column.

Figure 2.15 Typical appearance of a swollen navel.

Figure 2.16 Extension of the pelvic limbs and backward flexion of the neck of a lamb due to meningoencephalitis.

Figure 2.17 Navel dipping of a newborn lamb.

Figure 2.18 Floppy kid syndrome is a common cause of weakness between 4 and 11 days old. These kids are being kept in clean and comfortable conditions in an attempt to avoid the problem.

Figure 2.19 Newborn goat kids with severe goitre. These cases often indicate the presence of other, less severely affected animals in the herd.

Figure 2.20 A lamb with swayback. Similar clinical signs must be differentiated from those of other common problems, such as spinal abscess.

Figure 2.21 Clinical signs of white muscle disease must be differentiated from those of other common problems causing weakness, in order to avoid unhelpfully wrong diagnoses.

Figure 2.22 Turning in of a lower eyelid (entropion) is a painful condition in lambs.

Figure 2.23 Manual eversion of an in‐turned lower eyelid.

Figure 2.24 Injection of 1 ml of penicillin beneath the conjunctiva of the lower eye.

Figure 2.25 Use of a Michel clip for the management of entropion.

Figure 2.26 Surgical removal of a strip of skin below the eye for the treatment of persistent cases of entropion should only be undertaken by a vet.

Figure 2.27 Massive abdominal distension resulting from atresia ani. Lambs are sometimes two weeks old before the clinical signs are noted.

Figure 2.28 Herniation of the intestines through the umbilicus of a newborn lamb.

Figure 2.29 Use of splints to immobilise a broken limb.

Figure 2.30 Use of a cast to immobilise a broken limb.

Chapter 03

Figure 3.1 Scottish Blackface ewes are well suited to the harsh conditions in which they are kept.

Figure 3.2 Terminal sire rams such as the Texel breed are suited to the production of fast‐growing lambs with good carcase conformation.

Figure 3.3 Involuntary culling resulting from poor animal health must be kept to a minimum through planned management, allowing for flock genetic improvement through voluntary culling of less productive animals.

Figure 3.4 Rams need to be physically sound as well as being reproductively sound.

Figure 3.5 Palpation of a ram’s scrotal contents can be conducted with the animal standing, or cast onto its hindquarters.

Figure 3.6 Diagrammatic representation of what is palpated during ram breeding soundness examination.

Figure 3.7 Body condition scoring by palpation of the lumbar vertebrae.

Figure 3.8 A cross‐section through the lumbar spine. The numbers refer to the stages (i to iv above) in the assessment of body condition.

Figure 3.9 Rams and bucks must be fit and in good body condition score before the mating season, but not excessively fat. The buck in the image is suffering from ectoparasites and, hence, is likely to be sub‐fertile.

Figure 3.10 Lameness can have a profound effect on ewe reproductive performance and on the growth of their lambs.

Figure 3.11 Sheep scab in pregnant ewes results in the birth of small weak lambs which impacts on lamb survival.

Figure 3.12 Liver fluke infection during the mating period can have profound effects on ewe reproductive performance, and can influence the survival and growth of their lambs. Note the swelling under the chin, indicative of severe hypoproteinaemia.

Figure 3.13 FAMACHA scores can be a useful index for the targeted selective treatment of haemonchosis in ewes.

Figure 3.14 Keel marks can be used to show that rams are working, and to provide information about oestrus behaviour in ewes.

Chapter 04

Figure 4.1 Forage should always be available.

Figure 4.2 Enough feeding space should be provided to ensure that all ewes in a group have access to concentrate feed at the same time. Here, the concentrates are being fed on top of the forage.

Figure 4.3 Spoiled forage should be removed daily to avoid wastage through selective feeding, as shown by the holes that have been made into this silage bunker.

Figure 4.4 A poorly maintained silage face causes spoilage, reducing the nutritive value of the forage and increasing the risk of multiplication of harmful bacteria.

Figure 4.5 A well‐maintained silage face ensures minimal spoilage.

Figure 4.6 Hard feed must be stored in dry and biosecure conditions to avoid spoilage and contamination with harmful pathogens.

Figure 4.7 A comfortable environment is important to ensure good digestion and feed intake.

Figure 4.8 Results of ultrasound scanning for foetal numbers should be used to ensure precise nutritional management of pregnant ewes. These ewes are fed concentrates in accordance with their litter size, body condition and expected lambing date.

Chapter 05

Figure 5.1 A mummified aborted foetus. Ewe abortion is always a harrowing experience.

Figure 5.2 Aborted ewes must be isolated from the rest of the flock, and the products of abortion disposed of. Precautions must be taken to avoid the spread of zoonotic infections.

Figure 5.3 A ewe with pregnancy toxaemia has separated from the group and appears unaware of its surroundings.

Figure 5.4 Supplementation with molasses using a ball feeder in the face of a pregnancy toxaemia outbreak.

Figure 5.5 A recumbent hypocalcaemic ewe.

Figure 5.6 Ruminal acidosis as a result of excessive concentrate feeding.

Figure 5.7 Hypomagnesaemia is just one of several differential diagnoses when presented with a recumbent, fitting ewe. The list of other differential diagnoses includes listeriosis and polioencephalomalacia.

Figure 5.8 A lamb with clinical signs of polioencephalomalacia. The clinical signs seen in ewes are similar.

Figure 5.9 A ewe with paralysis of one half of the head, typical of listeriosis.

Figure 5.10 Lactating ewes with long fleeces commonly become stuck on their backs, especially after rainfall on warm days.

Figure 5.11 A vaginal prolapse in a ewe.

Figure 5.12 Vaginal prolapses are easily traumatised.

Figure 5.13 Correctly fitted harnesses can be helpful in retaining vaginal prolapses and preventing further straining.

Figure 5.14 Retention of a vaginal prolapse by correct placement of a Buhner suture.

Figure 5.15 The appearance of foetal fluids or membranes through a vaginal prolapse indicates that the ewe is in second stage labour. Most cases require Caesarean section.

Figure 5.16 Prolapse of the rectum indicates a need for immediate treatment to avoid further suffering.

Figure 5.17 A ewe with rupture of the pre pubic tendon (ventral hernia).

Figure 5.18 Ewes with prepubic tendon rupture are predisposed to pregnancy toxaemia and usually require assistance at lambing.

Figure 5.19 Uterine prolapse is life threatening and requires immediate skilled attention.

Figure 5.20 A dark coloured discharge and sick, depressed ewe signals metritis, requiring immediate treatment.

Figure 5.21 The cause of kangaroo gait is unknown, but it is thought to be a metabolic disorder arising at lambing.

Figure 5.22 A recumbent ewe with a hot and painful udder and hungry lambs, indicative of acute mastitis.

Figure 5.23 In cases of acute mastitis, the udder is initially hot and painful, rapidly becoming cold and purple‐coloured.

Chapter 07

Figure 7.1 Aiming position for a shotgun in young or polled animals or free bullet weapon in adult animals.

Figure 7.2 A captive bolt pistol with cartridges used to propel the bolt. The apparatus must be well maintained after use.

Figure 7.3 Aiming position for using a captive bolt in young or polled animals.

Figure 7.4 Aiming position for using a shotgun or captive bolt in older or horned animals.

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

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Practical Lambing and Lamb Care – A Veterinary Guide

Fourth Edition

Neil Sargison, BA, VetMB, PhD, DSHP, DipECSRHM, FRCVS

University of Edinburgh

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Easter Bush Veterinary Centre

Scotland;

President of the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management

James Patrick Crilly, MA, VetMB, CertAVP, DipECSRHM, MRCVS

Larkmead Veterinary Group

UK

Andrew Hopker, BVM&S, CertAVP, MRCVS

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Easter Bush Veterinary Centre

Scotland

This edition first published 2018© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Edition HistoryLongman Group Limited (1st edition, 1986)Longman Group Limited (2nd edition, 1995)John Wiley & Sons (3rd edition, 2004)

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The contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting scientific method, diagnosis, or treatment by physicians for any particular patient. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data

Names: Sargison, Neil, author. | Eales, F. A., 1948– Practical lambing and lamb care.Title: Practical lambing and lamb care / Neil Sargison, University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, James Patrick Crilly, Larkmead Veterinary Group, Ilges Lane, Cholsey, Oxfordshire, Andrew Hopker, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian.Description: Fourth edition. | Hoboken, NJ : Wiley, 2018. | Revised edition of: Practical lambing and lamb care : a veterinary guide / Andrew Eales and John Small ; with drawings by David Pollock. 3rd ed. 2004. | Includes bibliographical references and index. |Identifiers: LCCN 2017054875 (print) | LCCN 2017055986 (ebook) | ISBN 9781119133650 (pdf) | ISBN 9781119140672 (epub) | ISBN 9781119140665 (paper)Subjects: LCSH: Lambs. | Sheep–Parturition. | Veterinary obstetrics. | Lambs–Diseases. | Ewes–Diseases. | Sheep–Diseases.Classification: LCC SF376.5 (ebook) | LCC SF376.5 .E25 2018 (print) | DDC 636.3/089–dc23LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017054875

Cover Design: WileyCover Images: (Top left and bottom images) Courtesy of James Patrick Crilly;(Top right image) Courtesy of Neil Sargison

Preface to the Fourth Edition

It has now been fourteen years since the publication of the third edition of Practical Lambing and Lamb Care, and 32 years since the first edition. It has been our privilege to update this important globally relevant resource through the preparation of the fourth edition. In doing so, we wish to acknowledge the excellence of the previous editions and the expertise of their Moredun Research Institute‐based authors, Colin Macaldowie, John Small, and the sadly missed Andy Eales.

In this new edition, we have attempted to maintain the impressive scope of the previous editions, while focusing on practical husbandry and animal health. We have attempted to extend the scope of the book by including goat kidding management. For clarity, many of the principles referred to under the headings of lambing, ewes and lambs are equally relevant to kidding, goats and kids. The principles of goat management are only described separately where they differ.

We have structured this fourth edition to begin with chapters describing general practical lambing and kidding management, and care of newborn lambs and kids. These chapters describe preparation for lambing or kidding, obstetrical procedures and health management of newborn lambs or kids. Lambing and kidding are part of a management continuum, the outcomes of which are determined by interventions occurring throughout the year. Thus, the foundations for a successful outcome are laid long beforehand. We have dedicated three chapters to animal husbandry and health, describing planned reproductive, nutritional and disease management, with reference to preparation for a successful lambing or kidding. This is followed by a chapter describing a practical approach to ensure that individual sick or unwell animals can be identified and treated promptly. Finally, we have included a chapter describing and explaining animal welfare and disease control legislation.

We are grateful to all of those veterinary colleagues and farmers who have helped us to gain the experience and expertise required in the writing of this book, and to our publisher, Wiley, for their support and patience in this venture.

September 2018University of EdinburghRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Neil SargisonJames Patrick CrillyAndrew Hopker

1General Lambing Management

It is should be emphasised that most sheep and goats give birth to their lambs and kids naturally and unassisted, as nature intended. When problems do arise, timely intervention is required to prevent losses. However, inappropriate intervention too soon can also cause harm to both ewe and lamb, can compromise animal welfare and may result in economic loss.

The normal hormonal processes involved in giving birth occur most effectively when the dam feels safe and is undisturbed. While good observation is essential, disturbance of the lambing ewes should be minimised and shepherds should move among the flock in a calm and quiet manner. The role of a good shepherd in the delivery of lambs at lambing time should be to provide the right amount of assistance at the right time, and no more. The keys to achieving this are good preparation and adequate supervision of lambing ewes to spot problems in a timely manner.

Most assisted deliveries can be undertaken satisfactorily, using a gentle hygienic technique to give a viable, humane and profitable outcome. The general principles and practice of delivering goat kids are the same as those for lambing ewes. In this chapter, specific reference to goats is only made where the important principles differ.

Preparation for Lambing

Around the world, the economics of small ruminant farming have necessitated a shift of focus away from the care of individual animals and towards whole flock or herd approaches. Careful preparation for lambing or kidding is now, therefore, of paramount importance to protect of the welfare of pregnant and lambing ewes or does, and their newborn lambs or kids. Lambing should be seen as the critical time when the benefits of general preparation, nutrition and animal health management throughout the year are realised.

Careful shepherding and the design and selection of the lambing environment – be it in lambing paddocks, or lambing sheds – is required to minimise disturbance of lambing ewes, thus enabling the establishment of a good ewe‐lamb bond and enhancing the survival of newborn lambs. Whenever possible, steep and exposed fields should be avoided. Lambing fields should not be too large and water sources not too far apart (Figure 1.1).

Figure 1.1 Lambing fields should ideally be small and flat with easy access to food and water.

When potentially less suitable lambing paddocks must be used, they should, if possible, be reserved for single‐bearing adult ewes. Buildings should be well ventilated and drained. Pens should be small enough to allow animals to be grouped according to their nutritional and animal health needs, and should be designed in a manner such that lambing and lambed ewes can be isolated and removed without undue disturbance of the whole group. Consideration should be given to the housed ewe space requirements of about 1.1 m2 per ewe, the need for constant access to forage, and concentrate feed trough space requirements of about 0.5 m per ewe (Figure 1.2). These requirements vary with breed and litter size.

Figure 1.2 Lambing sheds need to be carefully organised to ensure ease of observation, precision nutritional management and minimal disturbance of lambing ewes.

Sufficient individual pens should be available, based on a figure of about 10% for the flock. These should be large enough to allow the ewe and lamb to lie safely apart from each other, and need to be clean and well drained. All pens should be well lit and easily accessible. Food and water must be available at all times.

Despite long‐term planning, the need for careful skilled assistance for some lambing ewes is inevitable. A clear plan is required to avoid suffering in ewes which cannot be lambed. This should include guidelines about when and how to seek assistance and provision for the immediate humane destruction of distressed animals. Lambing equipment should be prepared in advance (see Table 1.1). Provision should be made for the management of those diseases which occur annually in most flocks around lambing, and there should also be clear guidelines about when to seek assistance, and to ensure prompt and humane destruction to prevent further suffering when treatment is unsuccessful or uneconomical. Preparation for lambing must also be aimed at prevention and management of disease in newborn lambs. Despite careful preventive management, the occurrence of disease in newborn lambs is inevitable, so provision should be made for the treatment of the common problems and specific diseases that occur in the flock.

Table 1.1 Equipment list for lambing sheep.

Suitable antiseptic solution

Obstetric lubricant

Arm length disposable gloves

Lambing ropes, snares or other aids

Clean needles and syringes

Antibiotics for treatment of mastitis or metritis

Injectable anti‐inflammatory drugs

Plastic retainers or harnesses, local anaesthetic, clean obstetric tape and needles for the management of vaginal prolapse

Calcium borogluconate injection for the treatment of hypocalcaemia

Propylene glycol, or other concentrated energy supplements for the treatment of pregnancy toxaemia

Strong iodine tincture for navels and a dip cup or spray to apply

Stomach tubes, colostrum, a warming box, glucose injection, syringes and needles for the treatment of starvation and hypothermia

Kettle for hot water

Rehydration drench or formula for lambs

Clips or small syringes and needles for subconjunctival injections to correct entropion

Oral antibiotics for watery mouth prevention if needed

Injectable antibiotics for the treatment of neonatal bacteraemias if needed

Elastrator rubber rings for lambs if needed

Marker paint

Spare hurdles for making addition pens

Disinfectant for pens and floors

Sufficient clean buckets for food and water

Normal Lambing